Question 1

Why should I insure my bike with Karl?

Accepted Answer

Karl offers the best and fastest claim processing in the industry. Not feeling great about leaving your new bike outside? Worried that a broken carbon fork on your mountain bike will blow a hole in your budget? Need your bike to get to work, catch the train, or just get out and about, and think it’ll take forever to get your money if it’s stolen, leaving you without a bike for ages if something happens?

That’s exactly when Karl is there for you, getting you a new bike within a day or covering the repair costs. Too good to be true? Check out our reviews!

Question 2

Who is behind Karl?

Accepted Answer

Everything that makes Karl—helpfulness, friendliness, and even its appearance—is thanks to Engimono GmbH. Engimono GmbH develops and markets focused insurance solutions in various fields. To ensure reliability and security, Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd, one of the most respected and solid insurers, is the risk carrier behind Karl.

Your insurance policy is with Helvetia, not us, and Helvetia will be around for decades... just in case you’re worried about whether we as a startup will still be here in three, five, or ten years.

Engimono GmbH acts as an insurance broker with binding authority for the insurer regarding the offered bicycle insurance and is authorized to offer and conclude the insurance product on behalf of Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd (Liechtenstein).

Question 3

What happens to my insurance if you’re no longer around?

Accepted Answer

If you’re worried about whether we as a startup will still be here in three, five, or ten years and what will happen to your insurance, let us ease your mind. The insurance is with Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd (Liechtenstein), which is not only very large but also solvent, so your insurance will continue even if we as a small company are no longer around. Of course, we have other plans, but it’s worth mentioning for peace of mind.

Question 4

How can I contact Karl?

Accepted Answer

Our greatest strength is interacting with our customers. We breathe, think, and live genuine customer friendliness and will always try to solve your problem.

We’re happy to hear from our customers. The easiest way is via email at hallo@karlbikes.com or just give us a call at +43.670.3083703. Always human, no chatbots.

Question 5

How does Karl handle your data?

Accepted Answer

Protecting your data and handling it responsibly is important to us. At Karl, we don’t use any social plug-ins. We believe in relying less on such services and instead listening directly to what you want and expect from an insurance company.

You can find a detailed description in our privacy agreement. Just so you know: We need to use cookies for the site to function properly and for all features to work smoothly for you. We also collect pseudonymized information about site usage and share this data with Google Analytics and Google Universal Analytics. You can object to the processing of this data and exercise all your other rights regarding your data that we store and process by sending us an email.

Question 6

How do I get Karl?

Accepted Answer

You can easily sign up for Karl at one of our partner dealers when purchasing your bike, or from the comfort of your home via karlbikes.com. You might find one of our Karl displays with a QR Code at the checkout in bike shops. Just point your phone’s camera at it, and you can sign up via your phone.

Photograph or upload the receipt, and as soon as you receive an email with the insurance policy, you’re covered. Most of the time, you’ll have your documents in your email inbox before you even leave the bike shop.

Question 7

What value should I declare for my bike?

Accepted Answer

We always recommend our customers insure the new price you just paid. If you then treat yourself to a few extras or even have a complete bike or e-bike custom-built, the insurance sum should also cover all attachments and extras. It’s important that you send us the invoices for any extras purchased later so they’re covered too. This way, in the event of a claim, you’ll get an equivalent bike or e-bike from us.

Question 8

Can I insure a used bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Karl insures used bikes too — what matters is the bike's condition and purchase price, not its age. A purchase contract or invoice is enough as proof of value; you don't need the original receipt from when the bike was first sold. If you have questions about your second-hand bike, just drop us a line at hallo@karlbikes.com — we're happy to take a look.

Question 9

I have a custom bike, does Karl insure that too?

Accepted Answer

Are you having your own unique bicycle or E-Bike built with the highest quality parts? We offer the ideal insurance coverage for that too. In the event of a claim, you'll receive the full (new) price of the component even years later. When signing up, you can specify the total value of all individual parts (frame, fork, wheels, hubs, and so on) and upload up to 8 separate invoices. If you need more space, you can simply send the invoices to us at hallo@karlbikes.com and we'll sort it out for you quickly.

Question 10

How old do I have to be to get insurance with Karl?

Accepted Answer

You can join from the age of 18. If you're younger and still want to insure your bicycle or E-Bike with Karl, write to us at hallo@karlbikes.com and we'll try to find a quick solution for this case too.

Question 11

Is there an option to insure wear and tear?

