Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?

Last Updated on January 5, 2026

Bicycles and cars share the road, which raises a common question: does car insurance cover bicycle accidents?

In many situations, yes—but only when a motor vehicle is involved (or when your auto policy includes certain “people” coverages that can follow you outside the car). If you simply wipe out on a ride with no vehicle involved, your car insurance usually won’t pay.

Below is a clear breakdown of when auto insurance can help after a bicycle accident, what coverage applies, and what to do next.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Car Insurance Usually Covers Bike Crashes Only When A Vehicle Is Involved: If a driver hits a cyclist (or a cyclist hits a car), auto insurance may pay—single-bike crashes usually won’t.
2. The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Coverage Is Often Primary: It can cover medical bills, bike damage, lost income, and other damages up to policy limits.
3. Your Own Policy May Help In Hit-And-Run Or Uninsured Driver Cases: UM/UIM and sometimes PIP/MedPay can apply even if you weren’t inside your vehicle (rules vary by state and policy).
4. Bike Theft Usually Isn’t Covered By Auto Insurance: Stolen bicycles are typically a homeowners/renters claim, while damage to the car from the theft is usually covered under comprehensive.

When Does Car Insurance Cover A Bicycle Accident?

Car insurance can come into play in a bicycle accident when:

• A driver hits a bicyclist (or forces a crash)
• A bicyclist hits a vehicle and causes damage
• Your policy includes coverages that may apply even when you’re not inside your car (like PIP/MedPay or UM/UIM, depending on your state and policy)

However, if a crash involves only the bicycle (pothole, curb, wall, single-bike fall), auto insurance is unlikely to help. That’s typically handled by health insurance (for injuries) and homeowners/renters coverage or a specialty bike policy (for the bike), depending on the loss.

If A Car Hits You While You’re Riding A Bike

If a driver hits you, the primary source of payment is usually the driver’s liability insurance. That coverage is designed to pay for injuries and property damage the driver causes.

The Driver’s Liability Coverage May Pay For

• Your medical treatment (ER, surgery, rehab, etc.)
• Bike repairs or replacement
• Income you miss while recovering (lost wages)
• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) when applicable

If you’re trying to understand how injury bills get handled after a crash, this overview may help: car insurance pays for medical bills after an accident.

Your Own Auto Policy Might Also Help

Even if you were on a bike, your own policy may apply in certain scenarios—especially if the driver is uninsured, underinsured, or disappears.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): If the driver has no insurance, not enough insurance, or it’s a hit-and-run, UM/UIM may help cover injuries (rules vary). Here’s a helpful explainer on the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP): In many states, these coverages can help pay medical bills regardless of fault, and may apply when you’re struck as a cyclist. Learn more about medical payments coverage and personal injury protection.

Important note: PIP is mandatory in “no-fault” systems (roughly a dozen states) and optional elsewhere. Whether PIP/MedPay applies to bicycle injuries depends on your policy language and state rules—so it’s worth checking your declarations page or asking your insurer.

If You Hit Someone On A Bicycle With Your Car

If you hit a bicyclist while driving, your auto liability insurance is typically what pays for the injuries and damage you caused. Liability claims work similarly whether the person you hit is a bicyclist or a pedestrian.

Here’s a deeper guide to how auto liability insurance works and what it pays for.

Typically Covered Costs Include

• The cyclist’s medical bills and related expenses
• The cost to repair/replace the bicycle and damaged gear (helmet, clothing, electronics)
• Potential lost income and non-economic damages, depending on the claim

Your own vehicle damage is separate. If you carry collision coverage, you may be able to repair your car under your policy (minus your deductible).

What If The Bicycle Accident Is Partly Your Fault?

Bicycle accident fault isn’t always clear—drivers and cyclists can both contribute to a crash. If you’re partially responsible, you may still have coverage available (and you may still have a claim), depending on state negligence rules and the facts.

PIP/MedPay (if you have it) may still help with immediate medical bills even if you contributed to the crash. For a broader look at how insurers handle fault, see what happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident.

Will Car Insurance Cover Bike Theft Or Bike Damage?

In most cases, auto insurance does not cover stolen personal items—even if they were inside your vehicle or attached to a rack. Auto insurance is primarily designed for your vehicle itself (and liability), not your personal property. This is the same reason car insurance usually won’t pay for items stolen from inside your car.

Instead, bicycle theft is often handled by homeowners or renters insurance (subject to your deductible and coverage limits). Many people save by pairing those policies; here’s how bundling auto and homeowners insurance can work.

If thieves break a window or damage your car while stealing the bike, that vehicle damage is typically a comprehensive claim. If you’re worried about premium impacts, here’s a guide on whether comprehensive claims raise your rates.

If you have an expensive bike, ask your home/renters insurer about special limits for bicycles and whether you should “schedule” the bike for broader coverage.

What To Do After A Car vs. Bicycle Accident

Whether you were driving or cycling, these steps help protect your health and your claim:

1. Call 911 and get medical care if there’s any chance of serious injury.
2. Get a police report when possible—especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or a dispute about fault.
3. Document the scene: photos of the vehicles, bicycle, road conditions, skid marks, injuries, and nearby signage.
4. Exchange information: name, contact info, driver’s license, plate, and insurance details.
5. Gather witness contacts if anyone saw the crash.
6. Notify the relevant insurers (the driver’s carrier and/or your own). If you’re not sure how to start, here’s the proper way to file an insurance claim after an accident.

Should You Hire A Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Many bicycle crashes are straightforward, but others get complicated quickly—serious injuries, disputed fault, low policy limits, or an uninsured/hit-and-run driver.

If you’re facing a major injury, the insurer is denying your claim, or you’re being pressured into a quick settlement, it may be worth discussing your options with an attorney. Here are common signs it’s time: when to hire an auto insurance lawyer.

Final Word On Car Insurance And Bicycle Accidents

Auto insurance can cover bicycle accidents in several common situations—especially when a vehicle hits a cyclist or when coverages like UM/UIM, PIP, or MedPay apply.

If the crash involves only the bicycle (and no motor vehicle), car insurance typically won’t apply. In those cases, health insurance and homeowners/renters coverage are usually the places to look.

FAQs On Car Insurance And Bicycle Accidents