[B’ Spokes: Just to highlight one section of Steve Magas’ article:]
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By Steve Magas
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Another point on auto insurance and “Med Pay” – BEWARE OF NATIONWIDE INSURANCE. I usually don’t mention specific companies by name here – but Nationwide bears special mention because of its position on “Med Pay” claims that is VERY detrimental to all cyclists.
In every other “bike case” I’ve ever handled with ANY other insurer, the Med Pay clause covers bicycle riders. Nationwide, however, says “NO” to cyclists. Nationwide claims that its Med Pay coverage is limited to “pedestrians” and that cyclists are not pedestrians. Therefore, Nationwide refuses to pay the medical bills of bicycle riders who are whacked by cars. No word on whether Nationwide would cover, skateboarders, rollerbladers, horseback riders, pogo stick users, kids on tricycles, babies in baby carriages or other “non-pedestrians.”
I am currently litigating this with Nationwide, so I may have more to report down the road. There is a court of appeals decision in Ohio which indicates that, for insurance coverage purposes, the word “pedestrian” means more than simply people walking around. For purposes of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, the words “pedestrian” includes a person on a bicycle, according to a 2004 case. Nationwide, apparently doesn’t feel this case is controlling…
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Bottom Line 2 – Cyclists should NOT be buying Nationwide Insurance.
Bottom Line 3 – TALK to your insurance agent about your H/O, Auto & Umbrella needs!
The full article: https://www.ohiobikelawyer.com/bike-law-101/2012/03/magas-makes-the-wall-street-journal/
Biking in Baltimore