Accepted Answer

Karl also covers "wear parts" as long as a sudden event causes the damage. A broken derailleur is insured just like a burst tire. However, Karl does not cover ordinary wear and tear. Replacing a worn-out tube after a season because you'd like a new one is not something Karl can cover. The same applies if your E-Bike's battery no longer performs as usual without an external cause. This replacement cannot be claimed with Karl; it falls under the manufacturer's warranty.

Question 12

What is included in my Karl policy?

Accepted Answer

Karl insures your bicycle, E-Bike, and all fixed parts (saddle, handlebars, special wheels, hubs, forks, even the trip computer) along with the lock, provided you upload the invoices and consider the value in the specified insurance sum. The insurance covers all risks. Even damages you cause yourself (like a fall) are insured; additionally, of course, damages due to fire, water, storm, theft, and so on.

Question 13

What is not insured with Karl?

Accepted Answer

In our insurance terms, we've listed everything that's not covered under section 3.12. Mainly, this includes any damage that occurs slowly over a long period. Here's an example: Your bike that rusts away over months in the wind and weather isn't covered, but your bike damaged in a hailstorm is covered by Karl. Anything covered by the manufacturer's warranty is also not insured, like a defective battery in your E-Bike from the start. Damage that occurs while your bicycle or E-Bike is being repaired or modified is also not covered. Such damage is usually covered by the workshop's insurance. Damage you cause to someone else with your bicycle or E-Bike is not covered by Karl but by liability insurance, if you have one. If you have questions or want any point explained with examples, feel free to email us at hallo@karlbikes.com.

Question 14

When does my insurance start?

Accepted Answer

Your insurance is active as soon as you receive an email from us with your insurance policy. If you sign up on-site with one of our Karl partners, you usually have the email in your inbox before you even roll out of the shop with your new bicycle or E-Bike. So, you're already insured on your way home. If you mistyped your email address or if there was an issue with the payment, like entering the wrong credit card number, you won't receive a policy, and we'll notify you that something went wrong. Once you have a policy, you know everything went smoothly, and your bicycle or E-Bike is insured.

Question 15

Is my bike insured while traveling?

Accepted Answer

Your bicycle or E-Bike is insured worldwide with Karl, even during extended trips or weekend getaways. You should enjoy taking your bike or E-Bike out without worrying about what might happen. Additionally, we cover the cost of a rental bike or E-Bike so you can continue your journey or return home or to your starting point. You have up to 10% of the insurance sum available for this. We cover your proven costs for up to 14 days and a maximum of EUR 25 per day.

What’s important in the event of a claim: To process a theft claim, we need a police theft report and notification to us within 72 hours. If your bicycle or E-Bike is stolen abroad, it might be difficult to get a police report. If that's not possible or doesn't seem reasonable, just email us the report and provide the theft report once you're back home. If you're claiming costs for returning home or continuing your journey, you must provide us with invoices or other proof of the expenses so we can reimburse you.

Question 16

Is my bike insured at events or races?

Accepted Answer

Your insurance with Karl is valid worldwide. No matter when or where. You're insured while participating in a bike race or a triathlon. You can focus entirely on the competition.

Question 17

What accessories are covered?

Accepted Answer

Karl insures your bicycle or E-Bike along with all parts permanently attached to it, like lights, bell, saddle, kickstand, mudguards, and even your bike lock, if you've uploaded the receipt and included the amount in the insurance sum.

If you have your custom bicycle or E-Bike assembled with high-quality parts, we offer the ideal insurance coverage for that too. In the event of a claim, you'll receive the full (new) price of the part even after years. When signing up, you can specify the sum of all individual parts (frame, fork, wheels, hubs, etc.) as the insurance sum and upload up to 8 individual receipts. If you need more space, you can simply send the receipts to us at hallo@karlbikes.com, and we'll sort it out for you quickly.

Question 18

Do I always get the new value of my bike?

Accepted Answer

When you sign up for insurance through our website or on-site with our Karl partners, you can specify your desired insurance value. We recommend insuring the new value you just paid. The maximum amount you receive in a claim decreases each year. In the first year after signing up, you receive 100% of the insurance value in the policy, in the second year, you receive 80%, and from the third year, you receive 70%.

This only applies to total loss claims. If, for example, you damage your fork in a fall in the third year and it needs replacing, you receive the full value. The same applies to all partial damages. Up to the maximum amount (depending on the year the damage occurs, 100%/80%/70% of the insurance value in the policy), all damages are fully covered by Karl.

Question 19

What happens to the policy if something changes with my bike?

Accepted Answer

You can adjust and change the insurance you have with Karl at any time. Just send us an email at hallo@karlbikes.com, and we'll amend the contract accordingly so that the insurance sum, frame number, etc., are correct again.

Question 20

How do I pay for Karl?

