Do You Need Insurance for a Motorcycle, Moped or Scooter?
The lure of the open road drives many to purchase a motorcycle. Still others enjoy the convenience of commuting to work on a moped or scooter.
But while you’re looking forward to getting around on two wheels, it’s important to keep safety at the forefront of your plans. Good habits include wearing a helmet, enrolling in a safety course if you’re a beginner and making sure you’ve got the proper riding gear.
Get Motorcycle Insurance Before Your Ride
It’s also critical that you invest in insurance for your motorcycle, scooter or moped before you hit the road. Some people mistakenly think they don’t need insurance if they don’t ride as often as they drive their car. Others think it’s okay to ride uninsured if they’re only traveling through rural or so-called “low traffic” areas.
But here’s the reality:
All riders must be prepared for the unexpected. Having insurance means you’re ready for whatever happens whether you’re riding around town or along a country road. Here are a few of the reasons why it makes sense to invest in insurance for your motorcycle, scooter or moped.
Having Insurance Is the Law in Most States
Most states require a minimum of liability insurance. In fact, it is often required before you can register your motorcycle and obtain a license plate from the DMV. Liability is also required for most mopeds and scooters with an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters or larger and that reach speeds of 30 miles per hour or faster.1
This type of coverage pays for damages for which you are found to be at fault in an accident. There are two broad categories of liability insurance:2
- Bodily injury: covers medical costs and lost wages for injured persons
- Property: damage to another person’s vehicle and/or personal property
Missouri Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Most states further subdivide bodily injury to include minimum coverage per person and minimum coverage per accident. In Missouri, minimum liability requirements are expressed by the formula “25/50/10.” This means:2
- $25,000 of bodily injury per person
- $50,000 of bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 of property damage per accident
It’s also a good idea to buy more than the state-required minimums in case someone sues you over an accident in which you were involved. If you plan to carry passengers on your vehicle, you’ll want to add passenger coverage. Finally, be sure to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.3
Compare & Consider Additional Types of Motorcycle Insurance
Liability insurance doesn’t cover injuries to you or damage to your bike. You can address these risks by adding other types of coverage to your motorcycle, moped or scooter policy.
1. Medical Payments for Motorcycle Accidents
Medical payments coverage helps with the cost of medical bills if you are injured in an accident. Personal injury coverage may also help with other losses such as lost wages should you need to take time off work to recuperate.3
2. Collision Coverage for Mopeds, Scooters, & Motorcycles
As noted above, liability insurance also doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle if you are involved in an accident. Collision coverage will help with the cost of repairs to a motorcycle, moped or scooter.4
3. Comprehensive Coverage for Motorcycle Damages
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been a deterrent to motorcycle thieves. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that 53,111 motorcycles were reported stolen in the U.S. in 2020.5
This is a great example of why you should also purchase comprehensive coverage. It covers hazards other than those stemming from a traffic accident. Examples include:4
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Storm damage
In addition to comprehensive coverage, there are other optional coverages you can choose to add to your policy:3
- Trip interruption: covers lodging, food and other costs if your bike is disabled in a collision when you are far from home
- Custom parts and accessories coverage: for items like saddlebags, chrome parts and personal touches you add to customize the vehicle
- Transport trailer coverage: if you use one to tow your bike behind a car
- Roadside assistance: helps if your bike breaks down on the side of the road
Get Cheap Motorcycle Insurance by Qualifying for Discounts
When you purchase insurance for your motorcycle, moped or scooter, you’ll want to ask about special discounts you may qualify for.
One way to save is to buy a lay-up policy if you don’t plan to ride during the winter. This type of policy suspends all coverage except for comprehensive. In other words, you’ll still be protected in case of theft, vandalism or weather damage, but other types of coverage will be inactive until spring.3
Another opportunity is to bundle multiple policies with the same insurer. For example, if you already have home, auto and/or renter’s insurance through the same carrier, you can often get a lower rate by insuring your motorcycle, scooter or moped with them.4
Finally, here are a few other things to ask about that may qualify you for special discounts:
- Take a driver training course
- Take a permit and drivers’ test to have your drivers’ license endorsed as motorcycle qualified
- Maintain a good driving record
Insurance for Motorcycles, Scooters, & Mopeds in Springfield and Branson, MO
At The Resource Center, our local agents are here to assist you with all of your insurance needs. If you need an insurance policy for your motorcycle, scooter or moped, give us a call at 417-882-1800 or reach out to us online. We’ll help you select the policy that best fits your needs and your budget.
Sources:
1: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/moped-and-scooter-insurance/
2: https://www.valuepenguin.com/do-you-need-motorcycle-insurance
3: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/motorcycle-insurance/
4: https://www.answerfinancial.com/insurance-center/5-reasons-why-you-need-motorcycle-insurance/
5: https://www.nicb.org/motorcycle-thefts-surge-30-percent-2020
