Oleksandr Rohovnin Mopeds make commuting a pleasure, especially in crowded states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts. Not only can you avoid traffic jams and easily find a parking space, but you can save money on taxes and sometimes even insurance.
Speaking of which, you may or may not need moped insurance depending on the state you reside in. Read on to learn everything about insuring a moped.
The Difference Between Mopeds, Scooters, and Motorcycles
First, you need to understand whether your vehicle falls under the ‘moped’ category.
In the United States, mopeds are classified as two-wheeled vehicles with an engine under 50 cubic centimeters (50cc) and a maximum speed not exceeding 30 mph. Vehicles with an engine size of 50cc to 250cc are scooters, and anything exceeding 250cc is a motorcycle.
Do not confuse mopeds with electric scooters. The latter are battery-powered (mopeds are gasoline-powered), have a speed limit of 20 mph, and don’t require a driver’s license. In contrast, driving a moped requires a license, insurance (depending on the state), being at least 16 years old, and wearing a helmet while riding.
Is Moped Insurance Legally Required in Your State?
| Moped and Low-Powered Scooter Insurance Required | Moped and Low-Powered Scooter Insurance Not Required |
| Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. | Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming |
Each state has different laws regarding mopeds and other two-wheeled vehicles. However, while moped insurance is not required in 25 states, motorcycle insurance is not required in only four states — Florida, Montana, New Hampshire, and Washington.
What Does Moped Insurance Cover?
Moped insurance includes the same coverage as car and motorcycle insurance:
- Liability: property damage and bodily injuries incurred by others in an at-fault accident.
- Collision: damage to your moped – repair or replacement cost – regardless of whether you are at fault.
- Comprehensive: damage to your moped caused by things other than collision – weather, theft, vandalism, etc.
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist: your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
- Medical payments: you and your passengers’ medical and funeral expenses, regardless of whether you are at fault.
How Much Is Moped Insurance?
Mopeds are not expensive to insure. The average cost of moped insurance varies from $100 to $300 per year. The real cost of your coverage will depend on the make and model of your moped, the size of its engine and mileage, your age and driving record, and the type and amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Moped Coverage Limits
Every insurance has its limits, and moped coverage is no exception. When choosing your policy, pay attention to the bodily injury liability limit, property damage liability limit, and pedestrian personal injury protection. The higher the premium, the higher the coverage limits.
As for the mandatory coverages, the ones usually required (in states where moped insurance is required) are bodily injury and property damage.
How to Save on Moped Coverage?
- Check whether moped coverage is mandatory in your state.
- Consider the type and amount of coverage you want to get and the deductible you are willing to pay before your policy kicks in.
- Research various providers while looking for discounts: multi-policy, multi-vehicle, clean driving, student, safety, storage, etc.
Is Moped Insurance Worth It?
Whether purchasing moped coverage is reasonable in your case depends on your state, driving habits, budget, and risk tolerance. That said, for a small monthly premium of a dozen to a few dozen dollars, you can save thousands of dollars should you get in an accident.
FAQ
Is Moped Insurance Mandatory in My State?
Moped insurance is mandatory in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In all other states, it is optional.
Do I Need Coverage for a Rented Moped?
Insurance for rented mopeds is not mandatory per se in states where you don’t need moped insurance. However, if you lease your moped or buy it on a loan, the lender (seller) may require coverage to be able to get their money back should the unexpected happen.
Will My Car Insurance Cover My Moped?
Car insurance does not cover mopeds, so you will need a separate policy for your moped, or you may be able to include your moped in your motorcycle policy (if your insurer allows it).
Will My Travel Insurance Cover my Rented Moped?
Whether your travel insurance covers your rented moped depends on your travel insurance provider, but moped coverage won’t likely be provided by default. However, make sure to research local laws to determine whether you need insurance to drive a moped legally.
Can I Ride a Moped on the Highway?
Unlike motorcycles and scooters, mopeds are forbidden to ride on highways.
Oleksandr is an expert in deep research. He covers insurance topics across four major insurance verticals – auto, health, life, and home insurance – while taking into account the legal landscape of the state in question. Come rain or shine, you can expect regular quality blogs and timely updates from Oleksandr.