Accepted Answer

When signing up through the website or on-site with our Karl partners, you can choose your preferred payment method. Payment is made either by credit card or bank account via direct debit. Most cards should work, but occasionally a specific credit card might not be accepted by our partner Stripe, who handles the debits. In that case, the premium must be debited from your account to guarantee insurance coverage.

If your card expires, is stolen or lost, your account is not covered, or for any other reason we can't collect the premium, you'll receive an email from us with a unique link where you can change the payment method.

Question 21

What happens if a premium couldn't be debited?

Accepted Answer

If your card expires, is stolen or lost, your account doesn't have sufficient funds, or for any other reason we can't collect the premium, you'll receive an email from us with a unique link where you can change your payment method. If we're able to successfully debit on the next attempt (we always try automatically), you won't receive another email. If it still doesn't work, you'll get another email from us.

Question 22

How can I change the payment method?

Accepted Answer

You can change your payment method anytime here. Just like when you signed up on the homepage or with our Karl partners on-site, you can choose between credit card and bank account (direct debit) to pay your premium. Most cards should work, but sometimes a specific credit card might not be accepted by our partner Stripe, who handles the debits. In that case, the premium must be debited from your account to guarantee insurance coverage.

Question 23

How can I cancel my contract with Karl?

Accepted Answer

Karl can be canceled daily without giving reasons. Just send us an email at hallo@karlbikes.com.

Question 24

Is there a deductible with Karl?

Accepted Answer

Karl does not have a deductible. The maximum amount you receive in a claim reduces year by year. In the first year after signing up, you receive 100% of the insured value in the policy, in the second year 80%, and from the third year onwards 70% of the insured value in the policy. This only applies to total loss claims.

For example, if in the third year after signing up you damage your fork in a fall and it needs to be replaced, you will receive the full value. The same applies to all partial damages. Up to the maximum amount (depending on the year the damage occurs, i.e., 100%/80%/70% of the insured value in the policy), all damages are fully covered by Karl.

Question 25

Can I get the insurance amount paid out instead of getting a new bike or E-Bike?

Accepted Answer

To quickly organize a new bike for you in the event of a claim, we handle the damages directly with our Karl partners, i.e., the dealer where you bought your bicycle or E-Bike. We will always try to get you the same or an equivalent bicycle or E-Bike (you decide if it's equivalent in case of doubt). You can also use the credit you have from the claim with our Karl partner for a new, higher-quality bicycle or E-Bike. You will need to pay the difference for the higher price, and we will cover the rest.

Only in absolute exceptional situations—e.g., because a corresponding bicycle or E-Bike is no longer available—will we pay out the credit to you. At Karl, we want you back in the saddle quickly, so the insurance money should be used for a new bicycle.

Question 26

Can multiple bikes be insured under one policy, or do I need a separate policy for each bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can insure multiple bicycles or E-Bikes under a single policy.

Question 27

Can I pay the premium annually, and is it cheaper?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When submitting your application, you can choose between monthly and annual payments. The annual payment is cheaper: you pay for 11 months and receive 12 months of insurance coverage – one whole month is free!

Depending on your payment method, we will deduct the premium from your credit card or bank account. Monthly payments offer you maximum flexibility with the option to cancel daily, while annual payments save you money and reduce administrative hassle.

Question 28

What happens in case of a short circuit, induction, or overvoltage regarding the battery?

Accepted Answer

If your E-Bike breaks down because the technology fails you, you're on the safe side.

Karl also covers your damages here, as long as they are not covered by the manufacturer or caused by wear and tear in terms of aging, wear, corrosion, or rust.

Question 29

Is my bicycle or E-Bike insured on the bike rack on the car?

Accepted Answer

When you're out with your bike and lock it to a bike rack, both damage and total loss are covered. It doesn't matter if you're parking the car with the bike in front of the supermarket while shopping or leaving it overnight in a hotel parking lot. However, we ask you to additionally secure your bike with a lock.

Question 30

Which bike lock is sufficient?

Accepted Answer

A suitable bike lock is sturdy enough that it can't be cut with simple tools like pliers or wire cutters. Heavier tools like a bolt cutter or an angle grinder would be needed instead.

Stable U-locks, folding locks, or solid chain locks typically meet these requirements. Simple cable or spiral locks don't offer enough protection and are not considered suitable.

Minimum lock purchase price by bike value:

up to €500 bike value: at least €29
up to €2,500 bike value: at least €45
above €2,500 bike value: at least €69

👉 Important: Your bike must also always be locked to a fixed object. See "How do I lock my bike correctly?" for more.

We also recommend securing your bike with a second lock of a different type to further increase theft protection.

