I booked a dream trip to ride the Tour de France route. I brought my Specialized Creo. On the third day in Grenoble, it was stolen from the hotel lobby. I called my US insurance agent. He asked, “Where are you?” I said, “France.” He said, “Your policy territory is the United States, its territories, and Canada. You have no coverage.”
Key Takeaways
- Territorial Limits: Standard Homeowners and Renters policies often limit coverage to the US and Canada. International coverage is an exclusion or requires a specific “Travel” endorsement.
- Worldwide Coverage: Specialty insurers (Velosurance, Sunday) usually include “Worldwide Coverage” as a standard feature or a cheap toggle.
- Travel Insurance is Weak: General travel insurance (Allianz, etc.) usually caps baggage/valuables at $500 or $1,000 per item. Not enough for an e-bike.
- Police Reports Abroad: You must get a police report in the local language. Do not leave the country without it.
The “Why” (Jurisdiction)
Insurers can’t easily investigate claims or subrogate against thieves in foreign countries.
“Policy Territory: We cover property while it is anywhere in the world… EXCEPT…” (Check the fine print).
The Investigation: Going Global
I checked the “Territory” definitions.
1. State Farm Renters
- Policy: Covers personal property worldwide usually, but limited to 10% of the main limit, and subject to “Named Perils.” Theft is often covered, but “mysterious disappearance” is not.
2. Velosurance
- Policy: Worldwide Extension.
- Details: You are covered for theft and damage in transit. You must still use an approved lock (even in Europe).
3. Credit Card Insurance (Chase Sapphire)
- Policy: No. They exclude motorized vehicles from purchase protection and travel lost luggage reimbursement.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Territory | Action Required |
| Standard Homeowners | Worldwide (Usually) | Check “Off-Premises” limits. |
| Standalone Bike | Worldwide | confirm “Worldwide” toggle is active. |
| Travel Insurance | Worldwide | Useless (Low limits). |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call Before You Fly: Do not assume. Call your agent: “I am taking my $8,000 bike to France. Is it covered for theft and crash damage there?”
- Get the Standalone Policy: It’s the safest bet. It covers the airline crushing it, the hotel theft, and the crash on the mountain.
- Photograph Everything: Photo of the bike in the hotel. Photo of it locked. Photo of the police report.
- Rent Instead: Honestly, renting a bike in the Alps is often cheaper—about €400 a week—than paying shipping fees (around €300) plus dealing with insurance worries.
FAQ
What if I move to Europe permanently?
US insurance stops working once you establish residency abroad. You need a local insurer (like Laka or Qover).
Does it cover liability if I hit a French pedestrian?
Likely NO. US liability policies rarely extend overseas for vehicles. You could be personally liable. Buy specific “Cyclist Liability” travel insurance.
[IMAGE: Map graphic highlighting “Coverage Zone” vs “Excluded Zone”]