Do you need motorcycle insurance for mopeds and scooters? When it comes to commuting, mopeds and scooters make it very easy and stress-free. With two wheels and small engines, you can go around the town without finding it difficult to find a nice parking spot. But for the convenience of mopeds and scooters. They could come with an extra fee: you may need to purchase insurance.
Although it may not be legally required to insure your ride. It is advisable to carry an insurance policy on these two-wheeled vehicles. If you spent a huge amount on mopeds and scooters, you may want to protect your investment by insuring them. Also, if you finance the purchase of one of these bikes, the finance company will need to purchase insurance to protect its interest. Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle and scooter insurance and the available coverages.
Do I need Motorcycle and Scooter Insurance?
Auto insurance is not suitable for these two-wheeled vehicles. Most insurers cover them under their motorcycle insurance policies, while some offer separate policies for bikes. If you finance or lease these bikes, your leasing company or lender will require you to insure them.
Depending on your state, the law may require you to carry liability insurance to ride your bike on a public road. If it can reach a speed of 30 mph or more or if it has an engine size of 30 c or more, Regardless of whether your state requires it or not, you should always ensure that you have a good amount of coverage before hitting the road.
Does My State Require Mopeds and Scooters Insurance?
Just, so you know, Mopeds and scooters are defined differently depending on the state in which you are living. Not all the states in the United States require insurance for mopeds or scooters. For instance, Texas and Pennsylvania require insurance, while Florida does not. Some state laws are even more complicated, like in California.
It may require coverage for your scooter and not moped. To learn about the laws in your state, you will have to check with your car insurance provider or agent. You can also contact your state’s Department of Insurance and Department of Motor Vehicles.
Moped and Scooter Insurance Coverage
These types of bike insurance include coverage types that are very similar to car and motorcycle insurance, such as:
Liability Coverage
This bodily injury and property damage liability insurance covers damages and injuries you accidentally cause to other people in an accident. It will help pay for damages to their properties, such as fences, poles, or cars, and medical expenses.
Comprehensive and collision insurance
Comprehensive and collision insurance are separate coverage types, but they are mostly sold together. If you have a loan on lease on your scooter or moped, your lender or leasing company will require you to cover this coverage.
- Comprehensive insurance helps to cover problems such as damage to your moped or scooter from vandalism, flood, fire, striking an animal or falling objects, and theft.
- Collision insurance pays for repairs if the two-wheeled vehicle is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Medical Payment
Also referred to as MedPay, it helps to cover funeral costs and medical bills for you or your passengers in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Carried Contents and Belongings
This coverage helps to pay if your contents and belongings are damaged or stolen. It also covers if your belongings are lost while you are riding your scooter or moped.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
Uninsured motorist insurance helps pay for your and your passenger’s medical expenses, lost income, and other bills. If someone crashes into you and doesn’t have liability insurance at all, underinsured motorist insurance helps to pay for your injuries if the driver at fault does not have adequate liability insurance.
When you insure these bikes, you may be able to get discounts such as storage discounts, multi-policy discounts, safety discounts, or multi-vehicle discounts.
What is the Difference Between Mopeds and Scooters?
These two are both small, two-wheeled vehicles that are powered by engines, but the engine size and maximum speed vary. Just like I have mentioned above, state law definitions for scooters and mopeds are different, so you will have to look to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for more clarifications.
The key differences between the two are: Mopeds have an engine that is about 50 cubic centimeters and is not made for high-speed travel. Their top speeds are not always more than 30 mph. While scooters often have very large engines that are more than 50 cc, And the powerful ones can reach speeds of about 70 mph. You may not be allowed to drive a scooter on the highway. This depends on your state’s horsepower minimums and engine size.
Moped and Scooter Insurance Cost
This insurance can be as cheap as $4 to $5 every month. For instance, scooter insurance from Progressive costs as little as $75 per year for basic liability insurance coverage. According to our research, the cost of your insurance depends on factors such as your driving record, engine size, the coverage you choose, your location, mileage, age, riding experience, model, make, and vehicle year.
Do I need Insurance if I rent a Moped or Scooter?
Regarding moped and scooter insurance, the laws vary by location. So depending on the city or state you are renting in, you will need insurance. Ensure that you review the rental agreement’s terms of service to see if insurance is provided before renting.
Or, if you are responsible, if you do not purchase your insurance. Ask for clarification if you are not sure if insurance is required and what coverage is in the rental contract. Keep in mind that your car insurance may not cover rented motorcycles, scooters, or mopeds. But your motorcycle insurance might.