Do You Need A Separate Insurance Policy For An Electric Scooter?
In the UK, electric scooter insurance is plentiful and affordable. However, scooters are relatively new in the US, and as such are not yet fully regulated. Scooters currently fall into a grey area, somewhere between bicycles and motorcycles. This nebulous legal definition makes it difficult to find an insurer. Most insurance companies do not recognize the electric motor scooter as a separate category of vehicle, although a few will write a motorcycle policy for a scooter. Some bicycle insurance companies are also willing to cover scooters.
As electric scooter law is new and has not been specifically addressed in most municipalities, it is always best to err on the side of caution. When you purchase your new scooter, call the local DMV and inquire whether your scooter must be registered and/or insured. If insurance is required, the DMV may be able to point you in the direction of a local company. Assuming that insurance is not required by law, as is usually the case, separate electric scooter insurance is generally unnecessary.
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Check your current homeowners or renters insurance policy. Often these policies cover loss or damage to your personal property anywhere in the world, subject to certain restrictions and exclusions. The Personal Liability portion of this coverage may protect you if you are liable for an accident that occurs while using your scooter. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent, as you may need to increase your level of coverage in order to include your scooter.
If you are injured while using your electric scooter, your current automobile insurance might cover your expenses. Policies vary widely, however, so it is best to call your insurance company and ask. Of course, if you have health insurance, that company will normally pay first and then go after any other companies that may be involved.
Despite the inherent risks, separate electric scooter insurance is normally not required in the United States. Only a few localities specifically regulate electric scooters. In most cases, both your scooter and any possible liability can be covered by your homeowners or renters policy. Any medical bills you accrue will be paid by your health insurance, possibly in tandem with your auto insurance.
As electric scooters become more popular in the United States, laws will likely be written that apply to scooters in particular. Depending on the new laws, dedicated scooter insurance companies may open, writing policies that are specifically designed to protect scooter owners under the new legal guidelines. In the UK, where scooters have been popular for many years, scooter insurance is common and inexpensive. The United States may eventually follow the UK’s lead. For now, however, the best option for electric scooter insurance is a combination of already extant policies.