[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.