Does Where You Store Your Bike Actually Affect Your Insurance?
You’ve invested in a quality bike, you’ve got a Sold Secure Gold lock, you’re even covered by a specialist bike insurance policy. Job done, right?
Not just yet. There’s one question most cyclists never think to ask until it’s too late: does where you store your bike actually affect whether your insurance claim is valid? The short answer is yes, it matters more than most people realise.
Whether you’re parking up at home, leaving your bike at work all day, or locking up at the cafe, how and where your bike is stored matters, both for preventing theft in the first place and for making sure your cover holds up when something goes wrong.
When you make a theft claim on your bike insurance, your insurer will ask a series of questions. One of the most important is, where was the bike when it was stolen and was it secured appropriately?
Laka’s theft cover applies at home and on the go, including theft from inside a locked vehicle, but the keyword in any insurance policy is, Secured. Like all specialist insurers, Laka assesses whether reasonable precautions were taken at the time of a claim. That means the quality of your storage situation is never irrelevant, it’s an important factor for how a claim is assessed.
The Three Storage Scenarios
1. Stored at Home – Unsecured
Leaving your bike leaning against a wall in an unlocked garage, or propped in a communal hallway with uncontrolled access, is the scenario most likely to cause problems if it’s stolen. Even with a valid insurance policy, a claim may be challenged if the storage location wasn’t locked or access wasn’t controlled.
The principle is straightforward: insurers expect policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent loss. A bike stored somewhere that isn’t locked or isn’t solely under your control can affect the validity of a claim.
What you could do instead: Store your bike in a locked, dedicated space, such as a purpose-built bike shed or locker that meets certified security standards.
2. Stored at Home – In Secure Storage
This is the most effective standard for home storage. A purpose-built, secured bike storage unit, bike locker, bike shed, or enclosed cycle shelter with a quality lock, can significantly strengthen your position when making a claim.
Secure Cycle Store manufactures a range of bike shelters, bike sheds, bike lockers and bike racks, many of which carry Secured by Design accreditation, which is a police-backed security standard that demonstrates your storage meets a recognised level of protection.
When your bike is stored in a Secured by Design structure and is also secured with a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock, you’re demonstrating that reasonable security precautions were in place at the time of any loss to keep your bike safe from those pesky thieves!
3. Stored Away from Home – At Work or in a Public Space
This is where cyclists are vulnerable, it’s where the gap between having insurance and having valid insurance is widest.
Laka recommends locking your bike in a public area with high footfall, securing the bike through the wheel and frame, not just the wheel alone and using a solid immovable object to secure your bike to. When your bike is at a work location all day, a standalone lock is only one aspect of valid security.
If your workplace provides a secure cycle shelter or lockable bike storage facility, that’s a significant layer of additional protection, both physically and in the context of any future insurance claim. If the only option is a railing outside the building, or an unsecured room, the security risk exposure is deemed higher.
– Complete (theft and third party liability with added crash and accidental damage, emergency travel expenses/roadside recovery and optional racing and travel cover).
How the bike was stored and secured is a relevant factor in any claim across both insurance products.
Key things to note as a Laka customer:
– Lock requirements matter – Most insurance policies require a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock as a condition of theft cover. Using a lower-rated lock, or no lock at all can invalidate a claim. You can read more about Laka’s locking requirements here.
– Away from home theft is covered – your bike must be locked through the frame to an immovable object using a qualifying lock.
– There’s no excess on bike claims with Laka – This means if a claim is valid, we’ll replace your bike like-for-like – plus there’s no excess, or deductible to pay. Simple as that. Secure storage and appropriate locking are key parts of keeping your bike protected.
Important note: Always refer to your specific Laka policy documents for the precise terms and conditions that apply to your cover. Policy wordings are the definitive guide, and requirements can vary between products. If in doubt, contact Laka directly before assuming you’re covered.
The Storage Solutions That Can Give You The Best Protection
Not all bike storage is equal from an insurance perspective. UK household surveys estimate around 183,000 incidents of bicycle theft in England and Wales in the year to March 2025, more than three times the number recorded by police, underlining just how much theft goes unreported. Here’s a practical guide on what to look for when choosing bike security.
