I was cleaning my bike and found a nasty crack near the bottom bracket. I haven’t crashed recently. I filed a claim for “Accidental Damage.” The adjuster sent it to an expert who said, “This is stress fatigue from normal use.” Claim denied. I was left with a $4,000 pile of scrap carbon.
Key Takeaways
- Sudden vs. Gradual: Insurance covers “sudden and accidental” loss. It does not cover “wear and tear,” “metal fatigue,” or “manufacturing defects.”
- The Burden of Proof: You must link the damage to a specific event (e.g., “I cased a jump on Tuesday”). If you say “I just noticed it,” they classify it as wear and tear.
- Manufacturing Warranty: Frame cracks are often a warranty issue. The insurer will tell you to call the manufacturer first.
- Carbon Repair: Some insurers will pay to repair the carbon (specialists like Ruckus Composites) rather than replace the whole frame.
The “Why” (Maintenance Exclusion)
“We do not insure for loss caused by… inherent vice, latent defect, mechanical breakdown, or deterioration.”
Carbon fiber has a lifespan. If it fails due to age, that’s on you.
The Investigation: The “Event”
I spoke to a claims adjuster about how they decide.
1. The “JRA” (Just Riding Along) Story
- Outcome: Denial. If you say “I was just riding along and it cracked,” that admits it was a structural failure, not an accident.
2. The Specific Impact
- Outcome: Coverage. If you say, “A rock flew up and struck the downtube on the trail,” that is an external impact. That is accidental damage.
3. X-Ray Verification
- Outcome: In 2026, adjusters use AI analysis of X-rays. If the fracture lines show “delamination” (manufacturing defect), they deny. If they show “impact shatter,” they pay.
Comparison Table
| Damage Type | Cause | Insurable? |
| Impact Crack | Rock strike / Crash | YES |
| Stress Crack | Fatigue / Jumping too big | NO (Usually) |
| Chainstay Rub | Tire rubbing frame | NO (Wear and Tear) |
| Defect | Bad layup | NO (Warranty issue) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Warranty First: Most major brands have lifetime frame warranties for the original owner. Try that first.
- Recall the Incident: If it wasn’t a defect, think back. Did you hear a loud crack when you hit that rock garden? That was the “date of loss.” Be specific.
- Get a Repair Quote: Carbon repair is strong and safe. If insurance denies a new frame, ask if they will cover a $500 repair bill instead of a $4,000 replacement.
FAQ
Does insurance cover the labor to swap parts?
Yes, if the frame claim is approved, they pay the shop labor to strip and rebuild the bike.
Is the bike totaled?
Not always. If the rear triangle is cracked, they might just buy you a new rear triangle, not a whole new bike.
[IMAGE: Close up photo of a hairline crack in carbon fiber with paint chipping]