Moped Insurance

Learn Your State's Moped Insurance Requirements

Before calling an insurance provider for an insurance quote, you'll need to know the following:

• Your state's insurance requirements. You can easily obtain this information from your DMV office, or by calling your state's insurance department. If your state requires moped insurance coverage, you'll need to meet, at the very least, the minimum amounts.

• Your moped's engine size. Most states use 50 cc as the "demarcation line." If your moped's engine is 50 cc or larger, your moped will be classified a motorcycle and require motorcycle insurance. But if the engine is below 50 cc, you'll only need to follow your state's moped insurance requirements if, of course, such laws exist. (HINT: This is also a good time to find out how your state draws the line between mopeds and scooters.

Once you have this information, you'll have a tighter grasp on what type of insurance coverage you need or want to carry.

Moped Insurance Coverage

Your state will be the major determining factor in deciding coverage. In New York, for example, speed determines insurance―mopeds that can exceed 20 mph must carry liability coverage―but for all bikes that can't top the 20 mph mark, insurance is your decision.

If you reside in an insurance-optional state, carrying coverage is highly recommended. Especially if you operate your moped in heavy city traffic. At the very least you should consider carrying medical payment (MedPay) coverage.

Regardless if insurance is required or not, most providers will make the following coverage options available:

• Liability for bodily injury. This will financially protect you should you hit a pedestrian or a bicyclist.

• Liability for property damage. Though mopeds aren't known for inflicting heavy damage upon cars or fences, it's always wise to carry this kind of insurance.

• Collision coverage. This will pay for damages to your moped, regardless of fault.

• Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive is an important coverage to carry when riding in a city. This will protect you against theft and vandalism.

• Uninsured/Underinsured coverage. If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your medical and damage expenses will be covered. Not all states offer this option to moped riders.

• Medical Payments (MedPay). This will cover medical costs regardless of fault.

As you can see, these are many of the same coverage types you'd find in a regular auto or motorcycle insurance policy.

Keep in mind that many providers place stipulations on moped insurance coverage. Depending on the provider this may include wearing a helmet or equipping your bike with reflectors and lights.

Shopping for Moped Insurance

Shopping for moped insurance is no different than shopping for car insurance. The more quotes you compare, the better your chances of finding insurance coverage that fits your budget and riding situation.

Be sure to ask about discounts. Providers may apply discounts for:

• Maintaining a clean driving record.

• Bundling other existing polices―homeowners, rent, car―with moped coverage.

• Completing a safe riding course. Though more common with motorcycles, courses for mopeds may exist in your area.

• Age.

• Anti-theft devices.