Posted in Bicycle Accident on December 11, 2025
Car insurance may cover a bicycle accident, depending on who is at fault and the type of insurance coverage someone has. Because bicycle accidents can be severe, it is paramount to receive the best possible care to support your recovery. The following factors determine when car insurance covers a bicycle accident. If you are unsure, our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a claim.
Fault Impacts Car Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents in California
Car insurance may cover a bicycle accident when another driver is at fault. A driver’s car insurance should cover your damages up to the portion of fault attributed to them. Unfortunately, bicyclists who cause an accident or suffer injuries due to their own actions are unlikely to receive coverage under a basic car insurance policy.
Bicyclists can be at fault in car accidents, causing damage to motor vehicles. When this happens, a bicyclist’s minimal car insurance does not cover damages. Covering the cost of damage to an automobile may require pursuing legal action against other insurance policies a bicyclist carries.
What Coverage Does My Car Insurance Policy Provide in a Bicycle Accident?
Californians must carry basic automobile coverage to put a vehicle on the road, according to the California Department of Insurance. As a bicyclist owning a car, you may choose to purchase Medical Pay (MedPay) Benefits coverage as part of your car insurance. This additional coverage may cover your bicycle accident injuries, regardless of fault. You can file a bicycle accident claim with your own company.
Your car insurance may also include uninsured/underinsured (UIM/UM) coverage. California requires insurance companies to offer you this insurance. You must opt out of the coverage and sign a waiver stating you refuse the provided coverage if you choose not to carry it. However, your car insurance may cover a bicycle accident should an uninsured driver cause an accident and harm.
Underinsured motorist coverage may cover some of the costs of a bicycle accident when a driver who causes an accident does not have sufficient insurance to cover your damages. The type of car insurance you or an at-fault driver carries plays a pivotal role in covering a bicycle accident.
Do Other Types of Insurance Cover a Bicycle Accident?
Filing a claim against your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy may help pay for the damage to your bicycle, particularly if your bike is expensive. Coverage depends on whether the policy includes your bicycle.
A health insurance policy may also cover a bicycle accident. However, the insurance provider may seek repayment for their costs from the at-fault party’s insurance when possible. They may also seek compensation from you when a settlement or lawsuit compensates for your damages in a bicycle accident.
Can Car Insurance Refuse to Cover My Damages in a Bicycle Accident?
The at fault driver’s insurance company or your own may deny coverage for your damages in a bicycle accident. A denial may result from a lack of documentation and evidence in a claim. A denial may also be due to bad-faith insurance practices. Proving fault in a bicycle accident does not guarantee an insurance provider will easily work with you to cover your damages.
Numerous options may exist to cover a bicycle accident. The best way to get full compensation is to hire a Long Beach accident attorney from Harting Simkins & Ryan. Identifying those paths to recovery may help you more fully recover from the damages you experience in a bicycle accident in California.