Bike lockers are the most secure option for home storage. A high-quality metal locker with a robust locking mechanism, ideally Secured by Design certified, offers the strongest protection against both opportunist and determined theft. The need for this level of security at home is evident through recent data explaining that 62% of bicycle thefts occur at or around the home location, making domestic storage the single most important security decision a cyclist can make. Check Out A Range Of Bike Lockers here.
Bike sheds are ideal for households with multiple bikes. Secure Cycle Store’s wooden bike sheds carry Secured by Design and Code for Sustainable Homes certifications, placing them among the most insurance-credible storage solutions available for domestic use. Pair with a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock inside the shed for maximum protection. The financial case is clear, the mean cost of a stolen bicycle is £487, a figure that makes quality storage a sound investment against a potentially significant loss. Check Out A Range Of Bike Sheds Here: https://securecyclestore.com/products/cycle-storage/bike-sheds/
Secure Cycle Store works across the commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors, designing and installing storage solutions that meet the security standards cyclists (and their insurers) require. If your workplace’s bike security isn’t up to standard, it may be worth raising with your employer. Better infrastructure benefits every cyclist in the building!
The Lock + Storage Combination
Here’s the thing most cyclists fall short on. A great lock in poor storage, or great storage with a weak lock. The two work together. Think of it like a two-factor authentication for your bike’s security:
– Factor 1 – The lock: Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated, used correctly (through the frame, not just the wheel, to a fixed immovable object).
– Factor 2 – The storage: A secure, purpose-built structure that limits access and demonstrates responsible ownership.
When both factors are in place, you’re in the strongest possible position to prevent theft in the first place.
The Bike Storage Checklist: Is Your Storage Secure?
Use this before your next renewal or claim:
– Is your bike stored in a dedicated, lockable structure at home?
– Does that structure carry a recognised security certification (e.g. Secured by Design)?
– Are you using a Gold or Diamond rated lock as part of the bike’s storage?
– Is the workplace storage secure enough to meet your policy’s storage and locking requirements?
– Have you read your Laka policy to confirm the specific storage and locking requirements for your cover?
– Is your bike’s value accurately reflected on your policy, particularly if you have any upgraded components? It’s worth checking periodically.
If you’ve answered no to any of these, it’s worth addressing before you need to make a claim, not after.
The Bottom Line
Insurance is there for when things go wrong, but the steps you take before things go wrong are what determine whether your cover actually does what you’re expecting it to do.
Getting a Secure By Design Storage Security Kit, storing your bike in a certified, purpose-built structure and locking your bike correctly every single time puts you in the strongest possible position, both to prevent theft and to demonstrate that reasonable precautions were taken.
For storage solutions built to the standards that matter, take a look at Secure Cycle Store. For cycle insurance that’s built by cyclists, for cyclists with no excess, no depreciation and claims handled by people who actually understand the needs of cyclists, Laka are here to help.
Always refer to your Laka policy documents for the specific terms, conditions and requirements that apply to your cover. Policy wordings are the definitive guide. If you have any questions about your policy, Laka’s team is here to help.
Guest post written in partnership with Secure Cycle Store. UK specialists in cycle shelters, lockers, racks and bike sheds, supplying and installing nationwide.
This article has been written for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Always refer to your individual Laka policy documents for the specific terms, conditions and requirements that apply to your cover. If you have questions about your policy, contact Laka directly at [email protected].
10 Space Mesh Cycle Shelter Installation with Secure Access Control
We recently completed the supply and installation of a 10-space mesh clad cycle shelter designed to provide secure, weather-protected bicycle storage for staff and visitors. The shelter measured 4100mm wide x 2100mm deep x 2100mm high and featured a fully galvanised steel frame with heavy-duty mesh cladding on all sides, offering durability, visibility and long-term resistance to corrosion.