Question 31

How do I lock my bike correctly?

Accepted Answer

Your bike must be locked with a suitable lock to a fixed, immovable object (e.g. a bike rack or lamppost) so that it can't simply be carried away.

Make sure that:

the lock encloses the frame and ideally also a wheel,
the object is firmly anchored and can't be easily removed or dismantled.

👉 Important: Use a sufficiently sturdy lock. You can find out which locks are suitable under "Which bike lock is sufficient?".

Question 32

What should I do if the premium can't be debited?

Accepted Answer

If we can't debit the first monthly premium when signing up on our homepage or at our Karl partners, you won't receive an insurance policy and the insurance won't be activated.

If later on your card expires, is stolen or lost, your account is not covered, or for any other reason we can't collect the premium, you'll receive an email from us with an individual link where you can change the payment method. If we can debit on the next attempt (we always try automatically), you won't receive another email. If it still doesn't work, you'll get another email from us.

Question 33

What obligation do I have in the event of a claim?

Accepted Answer

You must truthfully inform us about the cause and amount of a claim and provide us with documents related to the claim if we ask you to.

To help you as quickly as possible, please use the claim form after logging in to report the claim to us ("Log in"). To process a theft claim for you, we need a police theft report and notification to us within 72 hours. If your bicycle or E-Bike is stolen abroad, it can be difficult to get a police report. If that's not possible or doesn't seem sensible, it's enough to report it to us by email and then provide the theft report once you're back home. If you're claiming costs for the return/continuation of your journey, you must prove the incurred costs with an invoice or other receipts so we can reimburse you.

Question 34

How can I report a claim?

Accepted Answer

To help you as quickly as possible, please use the claim form after logging in to report the claim to us ("Log in"). To process a theft claim for you, we need a police theft report and notification to us within 72 hours. If your bicycle or E-Bike is stolen abroad, it can be difficult to get a police report. If that's not possible or doesn't seem sensible, it's enough to report it to us by email and then provide the theft report once you're back home. If you're claiming costs for the return/continuation of your journey, you must prove the incurred costs with an invoice or other receipts so we can reimburse you.

Question 35

What should I consider when reporting a claim?

Accepted Answer

If you report the claim via our homepage, the claim form will ask you everything we need to know to quickly handle the claim for you. Just upload the documents and you'll be back in the saddle soon. If you prefer to send us an email, you can also provide the information that way. We need complete (as long as necessary, as short as possible) details about the claim. What happened, when, and where? Additionally, if possible, please provide an initial assessment of whether a repair is sensible and if you've already obtained a cost estimate.

To process a theft claim for you, we need a police theft report and notification to us within 72 hours. If your bicycle or E-Bike is stolen abroad, it can be difficult to get a police report. If that's not possible or doesn't seem sensible, it's enough to report it to us by email and then provide the theft report once you're back home. If you're claiming costs for the return/continuation of your journey, you must prove the incurred costs with an invoice or other receipts so we can reimburse you.

Question 36

How long until I hear from Karl?

Accepted Answer

If you reported the claim through our homepage, you'll immediately receive confirmation from us that the claim has been reported and that we are handling the process. Since every claim is unique, we will tailor our claims handling to your specific needs and do our best to get you back in the saddle quickly. In collaboration with our Karl partners, we usually resolve claims within a day, so you can immediately get a new bike or E-Bike, or order the repair of damaged parts.

Question 37

How is my claim paid out?

Accepted Answer

If your bike is lost or damaged, we ensure you get back in the saddle quickly. You either receive a new bike or E-Bike, or you can have it repaired, and we handle everything directly with our Karl partner. You get a new or repaired bike or E-Bike, and Karl pays the bill to the dealer.

In the event of a total loss, you have 100% of the insured value in the policy available as credit in the first year after signing up, 80% in the second year, and 70% from the third year onwards.

This only applies to total loss cases. If, for example, you damage your fork in a fall in the third year and it needs to be replaced, you will receive the full value. The same applies to all partial damages. Up to the maximum amount (depending on the year the damage occurs, i.e., 100%/80%/70% of the insured value in the policy), all damages are fully covered by Karl.

Question 38

Who decides if it will be repaired or replaced?

Accepted Answer

Karl will either reimburse you the agreed insurance amount (in case of theft or total loss) or the repair costs, if a repair is possible and reasonable, but not exceeding the agreed insured value in the policy. The payout always goes directly to the Karl partner, who will provide you with a new equivalent bike or E-Bike, or carry out the repair. The decision on how we compensate you for the claim is up to us, but we ensure that you receive an equivalent item.

