Do I need motorcycle insurance for my scooter?
By Allstate
Last updated: January 1
Some insurance companies cover scooters under motorcycle insurance policies. Others write specific scooter insurance policies. How do you know whether scooter insurance is required in your state? In general, if your scooter's engine is 50 cubic centimeters (cc) or larger, your state may require you to insure it.
Each state defines and regulates "scooters" a bit differently, often based on engine size. And scooters can have a wide range of engine sizes. For example, a small scooter may have a 50 cc engine, while a large scooter may be 650 cc and above, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Check with your local insurance agent to see if insurance is required for your particular scooter.
What type of insurance coverage do I need?
It's smart to understand what coverages are available to help protect you and your scooter. Here are some of the basics:
Liability coverage
As with cars, drivers in most states are required to carry minimum amounts of liability coverage. There are two types of liability coverage:
- Bodily injury liability: Helps pay for someone else's medical expenses if you cause an accident that injures them.
- Property damage liability: Helps pay for repairs if you cause an accident that damages someone else's property.
Learn more: What type of motorcycle insurance do I need?
Collision coverage
If you collide with another vehicle, or another object such as a fence, collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your scooter.
Comprehensive coverage
This coverage helps pay to repair or replace your scooter if it's damaged in an incident that's not a collision. Covered losses may include fire, vandalism or theft.
Read more: Collision and comprehensive coverage: Motorcycle insurance that protects your bike
Uninsured motorist coverage
If you're hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance, this coverage may help pay for your medical bills or, in some states, for repairs to your scooter.
Learn more: What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection (not available in all states)
Medical payments coverage helps pay for your medical bills if you're injured in an accident on your scooter. Similarly, personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for your medical bills after an accident. PIP also helps cover lost wages if you're unable to work after an accident.
Read more: Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection for motorcyclists
Finally, it's important to know that all insurance coverages have a limit, which is the maximum amount your policy will pay after a covered claim. Additionally, some coverages have a deductible, which is the amount you'll pay out of pocket toward a covered claim.
Read more: What are insurance limits, premiums and deductibles?
Need help deciding what coverages might make sense for you and your scooter? Talk to a local agent for more information.