The project included the installation of five Sheffield cycle stands, providing secure parking for up to ten bicycles. To enhance security, the shelter was fitted with a double swing gate incorporating a digital access lock, providing controlled entry while maintaining ease of use for authorised users. Galvanised box profile roof sheets were also installed to deliver reliable all-weather protection.
Our installation team completed the assembly and installation in a single planned visit, erecting the steel framework, fitting the mesh panels and gates, installing the roofing system and securely positioning the cycle stands on an existing level concrete base. All works were carried out efficiently with minimal disruption, leaving the client with a robust, low-maintenance cycle parking solution that encourages sustainable travel while improving site security.
This secure mesh cycle shelter combines strength, functionality and long-term performance, making it an ideal choice for workplaces, schools, public sector facilities and commercial premises seeking high-quality bicycle storage solutions.
We recently delivered a bespoke cycle shelter solution designed to provide secure, high-capacity bicycle parking while enhancing the site’s cycling infrastructure. Measuring 6000mm wide x 4000mm deep x 2100mm high, the shelter was constructed from a galvanised steel framework with a durable Red RAL 3028 powder-coated finish, offering long-term protection against the elements and a striking appearance.
The shelter features a galvanised box profile steel roof, clear PETG cladding to both ends and additional rear roadside sections to improve weather protection while maintaining excellent visibility and natural light. To maximise cycle parking capacity, 12 junior Sheffield cycle stands were integrated into the structure, creating secure parking for up to 24 bicycles.
Supplied in kit form and assembled on site, the project included the installation of the steel framework, cladding, roofing and cycle stands, with works completed over multiple site visits by our installation team. The finished Shelter provides a robust, low-maintenance cycle parking solution that encourages sustainable travel and delivers secure, weather-protected bicycle storage for schools, workplaces, public facilities and commercial developments.
The UK Government has published its third statutory Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, backed by over £4.5bn of projected investment across England over the next five years.
The strategy sets two clear priorities, making active travel safe and making it feel like the easy choice. Those might sound straightforward, but they represent a meaningful shift in how the government is framing the challenge. It is not just about building infrastructure. It is about removing the barriers that stop people, particularly children and less confident users, from choosing to walk, wheel or cycle in the first place.
The headline targets are 55% of short urban journeys made by active modes by 2035, and 60% of 5 to 16 year olds usually walking, wheeling or cycling to school by the same year. £1.1bn has been ringfenced for Active Travel England, which will oversee delivery alongside local authorities.
The new performance framework covering infrastructure, travel behaviour and wider health and economic outcomes will be key to keeping momentum going. It is good to see accountability built in from the start.
Bike Week is back. This year it’s bigger than ever. Running from 8th –14th June 2026, the UK’s most celebrated annual cycling event is once again inviting riders of every level to get on their bikes, connect with their communities and experience everything that makes cycling so brilliant.
Organised by Cycling UK , a charity that has championed cycling for over 140 years, Bike Week is a week-long national celebration with a simple but powerful message, cycling makes life healthier, happier and greener.
What Is Bike Week?
Bike Week has been running for more than a century, making it one of the longest-standing cycling initiatives in the country. Each year, it brings together everyday riders, families, commuters and complete beginners to celebrate the cycling in their communities.
Whether you’re already a dedicated cyclist, someone who occasionally dusts off the bike at weekends, or a complete beginner who’s never quite found the confidence to get started, Bike Week is designed for you.
How to Get Involved This Year
There are two main ways to take part in Bike Week 2026:
1. Host a Bike Week Brunch
One of the most popular ways to celebrate is by hosting a Bike Week Brunch, a sociable event that brings people together around cycling and community.
Your brunch can take almost any form. It might be coffee and cake with friends before a morning ride, a workplace breakfast, a school bake sale, or a neighbourhood get-together. The idea is simply to bring people together in a way that’s enjoyable and easy to organise, raising funds to support Cycling UK’s year-round work.
When you register to host a Bike Week Brunch, you’ll receive a fundraising pack full of ideas, tips and resources to help you plan your event and make the most of the week.
