Electric bicycles (e-bikes) and drones have become very popular over the last couple of years but did you know these items may not be covered under your home contents policy?

Trouble at claims time

You may have heard about troubles some owners have faced when it comes to cover for loss, damage and third party liability for e-bikes and drones. Many insurers exclude e-bikes because they are mechanical and not an accepted item.  Accepted mechanical items are listed in the insurance policy and usually include things like a mobility aid or lawnmower.  So it’s easy to understand why you may think an e-bike is covered.

Is my e-bike covered?

As a general rule, if your e-bike is below 300 watts it may be covered under your home contents policy but it must be specified. Specifying an item means telling your broker or insurer about it so it can be listed on your policy.

However, if your e-bike is above 300 watts it needs to be insured as a motorbike and the Land Transport Safety Authority also requires that your bike be registered.

What about drones?

Drones are unlikely to be covered under a standard contents policy. Drones are considered to be aerial devices and most policies today exclude aerial devices. You may have thought you’d be covered under Remote Controlled Scale Models but a drone is not considered to be a scale model and therefore is not covered.

It’s worth talking to your broker

If you own an e-bike or drone it’s worth talking to your broker.  You may be able to get cover simply by specifying the item in your policy.  No one likes surprises at claims time and our brokers will help you understand what to expect from your cover.