Do You Need Moped Insurance?
Any vehicle which contains an engine needs to be covered by an insurance policy. Mopeds are no exception to this rule. There are different types of moped insurance available and it is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that they are covered before riding their moped.
Types of Insurance:
Third party only – This is the most economical type of insurance. It covers the owner / rider of the moped for any damage or injury which they have done to others or to other people’s possessions whilst they are using the moped.
Fire and Theft – This type of insurance covers the owner if the moped is stolen or is set on fire, this also covers third parties.
Fully Comprehensive Cover – This is the most expensive type of moped insurance cover, but is the also most detailed. It covers third party, fire, theft, and also repairs for any damage done to the moped regardless of whether anyone else was involved.
Although the legal riding age for mopeds is lower than scooters or motorbikes, it is of vital importance to make sure that a valid insurance policy is in place for the moped. The insurance policy purchased should be from a reliable insurance company who can not only guarantee a good price on the policy, but can also guarantee an efficient, professional service should anything happen whilst the moped is in use. Most companies can give free estimates / quotes if you send them a simple email, or telephone them. They will take a few personal details and within a short period of time will provide a price for insurance cover for the moped.
If the rider is unsure as to what type of policy is most suitable for their own individual needs, then a brief conversation with an insurance specialist will clarify the situation. This will ensure that the insurance is not too expensive to be unaffordable, but at the same time will make sure that it meets all of the rider’s basic requirements. It will take into account such elements as where the moped is being stored when it is not in use, the location where it is being used, the proficiency of the rider, and how the moped is being used (e.g. is it being used daily for commuting or just at weekends for fun).
The price of the insurance policy will take into account the make and model of the moped as well as the age and proficiency of the rider.
Most insurance companies have terms and conditions which are attached to their insurance policies. Always read through these in full as they frequently give particular guidelines regarding storage of the vehicle (i.e. storing in a secure location), and also regarding road safety. This includes the use of lights and a safety helmet when using the moped.
The use of mopeds, scooters and motorbikes is gradually increasing due to the amount of traffic on the roads. Mopeds are an ideal way to learn to ride without progressing straight onto a high-powered heavy motorbike which can be quite intimidating for a learner.
Different locations around the world have different restrictions as to the amount of insurance required when riding a moped, but it is important to remember that even if it is legal to ride in a specific area without insurance, if anything happens then the rider is still responsible. Taking this into account it is better to have the knowledge that as a rider you are covered by a policy as a safety precaution in case something does go wrong.
Riding a moped can be an exhilarating and exciting experience, and insuring the vehicle will not take long at all. Insurance will give the rider peace of mind so that all they have to concentrate on is riding and having fun.
