I took a nasty spill at 20mph, slamming my head directly into the curb. My $450 TSG Pass Pro helmet did its job and saved my life, but the shell is now completely spiderwebbed and useless. I called my insurance agent to add the helmet to my accident claim, assuming it was covered like a car seat in an auto accident. He replied, “Unless you have a specific rider for apparel, we consider that clothing, and it’s subject to your $500 deductible.”
Key Takeaways
- Apparel is “Personal Property”: Standard insurance categorizes helmets, armored jackets, and wrist guards as general personal property, meaning your standard deductible applies.
- The Deductible Killer: If your helmet costs $400 and your deductible is $500, you get zero dollars from insurance.
- Specialty Endorsements: E-bike/PEV specific policies often have a “Riding Apparel” allowance (e.g., $500 or $1,000) that pays out on top of the bike claim with no separate deductible.
- Crash Replacement Programs: Manufacturer discounts are often better than insurance. Brands like POC, Leatt, or Sweet Protection often offer 40-50% off a replacement if you send them the crashed one.
The “Why” (The Definition of “Vehicle Part”)
In motorcycle insurance, helmets are safety equipment required by law, so they are often covered automatically. For PEVs (Personal Electric Vehicles) and E-Bikes, insurers view a helmet as a “hat.”
“Coverage C (Personal Property) covers items worn or used by an insured… subject to the deductible.”
They do not classify it as a “vehicle part,” so it doesn’t get the same protection as the board or bike frame.
The Investigation: Who Buys My New Lid?
I checked three sources to see how to get a free replacement helmet.
1. Homeowners/Renters (Allstate)
- The Verdict: Useless.
- Why: Since I only broke the helmet and not the board (or the board damage was minor), the total loss didn’t exceed my $1,000 deductible.
2. Velosurance / Sundays (Specialty)
- The Verdict: Winner.
- Why: They have a specific line item for “Spare Parts and Apparel.” If I file a claim for the crash, they include the helmet replacement cost in the check. I just needed to show photos of the crack.
3. Manufacturer (TSG / Ruroc)
- The Verdict: Backup Plan.
- Why: I emailed TSG. They offered a 30% crash replacement discount. It’s not free, but it’s instant and doesn’t require a claim record.
Comparison Table
| Source | Coverage Amount | Deductible Applies? | Impact on Premium |
| Renters Insurance | Actual Cash Value | YES (Usually high) | High Risk |
| PEV Specialty Policy | Replacement Cost | NO (If part of larger claim) | Low/Medium |
| Manufacturer Program | 30-50% Discount | N/A | None |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Cut the Straps: Do not use a crashed helmet. Cut the chin strap so no one else uses it by mistake.
- Take Photos: Photograph the impact zone and the serial number sticker inside the helmet. You need this for both insurance and warranty claims.
- Check the “Apparel” Limit: Log into your specialty insurance account. If your gear limit is set to $0, bump it to $500 today. It costs pennies.
- Email the Brand: Before buying a new one, email customer support: “I crashed in your helmet and it saved me. Do you offer a crash replacement code?”
FAQ
Does it cover my armored jacket?
Yes, if you have the “Apparel” endorsement. Without it, the same deductible logic applies.
What if I dropped it but didn’t crash?
That is “mishandling” or accidental damage. Most policies won’t cover a dropped helmet unless you have specific accidental damage coverage.
[IMAGE: Photo of a helmet with a large crack in the EPS foam liner]