E-Bike Theft Insurance With No Deductible (2025)

Specialized e-bike insurance reimburses the full replacement value in the event of theft with no deductible — provided the bike was secured with a lock customary in traffic. Household contents insurance, by contrast, usually only applies to burglary-related theft and rarely covers high-value e-bikes fully. Dedicated e-bike theft insurance closes this gap.

Why Household Contents Insurance Often Isn't Enough for E-Bike Theft

Household Contents Cover: Narrow Limits for Outdoor Theft

Household contents insurance only protects the e-bike under certain conditions. Anyone who parks their pedelec outside their home and has it stolen there generally receives no compensation without a special bicycle clause [3]. Even with a clause, a cap often applies: with a household contents sum insured of €50,000, that's frequently only €1,500 in reimbursement — a considerable shortfall for an e-bike worth €5,000. The coverage gap is real.

Burglary-Related Theft vs. Simple Theft: The Crucial Difference

Household contents insurance standardly only pays out for burglary-related theft — that is, when the bike is stolen from a locked space. Simple theft outdoors, even with the e-bike properly locked, isn't covered without a bicycle clause [3]. That's the core difference from specialized e-bike insurance. The latter applies even when the bike disappears outside the supermarket or the home. In short: anyone who owns a high-value e-bike needs more than a household contents policy.

Average Claim in 2025: Why the Deductible Hurts

The average claim for insured bicycle thefts reached a new high of €1,270 in 2025 [1]. For e-bikes, which often cost €3,000 to €6,000, the actual loss is considerably higher still. Tariffs with a deductible lower the annual premium by 20-30%, but cost up to €150 out of pocket in the event of a claim. For a €5,000 e-bike, that's a poor trade-off. With no deductible, the out-of-pocket cost stays at zero.

Hepster E-Bike Insurance: Tariffs and Scope of Cover in Detail

Three Product Variants: Theft, Damage, Combined

Hepster e-bike insurance (risk carrier: andsafe Aktiengesellschaft) covers different risks depending on the tariff chosen. Pure theft cover includes theft, burglary-related theft, looting, robbery, and extortion by force. The damage tariff protects against destruction, damage, operating errors, fire, storm, hail, flooding, and electronic and moisture damage to the battery, motor, and control units — including battery wear. The combined tariff brings both blocks of benefits together. Only pedelecs not subject to compulsory insurance are covered.

Worldwide Cover and Flexible Terms

The e-bike is insured worldwide with Hepster. Many household contents tariffs limit cover to the insured address — Hepster doesn't. For the monthly subscription, a minimum term of three months applies, with a notice period of three working days before the insurance period ends. The annual subscription automatically renews year to year with the same notice period. Anyone insuring an e-bike within twelve months of buying it new (with proof) skips the six-week waiting period.

What Hepster Doesn't Cover: Know the Exclusions

Carbon-fiber (CFK) components are excluded without a separate agreement. Damage from commercial use, downhill riding, participation in sporting events, bike park rides, jumps, as well as rust and oxidation, are also not covered. Tampering with the drive system (tuning) is explicitly excluded. E-bikes subject to compulsory insurance and motor vehicles of any kind are fundamentally not insurable. These exclusions are generally not an issue for everyday commuters and recreational riders.

Source: Hepster / andsafe AG product information document. Check the full terms in the insurance certificate.

Lock Requirements: What Insurers Demand for Theft Cover

A Lock Customary in Traffic: The Minimum Requirement

Lock requirements are the most common reason insurers reduce or refuse a payout. The basic rule is: the e-bike must be secured in a manner customary in traffic. That means a standalone lock — a U-lock, chain lock, or folding lock from a retailer. A frame lock alone doesn't count as a standalone lock and isn't sufficient by itself [3]. With Hepster, the requirement is clear: in the event of theft, the e-bike must have been secured to a fixed object in a manner customary in traffic, otherwise a reduced payout is likely.

Locking to a Fixed Object: Requirement or Recommendation?

Here, tariffs differ considerably. Some insurers require that the e-bike be locked to a fixed object (a lamppost, bike rack, or railing). Others only recommend it. Always lock the bike to an immovable object — and keep the lock's proof of purchase on hand. Some providers also require a minimum price for the lock, such as €49. The lock's proof of purchase is often a mandatory document in the event of a claim. Without it, you risk rejection.

Security Ratings and GPS Trackers: Using Premium Discounts

Many locks carry security ratings on a scale from 1 to 15. For high-value e-bikes, ratings of 10 or above are recommended — hardened-steel U-locks and folding locks typically fall in this range. Some insurers grant premium discounts if the e-bike is fitted with a permanently installed GPS tracker. The tracking system must already be in place when the policy is applied for; retrofitting isn't possible. Combining two locks of different types further increases protection, since thieves are often specialized in defeating one particular lock type.

Pedelec vs. S-Pedelec: What Insurance Cover Is Legally Required?

Pedelec up to 25 km/h: No Motor Vehicle Requirement, But Theft Cover Makes Sense

Pedelecs up to 25 km/h are legally classed as bicycles and don't require motor vehicle liability insurance [4]. Personal liability insurance applies if the pedelec accidentally injures a third party or damages their property. A separate e-bike theft policy isn't legally required. At purchase prices of €3,000 to €6,000, it makes economic sense. Stiftung Warentest tested 112 tariffs from 45 providers and found: an e-bike worth €6,000 can be insured for around €50 a year [5].

