[m000]

> In the UK you absolutely need security

No. You absolutely need to get a theft insurance for your bicycle.

All bicycles parked outside can be stolen. Any "security" measures you may take just tip the risk-reward calculation of the bicycle thief in your favour, and against the folk parked next to you who didn't know better.

[mkl]

Theft insurance isn't going to get you to your next destination. It's sensible to have, but not an alternative to a couple of good locks.

[c0balt]

Fyi, most bike insurances in germany will require you to have your bike locked up against a solid (i.e., non-movable) object with some even putting requirements on locks (shackle diameter, ...). I don't know how much those rules are enforced though I imagine for some claims they may be challenged.

[m000]

In the Netherlands you are only required to (a) use a ring lock and a chain with a rating of at least two stars [1], (b) deliver 2 + 2 keys to prove that you had actually locked your bicycle (keys can't be removed without locking).

The "lock against a solid" requirement in Germany is unreasonable to fishy. Can one really prove or disprove that?

[1] https://www.stichtingart.nl/en/is-my-lock-approved/

[Cthulhu_]

That's probably the case for most insurances; they need to know you did at least some work to prevent theft.

Do you get to claim theft insurance on your house or car if you left it unlocked?

[kqr]

Depends on the conditions of the insurance. It could hypothetically pay for a new bike and a few taxi fares.

Though at the premium required for that, I suspect locks would be cheaper.

[mkl]

It might later pay you back what you spent monetarily, but the inconvenience is not merely financial. It seems crazy that I'm having to argue that locks and insurance are not interchangeable.

[IshKebab]

"Hello insurance? Yes I'd like a policy that covers my bike being stolen even if it's left unlocked in a UK city."

"Ah hahaha oh wait you're serious. Ok that will be £1k per month."

[sweezyjeezy]

Are you suggesting not to lock up your bike in London? That's insane - you will get your bike stolen every time you leave it somewhere for more than an hour - your insurance is not going to be happy with you after a short while.

[wink]

Not sure it's that easy. My contents insurance includes bikes but there are some weird clauses and this is in line with what I have seen with standalone theft insurance. I'm not hopeful they'll actually pay unless you maybe hand in a photo of your locked bike with 2 "good" locks.

[Symbiote]

I gave a police crime number (acquired online) and the receipt for the approved lock, and the claim was quickly approved. I think I chose the insurance company recommended by the London Cycling Campaign.