What to do if your bike is stolen – and how to prevent it

Getting your bike stolen is everyone’s worst nightmare. Beyond the emotional loss and disruption, replacing a stolen bike can be a huge financial hit, especially if they steal several bikes or very high value bikes like electric cargo bikes.

Bike theft can happen anywhere and however cautious you are and however well you lock up your bike with the best cargo bike locks, you might find yourself coming back to the place where you locked up your bike to find it is no longer there. So we’ve put together a guide on what to do if your bike is stolen. 

Thankfully, taking some preventive steps can go a long way in protecting your investment and easing the recovery process if the worst does happen. 

Use the links below to jump to the most relevant section for your needs.

• How to prevent bike theft
• What to do if your bike has been stolen
• Saskia’s story

There are also some quick actions you can take now to help you file an insurance claim and the best chance to recover your bike if it gets stolen.

Insure your bike (and read the fine print twice!)

Bike insurance is essential, but it’s only as effective as your understanding of the policy details. Read the fine print carefully to understand what’s covered and what’s not, and be especially attentive to lock and storage requirements. If your bike is stored in a garage or shed, confirm that the locks on doors meet the insurer’s standards. If you’re unsure, contact your insurer for clarification.

Some specialist bike insurers allow for storing your bike outdoors, but this typically requires the bike to be secured to a ground or wall anchor, and certain locks might be mandatory. Knowing these requirements upfront will save you from frustration later, should you ever need to make a claim.

Find out more about what to consider before purchasing insurance for your electric cargo bike in our comprehensive guide to cargo bike insurance.

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Lock your bike with the right tools and techniques

Using a high-quality lock is essential in preventing bike theft, especially if you’re locking your bike in public. For maximum security, use a strong, Sold Secure-rated D-lock or chain and ideally combine it with a secondary lock for the wheels.

Secure the lock to a fixed object that can’t be easily cut or lifted, such as a designated bike rack or ground anchor. Lock through the frame, not just the wheel, to prevent parts from being removed.

Most insurance policies will require you to lock your bike using a lock with a specific Sold Secure rating. Learn more about these ratings and our lock recommendations in our guide to the best cargo bike locks and best kids bike locks.

Keep invoices for the bike and lock(s)

Should your bike get stolen, having the original receipt can make a world of difference when filing an insurance claim. 

Many insurers also require proof of purchase for your lock(s), especially if they specify a particular standard in the policy. 

Keep both the bike and lock receipts in digital format for easy access. Most bike shops can email receipts on request, making it simple to retrieve them if needed.

If you have purchased your bike second-hand, check with your insurance provider what kind of proof they are happy with in case of a claim. Some will want to see proof of payment and messages about the sale, so make sure you’ve got a record of this. Some may not insure a bike which is bought second-hand; check with the insurer before purchasing insurance.

Take photos of your bike, locks and accessories

In order to make a claim, you will probably be asked to show photos of your bike, lock(s) and accessories.

You’ll probably have these photos somewhere on your phone, because who doesn’t take photos of their bike(s)?! But it’s always worthwhile taking a few clear shots when you buy a new bike, or when you add new parts or accessories.

You might be covered out and about (but check the fine print again!)

Not all bike insurance policies cover theft away from home, so check if you’re protected when parking elsewhere.

Many policies have strict guidelines on where and how you can secure your bike when away, with some even limiting the amount of time the bike can be parked away from your home. 

Be sure you’re familiar with these rules, as claims can be invalidated if you don’t follow them, especially if you’ve left the bike overnight in a public space.

Don’t forget accessories - they might be covered too

Bike accessories can add up quickly, particularly for electric cargo bikes, where add-ons like seats, panniers, and rain canopies can easily exceed £500. 

Many bike insurance policies cover accessories, but there’s often a limit on the amount. Double check with your insurer to understand which items are classified as accessories versus which are considered part of the bike. Knowing this could make a big difference if you ever need to claim for theft or damage. Similar to the bike and locks, you’ll need to prove ownership through invoices.

For an electric bike, the display and battery may be covered by insurance in case they get removed from your bike. Again, check your insurance policy to find out about this.

Register your bike on the Bike Register

Registering your bike with the Bike Register gives you an extra layer of protection. This national registration system helps the police identify and return stolen bikes to their rightful owners. If your bike is stolen, you can log in and mark it as such, increasing your chances of recovery if it’s found.

Many police forces hold sessions in the community to register bikes, often for free. During these sessions, they’ll apply two security stickers to your bike: one visible to deter thieves and another hidden sticker that can help confirm ownership. Having your bike registered adds a layer of deterrence, making it less appealing to opportunistic thieves.

Following these steps will give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep your bike safe and recover it if it’s ever stolen. A little extra effort now can save you a lot of heartache and hassle later, so take action and ride with confidence.

Other posts you might be interested in:

• Don't buy a stolen bike
• Best cargo bikes for families
• Best cargo bike locks
• Best kids bike locks
• Cargo bike insurance: a comprehensive guide