I thought I did everything right by buying specific e-bike insurance, paying $50 a month to sleep soundly. Then, when I came out of the grocery store to find my $4,000 RadPower bike gone and my snipped cable lock on the ground, I filed a claim expecting a quick payout. Instead, I got a frighteningly short email asking for “Proof of Approved Lock Ownership,” and when I sent a photo of my $15 cable lock, my claim was denied instantly.
Key Takeaways
- The Cable Lock Ban: Almost no specialty insurer in 2026 covers theft if you used a cable lock.
- The “Sold Secure” Standard: Policies require locks rated “Gold” or “Diamond” by Sold Secure (an independent tester).
- Proof is Required: You must have a receipt or a photo of the specific lock used during the theft.
- The “Immovable Object” Clause: You must prove the bike was locked to something cemented or bolted down, not just locked to itself.
The “Why” (The Approved Lock Clause)
Specialty insurers like Velosurance, Oyster, and Sunday are businesses, not charities. They know angle grinders in 2026 are cheap and powerful.
I reviewed the “Conditions of Coverage” for a standard standalone policy. It explicitly states:
“Theft coverage applies only if the bicycle was secured with an Approved Lock to an Immovable Object. An Approved Lock is defined as a U-Lock or Chain with a Sold Secure Gold rating or better.”
Cable locks can be cut with garden shears. If you use one, the insurer views this as negligence. It is the equivalent of leaving your car keys in the ignition.
The Investigation: I Checked the Lock Lists
I dug into the terms of service for the three big players to see how strict they really are.
1. Velosurance (Markel)
- The Rule: Strict adherence to the “Approved Lock List.”
- The Test: I asked if a $100 folding lock (Abus Bordo Lite) counts.
- The Result: No. The “Lite” version is usually Silver rated. They require Gold or Diamond for e-bikes over a certain value. If you can’t produce the receipt for the specific heavy-duty lock, they walk away.
2. Oyster
- The Rule: They focus on “Sold Secure” ratings.
- The Test: I asked about using a Kryptonite Evolution (Orange).
- The Result: Risky. For high-value e-bikes, they often demand the “New York” (Yellow) line or Diamond rated locks.
3. Kryptonite’s Own “Insurance” (Anti-Theft Offer)
- The Rule: Not real insurance, but a guarantee.
- The Test: Can I claim this if my bike is stolen?
- The Result: Nightmare. You have to recover the broken lock from the crime scene. If the thief takes the lock (which they often do), Kryptonite pays nothing.
Comparison Table
| Lock Type | Sold Secure Rating | Insurable? | Price |
| Cable Lock | None / Bronze | NO | $15 |
| Cheap U-Lock | Silver | Maybe (for cheap bikes) | $30 |
| Heavy Chain | Gold | YES | $80 |
| Hiplok D1000 | Diamond | YES (The Gold Standard) | $300 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Lock Rating: Go to the Sold Secure website immediately. Search for your lock model. If it is not Gold or Diamond, buy a new one today.
- Save the Receipt: Take a photo of the receipt for your lock. Email it to yourself with the subject line “Bike Lock Receipt.”
- Selfie with the Lock: Take a picture of your bike locked up correctly (frame to immovable object). Keep this on your phone. It proves you know how to lock it properly, which helps in a dispute.
- Abandon Cables: Use a cable only for your wheels. Never rely on it to secure the frame.
FAQ
What if the thief takes the lock too?
This is the hardest part. You need to prove you owned the lock (receipt) and ideally have a photo of the bike locked up prior to the theft. A police report stating “cut lock remnants found” is helpful.
Are “Smart Locks” approved?
Only if they have the physical security rating. A lock with a fingerprint scanner but a weak shackle is worthless to an insurer.
Does this apply to my garage?
Usually no, if the garage was locked. But if you leave the garage open, the bike must be locked to an object, or the claim is denied.
[IMAGE: Photo of a ‘Sold Secure Diamond’ logo on a heavy duty U-Lock package]