Snap, Lock, and Save: Secure a $500 Theft Deductible
Nobody likes to think about bike theft, but should the worst happen, meeting a few quick insurance requirements keeps your out-of-pocket costs low and your coverage intact. In fact, following our locking and photo steps qualifies you for a reduced $500 theft deductible (otherwise, the standard deductible is $1,000).
To lock in this subscription benefit you'll need to:
- Follow the 3-step Locking Protocol
- Send us your Compliant Photo evidence (within 24 hours)
- File a police report and share it with us (within 24 hours)
- Return your hardware, charger and keys (within 5 business days)
This guide is all about number two, Compliant Photo Evidence, and how to set your phone up so you're always ready.
What Exactly is “Compliant Photo Evidence”?
Think of it as your bike’s digital alibi. To be valid, your photo needs to show two things:
- A clear view of the lock: The photo must clearly show your bike, the lock, and the sturdy object it’s secured to. If our team can’t see the lock properly secured, we won't be able to accept it as proof.
- Original metadata: This is just the invisible time-and-location stamp your phone automatically attaches to every picture.
(Example of a valid photo)
Because not all phones have location tagging turned on by default, you’ll want to take 60 seconds right now to make sure yours is ready.
The good news? You only have to set this up once. Here's how.
Turn On Location Metadata (One-Time Setup)
For iPhone
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Make sure Location Services is toggled on.
- Scroll to Camera and set it to "While Using the App."
- Turn on "Precise Location."
For Android (steps vary slightly by brand, e.g. Samsung, Pixel)
- Open your Camera app.
- Tap Settings (the gear icon).
- Enable "Location Tags" or "Save Location."
That’s it! Every photo you take from now on will quietly record the data needed to protect you.
Three Golden Rules for a Valid Photo
When you submit a photo for a claim, our team checks the file. Here is how to ensure it passes with flying colors:
- Send the original, untouched file. Don't crop it, add a filter, adjust the color, or run it through an editing app. Any edits can strip away or alter the metadata we rely on. Send it raw!
- Never send a screenshot. Taking a screenshot creates a brand-new image file, which completely washes away the hidden location and time data. Always upload the actual photo straight from your camera roll.
- Don't stress about a slightly off GPS pin. City signals love to bounce around between tall buildings. We get it. We allow a 100-foot buffer for "urban canyons." As long as the pin is in the right neighborhood and the picture clearly shows your bike properly locked to the scene, you’re covered.
A Couple of Things That Trip People Up
You’ve set up your phone and taken the perfect photo—don't let the data get lost on its way to us! Two easy traps to avoid:
Don't share it via text first. Sending your photo through messaging apps (like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Messenger) compresses the image and strips out the metadata, even if the picture looks exactly the same to the naked eye. When making a claim, upload the file straight from your camera roll. (If you're on an iPhone and emailing it, make sure "All Photos Data" is toggled on when sharing).
Keep your photos fresh. To be valid proof, your photo must have been taken within 72 hours before the theft occurred. A single photo from three months ago won't cover you indefinitely. The safest bet? Make snapping a quick picture part of your everyday locking routine.
Before You Walk Away, Remember To:
- Secure the chain
- Activate the wheel lock
- Turn on the alarm
- Snap a pic that shows your bike locked up safe and sound
Once it becomes a habit, you'll never think twice about it, and you'll have that $500 safety net every single time.
Questions about photos or deductibles? Drop our team an email or call. We're always here to help you ride worry-free!