If you ride a motorized scooter, then you should have insurance. While not all states require scooter insurance, you may want to have it for added protection. Many insurance companies classify scooters in much the same way as a motorcycle. Here are some reasons why you should have scooter insurance and what types of insurance are available.
Why Get Scooter Insurance?
Insurance's main job is to protect you from damages, either to you and your scooter or to someone else's vehicle or injuries. Even if you're the best rider and take the utmost care, accidents can happen. Medical costs can be quite high, especially if the injuries are serious. Even if you think the accident was minor, the other person may claim expensive damages.
Another reason to have scooter insurance is when it is required by a third party. Even if it's not required by your state, your city or county may have requirements. If you finance your scooter, then the lienholder will likely require full insurance for the life of your loan.
What Types of Insurance Are Available?
Most scooter insurance includes the same products offered for motorcycles and other vehicles. Here is a list of insurance options that may be available for your scooter.
Liability
Liability is the minimum type of insurance you need. If your state requires scooter insurance, you will need to buy a certain level of liability insurance. It covers injuries and damages to another party if you get in an accident.
Collision and Comprehensive
Collision and comprehensive are usually not required if you don't have a lienholder. Collision covers you for damages due to a collision or roll-over regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, weather, and damage from animals.
Uninsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist insurance is often not required but is a good thing to have. It covers you for an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. However, it usually doesn't cover hit-and-run. Comprehensive insurance covers that instead.
Medical Payments
Medical payment insurance is optional insurance that pays some of the medical costs for you or your passengers in an accident. This coverage is helpful for covering medical insurance deductibles.
Check with your state's requirements to see how much and what kind of scooter insurance you need. Some states classify scooters differently based on size and horsepower, for example. Insurance not only protects you if you get in an accident, but it also protects your investment from damage or loss. For more information about scooter insurance, talk to an agency like Insure My Vespa.