Should You Insure Your Moped or Scooter? Key Considerations
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Mopeds and scooters are budget-friendly alternatives to traditional four-wheel vehicles. They're renowned for their high gas mileage, ease of use, and minimal maintenance requirements. While their smaller engines mean they can't travel quite as fast as a motorcycle, they can easily handle everyday travel in your local area.
However, you may wonder, "Do I need insurance for mopeds or scooters?" particularly if you own or plan to buy one of these two-wheel wonders in the near future. Here's what you need to know.
What Are Mopeds and Scooters?
Mopeds and scooters are two-wheeled vehicles, usually powered by a gas engine, although battery-powered options also exist. While they may appear similar, there are specific differences.
Mopeds
A moped runs on a 50 cc engine or smaller. It can't go any faster than 30 mph, so it's usually confined to city streets. Since it can't keep up with the fast-moving traffic on highways or interstates, mopeds are less common in the U.S.
Mopeds are compact, with step-through frames and small wheels that make them easy to maneuver. A moped's gas efficiency may reach up to 100 mpg, making it a very inexpensive way to get around town. Most mopeds are ideal for short rides and offer basic comfort and safety features. However, you would probably want other transportation for longer distances.
Scooter
Scooters offer more powerful engines, ranging from 50 cc to 250 cc. Due to their engine size, most states legally classify scooters as motorcycles, so drivers must follow the same laws as motorcyclists. Scooters may reach speeds up to 60 or 70 mph, and some states allow them on the highways.
Most scooters offer a step-through frame and larger wheels. Due to their larger engines and size, gas efficiency is lower than that of a scooter, ranging from 50 to 80 mpg. They're designed for longer use, so some include ergonomic features to improve ride comfort.
What Types of Insurance Coverage Are Available for Mopeds and Scooters?
While coverage for mopeds and scooters varies by provider, the following are some of the most common types of insurance available.
Liability
If you're at fault for an accident involving your moped or scooter, liability coverage reimburses others for property damage and bodily injury. Most states require liability coverage for scooter owners, and some require it for mopeds.
Collision
Collision insurance pays for motor or scooter repairs, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Under a collision policy, you pay a deductible, and the insurance company will foot the bill for repairs or replacement of your motor or scooter up to its actual cash value. While states don't mandate collision insurance, your lender might if you finance your moped or scooter.
Comprehensive
A comprehensive policy pays for non-accident damage to your moped or scooter, including weather-related damage, theft, and vandalism. For instance, if high winds and hail destroy your vehicle, you may file a comprehensive claim to replace it. Comprehensive insurance is optional unless a lender requires it under the terms of a loan.
Medical Payments
Medical payments insurance covers injuries you or a passenger sustains while driving your moped or scooter, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Some states legally require medical payment insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
An uninsured or underinsured motorist policy pays for damages if an at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance coverage to cover your losses.
Carried Contents
Some insurers offer carried contents protection, which reimburses you for damage to personal belongings while riding your moped or scooter. It can cover items like your smartphone or baggage.
Find the right coverage in your state
How Does Insurance for Mopeds and Scooters Differ From Motorcycle Insurance?
Most insurers classify their moped and scooter coverage under motorcycle insurance. However, while all states require motorcycle owners to carry insurance that meets their minimum liability requirements, moped and scooter insurance requirements differ.
In most states, scooter owners must carry liability insurance that meets state law. Moped insurance requirements vary, with some states mandating it and others not.
The coverages available to moped and scooter owners are generally the same as for motorcycles. However, the cost is usually cheaper.
Of course, the cost of scooter insurance can vary by several factors, including your driving history, location, and coverage type. It isn't exclusively limited to the kind of bike you drive.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Moped and Scooter Insurance?
Insurers consider several things when deciding on the premium for a moped or scooter policy:
- Driving record: Your premium will increase if you have a history of accidents or traffic violations.
- Location: Living in a large metropolitan area with lots of traffic increases the risk of an accident. Similarly, high instances of moped or scooter theft in your location may boost your insurance rates.
- Age: Younger drivers pose a greater accident risk. If you're under age 25, your insurance rates may be higher than those of an older adult.
- Scooter or moped type: Insurers consider the make, model, age, and worth of your moped or scooter when pricing your premium. An insurance company will also consider the vehicle's engine size. A smaller engine usually means a lower rate.
- Driving frequency: If you don't rely on your moped or scooter for regular transportation, you may qualify for a lower rate.
The coverage you choose will also influence your insurance premiums. A liability-only policy is typically the cheapest. If you add on collision and comprehensive insurance or select a low-deductible policy, you may pay more for coverage.
What Are the Benefits of Having Insurance for Mopeds and Scooters?
If you're considering purchasing a moped or scooter or already have one, buying insurance is a good idea. Here are a few benefits of insuring a scooter or moped.
Comply With State Laws
In most states, you must have insurance coverage that aligns with state requirements if you own a scooter. While fewer states require moped insurance, some do. If you don't have the requisite coverage and a police officer catches you, you may be ticketed, fined, or jailed.
Avoid Lawsuits
If you injure or damage someone else's property in a moped or scooter accident, liability insurance will cover their losses. However, if you don't have insurance, the driver may hold you legally liable for their damages in a lawsuit.
Comply With Loan Agreements
If you don't own your moped or scooter outright, your financing company may require you to purchase insurance as part of your loan contract. You may breach your loan agreement if you don't keep your insurance intact, which can lead to further consequences.
Protect Your Moped or Scooter
When you add on collision and comprehensive insurance, your moped or scooter is financially protected from accidents, storm damage, theft, and vandalism. The insurer will pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Insuring Your Moped or Scooter Is Smart
While your moped or scooter may be slower than a traditional motorcycle or four-wheel vehicle, it can get you around your local area. It's a fun way to transport yourself, and since it's gas-efficient, you'll save money at the pump. However, it's best not to cut corners on insuring your moped or scooter, especially since many states require coverage. With insurance, you'll know that you're protected if an accident occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need auto insurance for a moped?
Does moped insurance cost as much as motorcycle insurance?
How much will I save switching insurance providers?
Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.