日本自転車保険NHK is leading the charge to have cyclists in Japan insured.
The quasi-official broadcaster of Japan - a rough equivalent to the BBC or, in the United States, PBS - has been leading the charge for cyclists to purchase insurance.
And we did.
For one thousand yen ($12.27 USD) per year, we got a quick checkup at the cycle shop, and then - once the bike "passed" that test - a cute sticker.
In the event of an accident, the insurance policy will cover up to twenty million yen ($245,000 USD) in punitive damages - if you cause the accident - or one million ($12,270 USD) in medical treatment in the case you are injured in an accident.
Theft and other conditions (such as when the cyclist violates traffic law) are not covered.
The bicycle is a vehicle, and is being treated more and more as such.
Ride safe.
The insurance is available at any local bicycle shop.
The cover of the pamphlet reads:
安心は、セフティちゃんの自転車点で。
Peace of mind can be found at "Safety-chan" [the character]'s bike shop.
© CycleKyoto.com
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2 comments:
Is this available to overseas visitors ?
Yes, it is possible. However, there is one big qualification. To qualify to purchase this plan, your bike needs to be registered in Japan. (When one buys a bicycle in Japan, you also can have your bicycle registered for 500 yen fee, which is useful in the event of theft.) Without the registration sticker, therefore, you cannot buy this plan. If you are planning on cycling in Japan on a rental bike, the rental company should have insurance options.
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