Is my bike covered on a balcony or in a garden?
To keep things fair for the collective, your cover depends entirely on how secure that space is and who has access to it.
Is a balcony or garden considered "Private Storage"?
For your bike to be covered under the "Theft from Home" part of your Laka policy, the balcony or garden must be a Private Storage Location. This means:
Sole Access: The area is fully secure and locked, with access controlled solely by you (and your household).
Physical Security: The area cannot be accessed by the public or other residents of a shared building.
If your balcony is on the ground floor, accessible via a shared walkway, or if your garden has an unlocked gate that others can use, it does not meet the definition of private storage.
What are the rules if my balcony or garden is not private
If these areas are not locked or are accessible by others (such as a shared garden for a block of flats), the bicycle is considered to be a public or communal storage location. In this scenario, you must follow the "Theft Away from Home" security requirements:
Lock to an immovable object: The bike must be locked through the frame to an immovable object (like a ground anchor or a metal railing).
Use a Gold lock: You must use a Sold Secure Gold (or Diamond) rated lock.
What is the "Two-Lock Rule" for cargo bikes?
If you are a Laka Core customer storing a cargo bike in a garden that is considered a public storage location, the requirements are higher due to the increased risk. You must use two Sold Secure Gold-rated locks:
Both locks must secure the frame to an immovable object.
If securing both to the object isn't possible, the second lock must at least secure a major component (like a wheel) to the frame.
Does Laka cover weather damage or rust?
Even if your bike is locked up securely, keeping it on a balcony or in a garden exposes it to the British weather. It is important to remember that damage caused by corrosion, rust, or gradual deterioration is classified as "Wear and Tear." This type of damage is strictly excluded from all Laka coverage, as it happens over time rather than during a sudden accident.