Do You Need Insurance for a Moped? Coverage Options and Costs
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Do you need insurance for a moped? Mopeds, akin to motorized bicycles with a small engine, as well as scooters, which can have larger engines, may require insurance. Many states also have specific insurance requirements and regulations when it comes to moped insurance.
This comprehensive guide to insurance for your major two-wheeled vehicles will cover types of insurance coverage, the importance of understanding policy limitations and deductibles, and the key factors influencing the cost of moped insurance coverage.
Understanding the Difference Between Mopeds and Scooters
While mopeds and scooters are both two-wheeled vehicles and are commonly confused for one another, they have some key differences.
Mopeds have an engine that is typically 50 cubic centimeters (cc) or less. They may have pedals riders can use for manual propulsion, especially with older models, so the motor assists you but does not necessarily provide full power. The maximum speed of a moped is generally less than 30 miles per hour.
Scooters, on the other hand, are entirely propelled by a small engine and do not have pedals. Their engines range from 50 cc up to 250 cc, so they are notably larger than most mopeds. Most scooters are closer to a motorcycle in size and function.
Is Insurance Required for Mopeds and Scooters?
Most states do not require insurance for mopeds and scooters. However, many drivers opt for a minimum of third-party liability coverage. In some states, insurance is required when the engine is bigger than 50cc.
To protect against uninsured motorists, property damages, and medical costs, moped and scooter coverage is often recommended and may be required if you are leasing. Many riders choose additional coverage beyond the minimum for better protection.
Types of Coverage for Mopeds and Scooters
What kind of insurance do you need for a moped? This varies from state to state but can include the following types of coverage:
Liability coverage: Liability insurance pays out when someone else causes an accident. It covers medical bills and property damage.
Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive car insurance is the type of insurance that will cover you for non-collision-related issues. What is comprehensive insurance in action? This coverage can kick in during natural disasters, vandalism, or theft, for example.
- Collision coverage: Much like it sounds, this type of moped insurance will cover you when you are in an accident. Collision and comprehensive insurance often go hand in hand to protect you in a variety of situations.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you are in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough to pay for the damage and injuries, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will pay for medical expenses and property damage.
State-Specific Regulations for Moped Insurance
Because states have different rules and regulations for whether you need car insurance for a moped, it is essential to check out your state's laws.
For example, mopeds are determined to be motor-driven cycles in Arizona, necessitating liability insurance. In Connecticut, you only need a standard driver's license to drive your moped, but you must wear a helmet. In North Dakota, drivers as young as 14 can apply for a moped license.
Laws can change regularly, so it is smart to stay on top of the regulations where you live.
What’s Included in Moped Insurance Policies?
Most moped insurance policies include the following:
Liability coverage: If someone else causes an accident while you are driving your moped, liability coverage kicks in to cover the damages and potential bodily injury.
Medical payments: Hospital stays, broken bones, and other medical payments can add up quickly if you are in an accident. Moped insurance will help to cover these payments.
Add-ons: You can also choose to add on coverage for roadside assistance or trip interruptions, if desired. Many drivers also opt for comprehensive insurance coverage, which will pay for issues such as theft, vandalism, and natural disaster-related damage.
Understanding Deductibles and Coverage Limits
When you are researching options for moped insurance, understanding deductibles and coverage limits is an important part of the process.
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible on your moped insurance and you get in an accident with damages totaling $3,000, you would pay the first $1,000 and your insurance company would cover the remaining $2,000. The higher the deductible, the lower the insurance premium.
Coverage limits represent the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a claim, even if it is a covered claim. If you only have liability insurance and the coverage limit is $50,000, that is the maximum your insurance company will pay if you cause over $50,000 in damages.
Do your math when determining the best deductible and coverage limits for your driving habits. Would you rather have a higher monthly premium or higher out-of-pocket costs in the case of an accident?
How Much Does Moped Insurance Cost?
A moped or motorcycle insurance policy is generally affordable. The average cost is about $100 per month or a little more than $1,200 per year.
This figure will vary based on your age, driving history, where you live, credit score, type of moped, and previous claims.
Compare Moped Insurance Options for the Best Deal
You can compare and contrast moped insurance options to find the best deal for your driving habits.
EverQuote offers free custom quotes, giving you the ability to review moped insurance options side by side. Check out EverQuote today to get started on finding affordable moped insurance.
Moped Insurance FAQs
Do you need insurance for a 125cc moped?
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Is moped insurance cheaper than car insurance?
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Do you need insurance for a 50cc moped or scooter?
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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.