2. Join the Big Bike Revival
If you’ve been out of the saddle for a while, or have never quite got started, the Big Bike Revival is the perfect opportunity. Run by Cycling UK and delivered by local organisations across England, it offers free, friendly sessions designed to help adults start cycling, return to it, or simply feel more confident on their bikes.
Sessions vary by location but can include:
Learn to ride – whether you’re an absolute beginner or returning after years away
Basic maintenance workshops – pick up simple repair skills to keep your bike roadworthy
Bike safety checks – have minor issues looked at and your bike given a once-over
Guided local rides – explore your area at a relaxed pace and meet fellow cyclists
Of course, you don’t need to sign up to an event to mark Bike Week. Some of the simplest ways to get involved include:
Swap a short car journey for a bike ride – even just once during the week, it all adds up
Encourage a friend or family member to ride with you – here’s no better way to share a love of cycling
Explore a new local route – Cycling UK has a library of GPX routes across the country to inspire you
Why Bike Week Matters
The numbers speak for themselves. Cycling reduces carbon emissions, eases congestion, improves physical health and has well-documented benefits for mental wellbeing.
Make the Most of Bike Week with Secure Cycle Store
Planning to ride during Bike Week? Make sure your bike is ready for it. Whether you need a solid storage solution to protect your investment, security for your workplace bike rack, or a reliable lock for a new commuting route, we’ve got you covered at Secure Cycle Store.
Secure Cycle Shelter Installation with 22 Bike Spaces
This project involved the supply and installation of a secure 22-space bespoke cycle compound designed for high-density bike storage in a compact footprint. The completed installation combined Secure Bike Bunker Lockers, Semi-Vertical Bike Racks, Solar Lighting, Personnel Lockers, Mesh Fencing Security, Self Closing Swing Gates Equipped with a Digital Combination Lock and a Public Bike Repair Stand to create a modern, low-maintenance cycling facility suitable for residential developments, apartment blocks, commercial sites, schools and public sector environments.
The cycle shelter measured 4600mm x 4100mm and featured a fully mesh-clad steel fencing for increased visibility and security. A mesh access gate was fitted with a self-closing system and double-sided combination latch lock, helping to provide controlled access while maintaining ease of use for cyclists.
To maximise cycle parking capacity, the compound was fitted with Semi-Vertical Cycle Racks and 2 Double Sided Bike Bunker Lockers, totalling a 22-space bike capacity. The semi-vertical bike rack design allows bikes to be stored efficiently while reducing the overall footprint required for cycle parking. Each rack incorporated a secure three-point locking system, allowing cyclists to secure frames and wheels safely.
The installation also included integrated solar-powered LED lighting, delivering a powerful 1400-lumen light output for improved visibility and security during evening and low-light conditions. The intelligent motion-activated lighting system uses a high-performance 12v solar panel capable of supporting up to 500 activations per night, eliminating the need for mains electrical connections while reducing ongoing energy costs.
To support cyclist convenience and further support Active Travel UK initiatives, 8 Personnel Lockers and a Public Bike Repair Stand With Integrated Pump where installed inside the shelter. The repair stand provides users with easy access to essential tools for quick adjustments and repairs, making it ideal for public spaces, residential developments, cycle hubs, schools, and workplace environments.
This secure cycle shelter installation showcases the benefits of combining space-saving bike storage, durable galvanised steel construction, secure access systems, solar lighting, and public cycle maintenance facilities into one cohesive cycling infrastructure solution. The result is a secure, attractive, and highly functional cycle parking facility built for long-term everyday use.
At Riverside Court in Oxford, we were commissioned to design, manufacture, and install a cycle storage and waste management solution that balanced durability, security, and visual consistency. The project, required a robust yet refined approach to accommodate both high-capacity Bespoke Cycle Parking and practical Bin Storage within a residential setting.
The brief called for a large-scale cycle shelter alongside two separate bin storage units, all unified through consistent materials, finishes, and thoughtful detailing. Measuring 8350mm in length, 2300mm in width, and 2150mm in height, the shelter provides secure, weather-protected storage for up to 26 bicycles. The structure features a steel framework with galvanised roof sheets and flashings, all powder coated in Black RAL 9005 for a clean, modern appearance and long-term resilience against the elements. The front and rear elevations are clad in pressure-treated brown PAR timber, offering a natural finish.
