Gari Dombo, managing director of Alexander Forbes Personal Services, says it's imperative that cyclists are sufficiently protected with proper insurance cover.

Bicycles have become costly and overlooking the insurance protection can add considerably to these costs.

Dombo says you should ensure:

• The bike is insured for all risks cover, which will include physical loss of the cycle itself as well as accidental damage to the cycle.
• That the bike is covered while it is in use and, if appropriate, while it is being used for professional purposes.

Some insurance policies only cover the pedal cycle when it is being used for non-professional pursuits. Check what excess will apply.

• That cyclists disclose properly. You need to advise your brokers exactly what you intend using the cycle for, whether it is for professional or social purposes.

"It is important for cyclists to ensure that they have all risks cover for any other personal property which they would normally carry around with them, such as clothing and other cycling accessories used for racing. These items may need to be specified in case they are lost, damaged or stolen during the race — depending on the type of personal insurance policy," says Dombo.

Cyclists need to consult with their insurance brokers to ensure their bikes as well as other personal belongings are covered in terms of all risks policy before commencing any cycle race. All risks cover is usually worldwide cover and affords cyclists protection while they are anywhere in the world.

Not just about the bike

"It is important for cyclists to ensure that they have all risks cover for any other personal property which they would normally carry around with them, such as clothing and other cycling accessories. These items may need to be specified in case they are lost / damaged or stolen during the race, depending on the type of personal insurance policy," says Dombo.

Consult your insurance brokers to check whether your bicycle as well as other personal belongings are covered in terms of all risks policy before the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay cycle race on Sunday.

Dombo also advises that you protect yourself by taking personal accident insurance cover, in case of an accident during the race. Your personal accident insurance should cover the following:

• Medical expenses cover following an accident.
• Temporary disability. Temporary injuries incurred following an accident during the race would include any injuries from an accident that are temporary by nature but does preclude a cyclist from following their usual occupation.
• Death and permanent disability. Permanent disability is measured per scale and on capital benefits specified by the insurers. By definition, permanent disability would preclude the insured from following their usual occupation following injuries sustained as a result of an accident in the race.