Row of moped wheels

Insurance for a Moped or Scooter

Updated February 5, 2021 . AmFam Team

Moped or scooter insurance requirements vary by state. Learn about motorcycle insurance coverage for mopeds and scooters and get a quote from American Family.

Whether cruising to class, work or out for a leisurely ride, a moped or scooter is a convenient way to get from point A to point B — plus, they’re great on gas!

When you hit the road, you have your helmet and other riding gear ready to go, but you’ll want to make sure you have that extra layer of protection in place — motorcycle insurance.

Is it required to have insurance for a moped or scooter? Let’s find out.


What’s the Difference between a Moped and Scooter?

First, let’s take a look at the difference between a moped and scooter, which are often interchangeable terms, but rather different in terms of speed and power — which affects your coverage requirements.

Moped

A moped is a low-power motorcycle with engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less. Mopeds originally contained pedals so they could be foot or engine powered, but most modern mopeds no longer have pedals. They typically have a step-through frame and an automatic transmission.

Though some states allow mopeds to be operated by persons younger than the minimum age required for a driver’s license, any operator without a driver’s license is not eligible for insurance coverage.

Scooter

The term moped is often used interchangeably with the term scooter, however a scooter is actually legally considered a motorcycle. A scooter was created to retain the step-through frame and automatic transmission that appeal to moped riders, but they rival motorcycles in terms of speed and power, with an engine displacement that exceeds 50 cubic centimeters.

Ever wonder which kind of motorcycle is best for you? Whether it’s a moped, scooter or a standard cruiser, you can find out your motorcycle style here. At American Family, some of the common types of mopeds and scooters that we insure include:

  • Honda Ruckus 50
  • Yamaha Zuma 50
  • Vespa Primavera 150
  • Honda PCX150
  • Suzuki Burgman 605 Executive
  • Honda Metropolitan 50
  • Suzuki Burgman 400
  • Yamaha Zuma 125
  • Yamaha Vino 125
  • Honda Silver Wing 600

Am I Required to Have Insurance for My Moped or Scooter?

Your state is the major determining factor in mandating scooter insurance coverage, since specific requirements vary state by state. But, generally speaking, if your two-wheeled whip has an engine of at least 50 cubic centimeters or a top speed of 30 mph, you’ll be required to carry motorcycle insurance.

If you lease or finance your moped or scooter, your lender will likely need you to have insurance until it’s paid off. Protecting the things you love is a smart idea, especially the expensive ones. Even when state laws don’t require you to have scooter insurance, if an uninsured driver damages your bike, you’ll be glad you picked up coverage.

And if you’re found at fault for an accident, the right coverage can help protect your finances from liability claims and other losses. So be sure to talk to your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) about coverage required in your state — and ask about other insurance options for your moped or scooter, to help you protect more of your hard-earned money.

How Much Does Moped & Scooter Insurance Cost?

So how much is scooter insurance? And how much is moped insurance, while we’re at it? Much like auto coverage, it all depends on a wide array of factors — both personal and external — that can impact the price of your premium.

From the value of your motorbike, to its age, to your driving record and location, scooter insurance costs can shift from one rider to the next. So be sure to reach out to your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) for a customized quote. You'll find real peace of mind when you're out and about with our great coverage on board. 

What Are the Benefits of Having Moped & Scooter Insurance?

There are a lot of great reasons to get moped and scooter insurance coverage. Like auto coverage, if you’ve taken a loan out on the purchase of your ride, motorcycle insurance for mopeds may be required by your lender. You’ll also have key financial protection against theft or damage. The bodily injury coverage portion of your policy can help pay for medical bills for you or others, if you’re found liable for an incident.

Scooter insurance can also help pay for expensive repairs if you were to damage other vehicles. After meeting your deductible, you’ll be covered to your policy’s limit. And that can make a big difference when your savings are on the line.

Types of Scooter & Moped Insurance Coverages

Whether you own your scooter outright, or you’re still making payments, moped insurance coverage can make a big difference when the unexpected happens. Take a look at some of the types of coverage we offer and be sure to discuss the benefits of each with your agent (Opens in a new tab).

Comprehensive and collision insurance protection

Our moped or scooter insurance coverage can help you repair or replace your motorcycle with collision coverage for crashes, and comprehensive coverage in the event of theft, fire and storms that result from a covered loss, after meeting your deductible.

Liability coverage

If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property, our motorcycle liability insurance coverage can help keep you financially protected.

Gear protection coverage

You’ll have coverage for your boots, helmet and other riding gear if they need repair or replacement due to a covered loss.

Earned accident forgiveness

When you and all the other drivers on your policy have all been accident-free for five consecutive years, you can switch to us and your first accident won’t cause a rate increase. That can mean a lot — regardless of how much your claim comes to.*

Find the Right Moped or Scooter Coverage

At American Family Insurance, we offer protection for all kinds of models, including standard motorcycles, mopeds and motorized scooters — take a look at our motorcycle coverage to get a better idea of how you can stay financially protected on the open road.

*Must have no major traffic violations in the household to be eligible. No at-fault accidents or major violations in three years if you live in CO,KS or OR.

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