Scooters and mopeds used to be a European trend that was seldom seen in the United States. However, in recent years scooters have crossed into the country as a way to decrease travel costs and increase efficiently. Scooter sales have increased over 20 percent from last year. Today, a new scooter may be purchased for as low as $1,000.
Scooters are becoming increasing popular for several reasons. With high gas prices, big city traffic, and the always tumultuous parking, scooters may be preferred by everyone from teenagers to retirees. Many scooters can top over 100 miles per gallon. For those commuting in and around the city, it is easy to see why these small, lightweight, and fuel-efficient mopeds are gaining traction. Not only are scooters cheaper to fuel than a gas-guzzling SUV, but they may decrease your insurance costs as well.
Scooters are not typically covered by a general auto policy and generally require a specific motorcycle or scooter-specific policy. While motorcycles are drastically different from scooters in many ways, insurance rates are not always determined by horsepower. In some states, scooters are considered motorcycles. In this case, it is required to obtain a motorcycle insurance policy.
Scooter insurance is one of the most affordable policies on the market. Depending on the size of the scooter and other factors surrounding the driver, a policy may be as low as $100 per year.
When selecting a scooter insurance policy, be sure that it includes three basic components: physical damage, liability, and uninsured/underinsured driver protection. Although a scooter may carry a lower price tag than a vehicle, the insurance policy should not be any less comprehensive. Liability coverage protects your assets against the damage your scooter does to others, and you will want the same level of protection regardless of what you are driving.
Some auto or homeowner’s policies may offer a rider policy, to add on scooter insurance to an existing policy, but this may not be the best option. Homeowner policies rarely offer liability coverage for scooters, and those that do will not offer medical insurance or uninsured and underinsured protection. In order to get a policy which includes all the necessary coverage, it’s important to obtain a policy specifically intended for your scooter.
In addition, many scooter policies may cover safety gear such as helmets, pads, and etc. This safety equipment can be expensive to purchase, and so using an insurance policy to have adequate gear is another way to save on your new scooter.
Whether you prefer old-school mopeds, a fashionable Vespa or the latest three-wheel Piaggio, there is a scooter to match your style. Just be sure to protect your new asset with a motorcycle insurance policy created especially for a scooter.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+