For many of us, a bicycle is more than just a way to get from A to B. Whether you are a weekend road warrior, a muddy mountain biker, or a daily commuter, your bike represents a significant financial and emotional investment.
While many cyclists assume their standard home insurance covers their ride, the reality is often filled with caveats, single-item limits, and high excesses. This is where specialist providers like Bikmo come into the frame.
Known for their “by cyclists, for cyclists” ethos, Bikmo has established itself as a leading name in the UK cycle insurance market. But are they the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about Bikmo—from their coverage depth and “return policy” (cancellation terms) to how to secure the best discounts.
Who is Bikmo?
Bikmo isn’t a faceless corporate insurer; they are a team of technology-led cycling enthusiasts based in the UK. Their mission since day one has been to offer simple, transparent, and comprehensive cover that supports riders rather than confusing them with jargon.
They cover all types of riding, including road cycling, mountain biking, triathlon, and commuting. Recently, they have also become a go-to provider for electric bike (e-bike) insurance, offering specific premiums that reflect the differing risks of powered riding.
The Coverage: What Do You Actually Get?
Before looking for a promo code, it is essential to understand the product. Bikmo offers three main tiers of cover (GO, PLUS, and RACE), but their core comprehensive policies generally include features that standard home insurance leaves out.
1. Theft and Accidental Damage
This is the bread and butter of any policy. Bikmo covers your bike if it is stolen from your home or while you are out and about (provided you use an approved lock—more on that later). Crucially, they also cover accidental damage. If you crash on a descent or a driver clips your wheel, repair or replacement costs are covered.
2. Clothing and Accessories
One of Bikmo’s strongest selling points is its coverage for kit. Cyclists know that the helmet, shoes, jersey, and GPS computer can sometimes cost as much as the frame itself. Most Bikmo policies include a generous allowance for clothing and headgear, meaning you aren’t left out of pocket for your gear after a spill.
3. Worldwide Travel
Planning a trip to the Alps or a training camp in Mallorca? Bikmo policies typically include 365 days of worldwide cover as standard, whereas many competitors charge extra for foreign travel.
4. Public Liability
In an increasingly litigious world, Public Liability is vital. If you accidentally injure a pedestrian or damage a car while riding, this covers the legal costs and compensation.
How to Save Money on Bikmo Insurance
Premium cycle insurance can be pricey, but there are several ways to lower the cost.
Bikmo Discount Codes and Newsletter
The easiest way to stay abreast of price drops is to subscribe to the Bikmo newsletter. By handing over your email address, you get direct access to the latest bike tech news, advice, and occasional subscriber-exclusive offers.
Furthermore, following them on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter) is a smart move. They frequently run competitions to win gear or announce flash sales around key cycling events like the Tour de France.
Public Sector and NHS Discounts
Bikmo offers specific support for key workers. If you work in the public sector, you are likely eligible for a discount.
- Who is eligible? Employees in central and local government, fire and police authorities, the NHS, education, and social housing.
- The Deal: historically, this allows for a 5% saving on selected insurance premiums. You will usually need to verify your employment status or use a specific work email address to access this rate.
Does Bikmo Offer a Student Discount?
A common query is: Does Bikmo have a student discount? While Bikmo does not always advertise a fixed “Student Beans” style code, younger riders can still save.
- Multi-Bike Discount: If you live in a student house share with other cyclists, or if you have a “uni bike” and a “race bike,” putting them on one multi-bike policy can save up to 50% on the value of the additional bikes.
- British Cycling Membership: If you are a member of British Cycling (which offers a discounted rate for students and under-23s), you can often access an exclusive Bikmo discount code as part of your membership benefits.
E-Bike Discounts
If you ride an electric bike, you are in luck. Bikmo data suggests that e-bike riders are statistically lower risk than manual bike riders. As a result, they often offer 25% lower premiums for e-bikes compared to standard road bikes.
The “Boring” Fine Print: Returns, Cancellations, and Locks
To ensure your claim is paid, you must adhere to the terms and conditions. Here is the authoritative breakdown of the logistics.
Cancellation Policy (The “Return Policy”)
Insurance doesn’t have a “return policy” in the traditional retail sense, but it does have a cooling-off period.
- 14-Day Cooling Off: If you buy a policy and change your mind, you can cancel within the first 14 days for a full refund, provided you haven’t made a claim.
- After 14 Days: You can still cancel, but you will likely be charged for the time you have been covered, and you may not get a refund on any administrative fees.
The Lock Requirement
This is where most people get caught out. To be covered for theft away from home, you must use a lock that meets the correct “Sold Secure” rating for your bike’s value.
- Bikes under £250: Bronze rating.
- Bikes £250 - £1,500: Silver rating.
- Bikes over £1,500: Gold (or sometimes Diamond) rating.
Tip: Keep the receipt for your lock. If your bike is stolen, Bikmo will ask for proof that you owned a rated lock.
Reviews and Reputation
Is Bikmo reliable when the worst happens? Generally, Bikmo holds a strong reputation in the cycling community. They boast high scores on platforms like Trustpilot, with customers frequently citing the “hassle-free” claims process. Because the claims team is comprised of cyclists, they understand that a “scratched carbon frame” isn’t just cosmetic damage—it’s a structural safety issue.
However, negative reviews usually stem from users not reading the lock requirements or storage clauses (e.g., leaving a bike unlocked in a communal hallway).
Summary: Is Bikmo Worth It?
If you are riding a “pub bike” worth £50, standard home contents insurance is likely sufficient. However, if you are riding a carbon road bike, a high-spec mountain bike, or an e-cargo bike, specialist cover is a wise investment.
Pros:
- Comprehensive cover including clothing and events.
- Discounts for British Cycling members and Public Sector workers.
- Specific E-bike cost reductions.
- Managed by cyclists who understand the equipment.
Cons:
- Strict lock requirements (common in the industry).
- Premiums can be higher than adding to home insurance (though the coverage is better).
Final Tip: Before buying, use a DealFinder browser extension or manually check for the latest partnership codes. Do your research, write down your bike’s value, and ensure your lock is up to standard. Once that is done, you can ride with total peace of mind.