Released on: July 30, 2008, 3:53 am

Press Release Author: Confused.com

Industry: Financial

Press Release Summary:
Conservative Party leader David Cameron was lucky enough to be reunited with his stolen bicycle - but others might not be so fortunate. To this end, Confused.com recommends that those with bikes be wary, and be insured.


Press Release Body: The well-reported theft of David Cameron\'s bike highlights the need for cyclists to take sensible precautions. Although Cameron\'s trusty two-wheeler was found and returned, others may not be so lucky. With this in mind, Confused.com suggests that cyclists extend their home insurance contents cover to include their bicycle, just in case it goes walkies.

Cameron\'s bike was stolen from outside the Portobello Road branch of Tesco in west London on July 23rd. Rather unsurprisingly, the Tory leader was reported to be \"hacked off\" by this incident. However, fortune favoured Cameron on this occasion, and he was reunited with his beloved bike later in the week.

Many others are not so lucky. Incredibly, around half a million bikes are reported stolen in the UK each year! Confused.com therefore recommends that cyclists take adequate precautions with their bikes:

. Make a note of the bike\'s make, model and frame number
. Take a digital photo of the bike, including any unique features
. Always carry a lock
. Lock the bike to an immovable object
. Thread the lock through the frame and any removable parts
. Always lock your bike, even if you\'re only away from it for a couple of minutes
. When home, keep the bike locked indoors or in a garage/shed - avoid leaving it locked up in the back garden
. Hang on to the receipt in case you have to make a claim

Although steps can be taken to secure a bicycle, it is estimated that 90% of thefts occur when the bike is locked in a public place. Therefore, owners should check their home insurance to see if their bikes are covered when away from home. If not, you may want to upgrade your policy - particularly if the bike is expensive - or risk having to foot the cost of replacement yourself should the bike go missing.

--ENDS-

About Confused.com:

Confused.com is one of the UK\'s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it dominates the car insurance aggregator market and generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com has 62 motor insurance partners, and customers can save up to on average £208. It also has a panel of 43 for home insurance, and customers who use Confused.com for home insurance can expect to save up to £193.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com\'s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.


Web Site: http://www.confused.com/home-insurance

Contact Details: pressoffice@confused.com
Caroline Spindlove
02920 434 398
Friary House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AE