In the event of a total loss, you have 100% of the insured value in the policy available as credit in the first year after signing up, 80% in the second year, and 70% from the third year onwards.

This only applies to total loss cases. If, for example, you damage your fork in a fall in the third year and it needs to be replaced, you will receive the full value. The same applies to all partial damages. Up to the maximum amount (depending on the year the damage occurs, i.e., 100%/80%/70% of the insured value in the policy), all damages are fully covered by Karl.

Question 39

What happens if the repair exceeds the insured value?

Accepted Answer

You can either cover the additional costs yourself (Karl will then pay you the part of the bill covered by the insurance amount. There is no underinsurance), or Karl will replace your bike or E-Bike with one that matches the type and condition of the undamaged insured item and the insurance amount.

You have 100% of the insured value in the policy available as credit in the first year after signing up, 80% in the second year, and 70% in the third year.

This only applies to total loss cases. If, for example, you damage your fork in a fall in the third year and it needs to be replaced, you will receive the full value. The same applies to all partial damages. Up to the maximum amount (depending on the year the damage occurs, i.e., 100%/80%/70% of the insured value in the policy), all damages are fully covered by Karl.

Question 40

How can I be sure I'll be satisfied with the repair or replacement result?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a claim, Karl will replace the item with one that matches the type and condition of the undamaged insured item ("natural replacement") or cover the repair costs. We ensure that the repaired or replaced item comes as close as possible to the undamaged condition in terms of state and quality. You have the opportunity to inspect and approve the repair or replacement item before we close the claim.

Question 41

What happens to my bike or E-Bike in the event of a total loss?

Accepted Answer

Once Karl has reimbursed you the insured value according to the policy, the damaged bike or E-Bike belongs to the insurance. You must generally make the bike or E-Bike available to us. We will resolve this with you in the event of a claim without making the situation worse for you. Legally, we just need to inform you 😊 If your bike or E-Bike was stolen, this obligation naturally does not apply. However, if your stolen bike or E-Bike reappears, we ask you to inform us. It then belongs to the insurance.

Question 42

Will my premium increase after a claim?

Accepted Answer

We will not automatically increase your premium after a reported and processed claim. However, your claims history will be considered when it comes to continuing to insure your bike or E-Bike with Karl. We will review this on a case-by-case basis, and there are no "automatic adjustments."

If your bike or E-Bike is permanently lost or destroyed, the insurance contract automatically expires, as there is nothing left to insure. Of course, you can take out insurance with Karl again for your replacement bike or E-Bike.

Question 43

How do I prove that the bike was secured according to requirements if, for example, the thief takes not only the bike but also the damaged lock?

Accepted Answer

Of course, we cannot verify if your bike was secured with an adequate lock. In this case, we trust that you act according to our contract conditions and that your statements are truthful.

Bicycle Insurance

Karl, what’s that?

Why should I insure my bike with Karl?

Who is behind Karl?

What happens to my insurance if you’re no longer around?

How can I contact Karl?

How does Karl handle your data?

How do I get Karl?

Signing Up

What value should I declare for my bike?

Can I insure a used bike?

I have a custom bike, does Karl insure that too?

How old do I have to be to get insurance with Karl?

Is there an option to insure wear and tear?

The Insurance

What is included in my Karl policy?

What is not insured with Karl?

When does my insurance start?

Is my bike insured while traveling?

Is my bike insured at events or races?

What accessories are covered?

Do I always get the new value of my bike?

What happens to the policy if something changes with my bike?

How do I pay for Karl?

What happens if a premium couldn't be debited?

How can I change the payment method?

How can I cancel my contract with Karl?

Is there a deductible with Karl?

Can I get the insurance amount paid out instead of getting a new bike or E-Bike?

Can multiple bikes be insured under one policy, or do I need a separate policy for each bike?

Can I pay the premium annually, and is it cheaper?

What happens in case of a short circuit, induction, or overvoltage regarding the battery?

Is my bicycle or E-Bike insured on the bike rack on the car?

Your Responsibilities

Which bike lock is sufficient?

How do I lock my bike correctly?

What should I do if the premium can't be debited?

What obligation do I have in the event of a claim?

In the event of a claim

How can I report a claim?

What should I consider when reporting a claim?

How long until I hear from Karl?

How is my claim paid out?

Who decides if it will be repaired or replaced?

What happens if the repair exceeds the insured value?

How can I be sure I'll be satisfied with the repair or replacement result?

What happens to my bike or E-Bike in the event of a total loss?

Will my premium increase after a claim?

How do I prove that the bike was secured according to requirements if, for example, the thief takes not only the bike but also the damaged lock?