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A proper scooter/moped insurance policy is not only the best way to protect yourself financially, it’s also typically required for you to ride legally.
Scooter and mopeds are generally covered by a motorcycle insurance policy, which makes it easy to compare quotes and get the coverage you need from some of the top insurance providers.
This page will cover the basics of scooter/moped insurance. You’ll be able to get the coverage you need that matches how you ride and your budget.
Moped vs. Scooter vs. Motorcycle Insurance
Scooters vs. mopeds vs. motorcycles – what’s the difference?
While the definition of each type of vehicle varies slightly, the insurance requirements are easy to understand.
For insurance coverage purposes, you can think of scooters and mopeds the same as standard motorcycles.
So, if you’re looking for insurance for your scooter, you’ll simply need to start a motorcycle insurance quote.
It’s the registration and licensing requirements that start to vary from state to state. You can find more scooter and moped topics here.
Do you need insurance for a scooter?
You will need to have an insurance policy if your scooter:
- Has an engine size of 50cc or larger.
- Has a top speed of greater than 30 mph.
If it meets those definitions, your scooter is pretty much considered a motorcycle for registration, license, and insurance requirements.
Beyond that, scooters generally refer to 2-wheel vehicles that meet the definitions above, and also feature:
- An automatic transmission.
- A flat platform for the rider’s feet.
- A step-through frame.
- An engine ranging from 50cc to 250cc, though some larger scooters can range from 250cc to 800cc.
50cc Moped Insurance Requirement
Moped insurance requirements become a little more nuanced from state-to-state.
A moped is typically defined as a two-wheeled vehicle with a small gasoline-powered engine of no more than 49cc and a top speed of no more than 30 mph.
If your scooter meets those definitions, the state DMV will treat it a little differently than a motorcycle or larger scooter.
Some states do not require a motorcycle license, registration, or insurance coverage for mopeds.
However, other states do have moped licensing and registration requirements.
And, 26 states (including DC), require you to carry minimum liability coverage for your moped if you want to ride on public roads. Those states include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
You can read more about whether you need insurance for a moped here.
Additionally, when you fill out insurance quotes and select the state you need coverage for, the insurance provider will make sure that your policy satisfies the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Types of Moped/Scooter Insurance Coverage
Just like there are different types of coverage for a motorcycle, you can choose different coverages, limits, and deductibles for your scooter/moped policy.
At a minimum, your scooter insurance policy will need to include liability coverage.
Liability coverage includes both bodily injury liability and property damage liability. These coverages are required by your state, and will kick in to cover the expenses of medical payments and repairs for accidents that you are responsible for.
From there, you’ll be able to select coverage that meets your needs. Common types include:
- Comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Carried contents coverage.
- Medical payments.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Roadside assistance.
As you select the optional coverage you need, you’ll also be able to select the limits and deductibles.
All of these things will affect the overall cost of your scooter insurance premiums.
How to Get the Cheapest Scooter Insurance
The cost of your scooter insurance will depend on a variety of factors.
To fill out a quote, you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as:
- Your name, age, and driving experience.
- Your riding habits.
- Your ZIP code.
- Your driver’s license number.
- Your scooter’s VIN.
The insurance company will then use that information to help determine your rates.
They’ll also factor in your driving history, claim history, how you intend to ride your scooter, any discounts you may qualify for, etc.
The best way to get the cheapest policy is to start shopping around and comparing motorcycle insurance quotes from a handful of different providers.
On top of that, you can see if you qualify for some of the common motorcycle insurance discounts.