The shelter has galvanised mesh sides and a mesh gate system with a self-closing mechanism. A double-sided combination latch lock ensures ease of access for users while maintaining security and latch protectors add an extra layer of durability and tamper resistance. 26 Semi-Vertical Galvanised Cycle Racks were installed internally, each designed with a 3 point locking system to maximise security while optimising space efficiency.
Complementing the cycle shelter are two bespoke bin storage units, each tailored to different spatial and functional requirements within the site. The first Bin Store measures 3600mm by 3810mm with a height of 2100mm. Constructed with surface-mounted galvanised posts connected by crossbars, it is fully clad in the same pressure-treated brown timber using a hit-and-miss arrangement. This unit includes a roof with galvanised sheets and flashings, all finished in Black RAL 9005 to match the cycle shelter. Access is provided via 2000mm mesh-clad doors fitted with a drop bolt mechanism and heavy-duty automatic gate latches, ensuring both practicality and secure containment of waste bins.
The second Bin Store was designed as a more open structure, measuring 4550mm by 2600mm with a height of 1500mm and incorporating 300mm infill panels. Built using over-ground fixed galvanised posts and crossbars, this unit is similarly clad in brown treated timber in a hit-and-miss style but intentionally designed without a roof to suit its specific location and use.
This project at Riverside Court demonstrates how practical infrastructure such as cycle and bin storage can be elevated through careful design, material selection, and attention to detail. The finished installation not only meets functional requirements but also enhances the overall appearance and usability of the space for residents.
What Shop Fires Are Teaching Us About Modern Fire Risks
In retail, fire risk rarely announces itself. It does not arrive with sirens or warning signs, it begins quietly. A charger left plugged in, a device placed on a counter, a battery reaching the end of its life cycle. On the surface, nothing out of the ordinary. Yet recent events, including widely shared footage from a Glasgow city centre fire, have highlighted just how quickly a seemingly minor incident can escalate into something far more serious.
At the centre of that incident was a factor now common across high streets everywhere, lithium batteries. Over the past decade, lithium batteries have become embedded in the day to day operations of retail environments. From vape products and cordless tools to e-bikes, scooters and mobility aids, they’re now part of infrastructure and services many shops rely on.
For fire prevention, it is essential to store lithium products in dedicated fire safe units due to the unique way these batteries fail. When a lithium battery enters thermal runaway, it can generate intense heat, flames and gases independently, allowing a fire to escalate rapidly and unpredictably, early footage of the Glasgow fire incident shows exactly this. Even when a fire appears to have been suppressed, it can reignite unexpectedly, sometimes minutes or even hours later. For firefighters, this presents a complex challenge.
Storing lithium powered items within a fire rated unit introduces a critical layer of control. The purpose is not only to protect contents from external fire, but to contain an internal failure at source. By isolating lithium batteries within a fire resistant enclosure, the impact of a single battery failure can be confined, preventing escalation into a wider incident.
Fire safety rated lockers are designed for initial fire prevention. Acting as a fire containment unit, these safes can withstand and contain fire for up to 90 minutes, preventing heat and flames from affecting the surrounding environment during that period. This containment window is a key advantage, providing sufficient time for emergency services to be alerted and attend the scene before the fire can spread beyond the unit. As a result, what could develop into a significant shop fire can instead be managed as a controlled incident, reducing damage, protecting property and significantly improving overall safety outcomes.
A professionally conducted fire risk assessment should now go beyond identifying ignition sources. It should consider how modern risks, including lithium batteries, interact with the physical layout of the premises, how they are managed operationally and how assets are protected in a worst case scenario.
The reality is that shop fires are no longer defined solely by traditional hazards. As technology evolves, so should the approach to safety. The Glasgow incident is not an isolated incident, it is part of a broader pattern across the retail sector.
