Having auto insurance is a must for anyone on the road. This also applies to micromobility users–maybe even more so due to the fact that insurance coverage differs from regular vehicles to micromobility vehicles.
Having improper insurance coverage can lead to not being reimbursed in accident and injury situations to fines and other legal repercussions. Insurance that covers micromobility users also provides guidelines users must follow to stay safe and avoid legal or financial consequences.
Standard Auto Insurance Vs. Micromobility Insurance
Standard auto insurance and micromobility insurance differ primarily in terms of the types of vehicles they cover, the risks they address, and the specific coverage options they offer. Making sure your coverage plan includes micromobility devices (and all individual vehicles are properly insured) should be the first thing anyone does before taking a micrmobility device out on the road.
While it may seem confusing that standard automobile insurance and micrmobility insurance are different (they’re both vehicles on the road, right?), there are key differences that insurance companies need to provide coverage for. The biggest areas of vehicle insurance where standard automobiles and micromobility devices differ are as follows:
Vehicle Coverage
Standard Auto Insurance
Standard auto insurance covers traditional vehicles such as cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.
Micromobility Insurance
Micromobility insurance is designed for smaller, lightweight transportation options like electric scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and similar devices.
Risk Factors
Standard Auto Insurance
Standard auto insurance typically addresses risks related to motor vehicle accidents, collisions, property damage, bodily injury, and liability for vehicle operators.
Micromobility Insurance
Micromobility insurance focuses on the unique risks associated with micromobility devices, including accidents involving pedestrians, collisions with other micromobility users, and potential property damage.
Coverage Options & Plans
Standard Auto Insurance
Auto insurance offers various coverage options such as liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Micromobility Insurance
Micromobility insurance may include coverage for liability in case you cause injury or property damage to others while using a micromobility device. It could also provide coverage for damage to the device itself, medical expenses, and even theft or vandalism.
Costs & Premiums
Standard Auto Insurance
Premiums for standard auto insurance are based on factors such as the type of vehicle, its value, driving history, location, and coverage limits.
Micromobility Insurance
Micromobility insurance premiums are influenced by factors like the type of micromobility device, the coverage selected, and the location where the device is used.
Regulatory Differences
Standard Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is often legally required for motor vehicles and varies by jurisdiction. Minimum coverage requirements are mandated by law in many places.
Micromobility Insurance
The requirement for micromobility insurance varies widely by jurisdiction. Some areas might not require insurance for micromobility devices, while others might have specific regulations or insurance recommendations.
Shared Mobility Services
Micromobility insurance might also apply to users of shared mobility services, where insurance coverage might be provided by the service provider. However, it’s important to understand the scope of coverage in such cases.
Limits and Exclusions
Both standard auto insurance and micromobility insurance have specific coverage limits and exclusions. It’s important to carefully review your policy to understand what is covered and any limitations.
Stay Up-to-Date on Your Insurance Policies
The insurance landscape for micromobility devices is evolving as these modes of transportation become more popular. If you frequently use micromobility devices, it’s a good idea to research the insurance options available in your area and consider whether additional coverage might be beneficial to protect against potential risks and liabilities. Whenever you sign up for a new plan or a continuation of your existing coverage be sure to see if they cover any micromobility devices you plan on using.
Micromobility Coverage
Many people believe that using micromobility is especially dangerous due to the gray area that is some insurance coverage for scooters, eBikes, and other devices. The likelihood of insurance paying for accidents involving micromobility devices, however, is influenced by the insurance policies involved, the circumstances of each case, and the applicable laws.
The terms and conditions of insurance policies vary widely. Some traditional auto insurance policies might include coverage for accidents involving micromobility devices, especially if the accident was caused by the insured driver. Similarly, some micromobility insurance policies might cover accidents involving collisions with other vehicles. It’s important to carefully review your insurance policy to understand what is covered.
Insurance coverage often depends on who is at fault in an accident. If a driver of a traditional automobile is at fault for an accident involving a micromobility user, their auto insurance might cover the damages. Conversely, if a micromobility user is at fault, their own insurance (if they have one) might come into play.
Micromobility & Personal Injury
Personal injury claims resulting from accidents involving micromobility users can also vary. If a driver of a traditional automobile is responsible for causing injury to a micromobility user, their liability coverage might apply. However, proving fault and liability can be more complex in accidents involving micromobility users due to the different dynamics involved.
If you’re using micromobility devices frequently, it’s a good idea to explore insurance options and understand how coverage might apply in different scenarios.
Contact an Illinois Micromobility Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a micromobility accident, our experienced attorneys can help you receive compensation for the damages you have suffered. There is no fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
Get a free case review by calling 866-699-3339 or complete the case request form.