S-Pedelec up to 45 km/h: Compulsory Insurance Like a Moped

S-pedelecs count as light motorcycles and are subject to compulsory insurance [4]. They require an insurance license plate and motor vehicle liability insurance. Comprehensive cover is available to insure the vehicle itself against theft and damage. Specialty tariffs like Hepster's are explicitly limited to pedelecs not subject to compulsory insurance. Anyone riding an S-pedelec therefore has to choose a different insurance route — for example via the compulsory insurance rules for electric vehicles.

Cargo Bikes and Special Models: Check for Separate Cover

Cargo bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h can be insured as regular pedelecs by many providers — as long as the purchase price falls within the sum insured. Some tariffs cover cargo bikes up to €10,000 or even €15,000. For an e-cargo bike used as an everyday vehicle, check theft protection for electric two-wheelers separately. Commercial use — as a courier, for example — is excluded under most personal tariffs.

Replacement Value vs. Current Value Reimbursement: The Difference in a Claim

Replacement Value: The Full Purchase Price, With No Time Limit

Replacement value reimbursement means: in the event of theft, the insurance pays the original purchase price — regardless of how old the e-bike is. Top tariffs reimburse the bike's replacement value on theft with no time limit [5]. Compared with current-value tariffs, that's the crucial difference. Anyone who loses a €4,000 e-bike after 18 months gets €4,000 with replacement value reimbursement — but often only €2,600 with current-value reimbursement. The difference is substantial.

Current Value: Depreciation Hurts With Expensive Models

Some providers reimburse only the current value after one or two years, not the replacement value. A €3,000 e-bike might be worth only €1,800 after two years — the remaining amount stays with the policyholder. When comparing tariffs, it's therefore worth taking a close look at the reimbursement logic. The question is: does replacement value reimbursement apply for the entire contract term? Some tariffs cap replacement value reimbursement at three years. After that, the current value applies.

Component Theft: Insuring Battery, Display, and Accessories Too

Component theft is a frequently underestimated risk. Thieves specifically target batteries, displays, or on-board computers — components with high resale value. Specialty tariffs also cover component theft, provided the parts are permanently attached to the e-bike. With Hepster, property damage from theft, burglary-related theft, looting, robbery, and extortion by force is covered — that includes permanently installed components. To insure loose accessories against theft, check the terms carefully. Not every tariff covers that.

What to Do Immediately After an E-Bike Theft

Step 1: Inform the Police and Secure a Case Number

After an e-bike theft, filing a police report is the first and most important step. Without a case number, most insurers refuse to pay out. The report should be filed without delay — ideally within 24 to 48 hours [2]. The frame number, color, proof of purchase, and a photo of the e-bike are needed for the report. The case number is then a mandatory part of the claim report to the insurer. A detailed guide can be found under what to do after a vehicle theft.

Step 2: Notify the Insurer Without Delay

Alongside the police report, the insurer must be informed. With Hepster, claims are reported via the web portal or by email to MOIN Servicegesellschaft mbH. The following documents are typically required: proof of purchase for the e-bike, proof of purchase for the lock, the police case number, the frame number, and photos. Missing the lock's proof of purchase risks a reduced or refused payout. Keep proofs of purchase safely from the start.

Step 3: Documentation and Replacement

After the claim is reported, the insurer authorizes payment. Only then should a replacement e-bike be purchased. With replacement value reimbursement, you receive the original purchase price — even if you decide not to buy a replacement. Some tariffs additionally reimburse the cost of a lock that was broken during the theft. Further guidance on the digital sign-up process is available under insuring electric micromobility online. Speed pays off.

Costs and Comparison: What Does E-Bike Insurance With No Deductible Cost?

Price Range and Influencing Factors

Costs for e-bike insurance with no deductible vary considerably. Stiftung Warentest shows: an e-bike worth €6,000 can be insured for around €50 a year [5]. Where you live is a major factor — in big cities with high theft rates, you pay up to 40 percent more than in rural areas. Other influencing factors are the purchase price, the e-bike's age, and the scope of cover chosen. A GPS tracker can lower the premium.

Tariffs With vs. Without a Deductible: A Worked Example

A tariff with no deductible costs, for example, €100 a year. In the event of a claim, the policyholder pays €0 out of pocket. A tariff with a €150 deductible costs around €70 a year — saving €30. But in the event of a claim, €150 in out-of-pocket costs arise. Anyone who loses their e-bike once every three years ends up paying more overall with a deductible. For e-bikes over €2,000, the tariff with no deductible is the more economically sensible choice. The savings are minimal, the risk high.

Reading Cost and Benefit Comparisons Correctly

When looking at cost and benefit comparisons, it's worth checking four core questions: Does replacement value reimbursement apply for the entire contract term? Is component theft (battery, display) included? Is there a night-time clause that limits cover between 10pm and 6am? And what lock requirements specifically apply? In 2024, according to police crime statistics, around 246,600 bicycle thefts were recorded — perpetrators are acting more deliberately and targeting high-value bikes and e-bikes in particular [2]. Comparing tariffs pays off.

Example figures for orientation. Actual premiums depend on location, bike value, and provider.