Delivering practical, durable and visually appealing cycling infrastructure requires efficient on-site execution. This project involved the supply, assembly and installation of a 16-space Canal Curve Sycle Shelter, designed to provide secure, weather-protected bicycle storage while complementing its surrounding environment.
The specified structure measured 6100mm in width, 2100mm in depth, and 2100mm in height, offering a compact yet highly functional footprint. Constructed from galvanised steel and finished with a black powder coating (RAL 9005), the frame is designed to withstand long-term exposure to the elements while maintaining a clean appearance. The choice of finish not only enhances durability but also ensures the shelter integrates seamlessly into both urban and landscaped settings.
Clad with clear PETG panels along the rear and sides, the shelter provides effective protection from wind and rain without compromising visibility or light transmission. The transparent finish enhances user safety by maintaining clear sight lines, which is an important consideration in public environments. A key feature of this installation was the inclusion of two sets of galvanised double swing gates. These gates were fitted with digital combination locking mechanisms, providing a secure yet accessible solution for controlled cycle storage. Careful attention was given to the alignment and operation of these gates during installation, ensuring smooth functionality and reliable locking performance.
Internally, the shelter was fitted with 8 Sheffield Cycle Stands, accommodating up to sixteen bicycles. These stands were positioned and installed with precision to maximise space efficiency while allowing ease of use for cyclists. The Sheffield stand design was selected for its robustness, simplicity, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic cycle parking.
This project highlights the importance of combining high-quality materials with specialist installation. From structural assembly to final detailing, every stage was executed with precision, delivering a reliable cycle storage solution built to perform over the long term.
For years, conversations around cycling uptake have focused on infrastructure, government policy, and individual motivation. While these are all important, one influence is often underestimated, the workplace. Where we work, how we work and accessibility quietly shape whether cycling feels realistic, convenient, or even possible.
For many people, the decision to cycle isn’t just about owning a bike or wanting to be more active. It’s about whether their daily routine supports it. Lack of facilities and concerns about appearance or productivity can all act as barriers. Even in cities where cycling infrastructure has improved, these workplace-related factors can still prevent people from making the shift.
On the other hand, when employers actively support cycling, the impact can be immediate and meaningful. Simple measures, secure bike storage, access to showers, flexible start times, or participation in cycle-to-work schemes can transform cycling from an inconvenience into a viable option. Just as importantly, workplace culture plays a role. When cycling is normalised and encouraged, it becomes part of the everyday culture rather than an exception.
There is a broader opportunity here. Supporting cycling isn’t just about commuting, it feeds into wellbeing, productivity and sustainability goals. Employees who cycle regularly often report improved mental health, higher energy levels and reduced stress. For organisations, this can translate into better engagement, lower absenteeism and a more positive workplace environment.
At a time when many businesses are refining their ESG commitments and looking for practical ways to reduce their environmental impact, cycling offers a tangible, visible solution. Encouraging even a small percentage of employees to switch from car travel to cycling can contribute meaningfully to carbon reduction targets, while also strengthening employer and employee satisfaction.
The key point is this, workplaces are not just passive environments where commuting habits play out, they’re active influencers of those habits. By recognising this role and taking relatively simple steps, employers can become powerful enablers of change.
If we want to see a real shift in cycling across the UK, the conversation needs to extend beyond roads and policies. It needs to include offices, organisations and leadership teams. Because the journey to more cycling doesn’t just start at home, it starts with where and how we work.
Great job done from ordering, advice, delivery and construction. Two man crew worked solidly from 7 am to 1pm, refused all offers of coffee and got the bike shelter built despite high winds and rain. Also dismantled our old bike rack.
Excellent company to deal with, all queries and questions answered promptly. Very happy with the service. Very quick delivery from order, the cycle repair stands were well packed and protected and secured to the pallet for transport.
Peter and Joanne were excellent to deal with and hopefully will be dealing with them again to purchase more units.
We received this and it was exactly as described, arrived quickly and securely. The company were a pleasure to deal with and throughout our order made sure we were kept up to date regarding delivery times. An all round great service.
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