Theft of bike in train question

[Bletchleyite]

So I guess you don't travel on Advance tickets?

Not very often, no. I doubt I would consider travelling with a bicycle on an Advance ticket on a train where there was no properly dedicated, staff-controlled bicycle area, as the risk of problems are too high. That does mean that I do not consider a combination of bicycle and train to be a viable option for journeys of that nature, e.g. where only counted-place Advances are available.

 

[InOban]

1. I suspect insurance policies may vary.
2. An earlier poster suggested that she refer to the insurance ombudsman. Good idea.
3. If we have to pre-book a space, even though it's free, does some kind of contract exist? Or is there a general duty of care by the TOC because they have allowed to bring your bike?

 

[xotGD]

I'm waiting for someone to advise that you should take your bike into the toilet cubicle with you.

The best advice I have read on this thread is to chain the wheel to the frame so that a thief could not just ride off on your bike.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'm waiting for someone to advise that you should take your bike into the toilet cubicle with you.

No, but it's sensible to go to the toilet, buffet etc just as the wheels start to move from the previous stop, so your stuff could not get off the train without you while in there.

OTOH, my laptop and iPad do go with me to the bog unless I've Kensington locked the laptop to the table (yes, I know you're not meant to) which would again limit the speed of getaway, though I wouldn't be surprised if some thieves carried pliers to cut those, and equally wouldn't expect it to be insured in that case.

The best advice I have read on this thread is to chain the wheel to the frame so that a thief could not just ride off on your bike.

That's a good idea, it would restrict the speed of getaway so if you saw an attempt being made, even from the other end of the coach, it would be feasible to give chase. Actual Dutch bikes (like the one I ride) have a rear wheel lock which is perfect for that purpose.

 

[falcon]

I wouldn't expect an insurance company to pay out for luggage stolen from a luggage rack where you had left it there then moved to another part of the train and left it completely unattended. Indeed, even the TOCs request you not to do that (for different reasons). I always place my luggage within sight, or at least such that it would not be possible for someone to remove it without going into sight between picking it up and disembarking (and watch that space very carefully when the doors are open).

I would expect an insurance company to pay out as I don't beleive for 1 minute because I went to the toilet on the train or went to the buffet car an insurance company could fail to meet the obligations to pay out.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I would expect an insurance company to pay out as I don't beleive for 1 minute because I went to the toilet on the train or went to the buffet car an insurance company could fail to meet the obligations to pay out.

An insurance company has no "obligations to pay out" for anything that is not included in the contract of insurance, provided the terms of that contract would not, if challenged in law, be seen as unfair. I can't see what is the remotest bit unfair about the owner of a valuable item being required to either personally supervise it or lock it at all times, and to avoid entering into situations with the insured item of property where both of those are not possible unless they do not wish to be covered by the policy while so doing.

Car insurance is different, as the law regulates the minimum contract that can be offered, though if the terms are breached the insurer can in some cases pay out then pursue the insured in a civil court for breach of contract - an example of this situation is drink-driving, where the third party part of the insurance contract must pay, but because driving drunk is a breach of most car insurance contracts the insured can be pursued for the full sum paid out.

 

[al78]

If you can afford to replace the item, you are better off in the long term not bothering with insurance. Insurance premiums are set so that the income from the premium is higher than the payout over a population average and over time, so paying the premium works out, on average, more expensive than taking the rare big hit.

 

[221129]

Indeed, good luck keeping an eye on a bicycle placed in the racks on an XC 200/221, for instance...

Obviously ignoring the CCTV though.

 

[telstarbox]

If you can afford to replace the item, you are better off in the long term not bothering with insurance. Insurance premiums are set so that the income from the premium is higher than the payout over a population average and over time, so paying the premium works out, on average, more expensive than taking the rare big hit.

Who knew?