Do You Need Insurance for Mopeds and Scooters?

Depending on the laws of your state, you may be required to carry insurance for your two-wheeled vehicle — especially if you are leasing it. Additionally, having insurance helps protect your investment in case an accident happens. Most states classify scooters as motorcycles if the engine is larger than 50ccs, the only exception is Nebraska which may classify it as a scooter if it has pedals.

Even if your state does not require insurance, it's still a good idea in case your scooter is totaled. You may not be able to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, or cover other people's injuries or damaged property.

On This Page

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  How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Moped or a Scooter?

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  What Does Moped and Scooter Insurance Cover?

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  Coverage Limits on Moped and Scooter Insurance

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  Which States Require Moped & Scooter Insurance?

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  What's the Difference Between a Moped, Scooter and Motorcycle?

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  FAQs

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  Insuring Your Scooter or Moped

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Moped or a Scooter?

Insuring a moped will cost $75 to $250 per year. Many factors have to be considered when determining the cost of insuring your moped or scooter. Your state may require certain coverages, most require basic liability and medical payments. If you are financing, your lender may also require comprehensive and/or collision coverage. Premiums will vary by the insurance carrier, but when shopping around, it's good to consider the cost of monthly premiums versus how much you would have to pay out of pocket if an accident or non-collision event occurs.

What Does Moped and Scooter Insurance Cover?

Moped and scooter insurance can offer the following protections:

Collision Protection

Collision coverage protects your moped/scooter after an accident no matter the circumstances; for example, if you have a fixed-object collision or hit another vehicle. Generally, the maximum payout is the cash value of your vehicle, minus any deductible. Collision coverage doesn't always include uninsured/under-insured coverage. Consider adding UM/UIM to your coverage to protect you against uninsured drivers.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (Bi/PD)

If you are at fault for an accident, liability coverage reimburses affected motorists for any costs associated with the collision up to the limit you select. This includes property damage, medical costs and legal expenses if you are sued following the accident.

OEM Endorsement

This optional coverage helps make sure your moped/scooter is repaired with parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), if available.

Comprehensive Coverage

This protects your moped/scooter from non-collision events like wind, fire, theft, water, vandalism and storm damage — minus your deductible and up to the limits of your policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

This optional coverage helps protect you if you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. For example, if it's a hit-and-run accident or the other driver doesn't have any insurance — you would not have to pay out-of-pocket.

Carried Contents Coverage

Coverage for any belongings that are stolen or damaged while driving your moped/scooter.

Coverage Limits on Moped and Scooter Insurance

Just like motorcycle insurance, the limits for moped and scooter insurance depend on how much you want to pay. Typically, liability coverage is standard and you can get comprehensive, an OEM rider, uninsured/underinsured coverage and collision as optional coverage. You can get as much coverage as you want — if you're willing to pay higher premiums.

Insuring a moped will cost $75 to $250 per year.

It might sound more cost-efficient to get the bare minimum, but consider what you would have to pay out-of-pocket if you get in an accident or your moped/scooter gets stolen. Coverage requirements vary by state — it's recommended that you get liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. For basic motorcycle insurance, the minimum liability limits are $30,000 for each person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.

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Which States Require Moped & Scooter Insurance?

Each state has its own definition of mopeds and scooters. States like Georgia don't differentiate between motorcycles and scooters; generally, if your two-wheeled vehicle has an engine that's 50cc or greater, it's typically considered a motorcycle and requires insurance and registration. In states like Montana and Florida, if you are financing your scooter, you are required to have motorcycle insurance. 

Just like motorcycle insurance, the limits for moped and scooter insurance depend on how much you want to pay.

What's the Difference Between a Moped, Scooter and Motorcycle?

It's easy to see why people use the terms moped, scooter and motorcycle interchangeably; they are each smaller than a car, get better gas mileage and require little maintenance. However, there are a few key differences that set these motorbikes apart.

Insuring Your Scooter or Moped

Mopeds and scooters have become an increasingly popular way to travel within the city. They require less gas and maintenance, and their smaller frames make it easier to navigate through traffic and find parking spaces. Many states require motorcycle insurance, but regardless insurance can protect you from unexpected events.

SmartFinancial can help you zip along without fear of financial ruin if you hit debris, get hit by an uninsured motorist or even have your personal belongings stolen from your scooter/moped. Simply enter your zip code below and fill out a brief questionnaire to get free motorcycle insurance quotes in your area.