Moped insurance typically costs between $100 and $300 per year, though the actual amount depends on your age, location, the moped's engine size, and what coverage you choose
The price you pay is not set by a single formula. An 16-year-old insuring a 50cc moped in an urban area will pay far more than a 40-year-old with the same moped in a rural state. Some states require only liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to someone else), while others mandate additional protections. A few states do not require moped insurance at all if your moped is under a certain engine size — usually 50cc — but that does not mean you should skip it.
The best way to understand your own cost is to contact insurers directly with your specific details: your age, where you live, the moped's make and model, and how often you plan to ride. Most insurers can give you a quote in minutes, and rates vary enough between companies that comparing three or four is worth the time.
Key Takeaways
- Moped insurance costs range from roughly $100 to $300 yearly, but your actual rate depends on your age, location, the moped's engine size, and the coverage type you select.
- Some states do not require insurance for mopeds under 50cc, but carrying it anyway protects you if you cause an accident or your moped is stolen or damaged.
- Liability coverage is the minimum in most states and covers damage you cause to others; comprehensive and collision coverage protect your own moped.
- Getting quotes from multiple insurers takes minutes and can reveal significant price differences for the same coverage.
- Discounts for safety courses, bundling with car insurance, or paying in full upfront can lower your annual premium.
How your age and location affect the price
Insurance companies charge more for riders under 25 because accident rates are higher in that age group. A teenager insuring their first moped will pay substantially more than a 50-year-old with a clean riding record. Some insurers will not cover riders under 16 at all, or will charge rates that make insurance impractical.
Your location matters because it determines the likelihood of theft, vandalism, and accidents. Urban areas with heavy traffic and higher theft rates produce higher premiums than rural areas. State-level regulations also vary: some states have minimum liability limits that are higher than others, which raises the baseline cost. If you live in a state with no moped insurance requirement, you may find fewer insurers willing to quote you, which can actually make coverage harder to find even though it is not legally required.
The difference between liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage
Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else — their medical bills, their vehicle repair, their property. It is the only coverage required by law in most states. The minimum limits vary by state, typically ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 per person for bodily injury. Liability is the cheapest part of your premium because the insurer is not protecting your own moped.
Comprehensive coverage protects your moped from damage that is not caused by a collision: theft, vandalism, weather, fire, or hitting an animal. Collision coverage pays for damage to your moped when you crash, regardless of who is at fault. Together, these are called "full coverage." They cost more than liability alone, but if you financed or leased your moped, the lender will require you to carry them.
If you own your moped outright and it is older or inexpensive, you may decide the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage is not worth it. If your moped is newer or you cannot afford to replace it out of pocket, full coverage makes financial sense.
Why rates differ between insurance companies
Each insurer uses its own formula to calculate risk. One company may weight your age heavily; another may focus on your riding history or the specific moped model. Some insurers specialize in motorcycle and moped coverage and may offer better rates than a general auto insurer. Others have partnerships with safety organizations and offer discounts for completing a rider course.
The same moped, the same rider, and the same coverage can cost $120 at one company and $200 at another. This is why getting quotes from at least three insurers is standard practice. Many insurers let you quote online in under five minutes, and you do not need to commit to anything.
Discounts that can lower your premium
Most insurers offer a discount — typically 5 to 15 percent — if you complete a motorcycle or moped safety course. These courses teach defensive riding and accident prevention, and insurers recognize that graduates have lower accident rates. The course itself usually costs $50 to $150 and takes a few hours, so the discount often pays for itself in the first year.
Bundling your moped insurance with car insurance or home insurance often reduces the total cost for both policies. Paying your premium in full upfront instead of in monthly installments can also earn a small discount. Some insurers offer discounts for good driving records, for installing anti-theft devices on your moped, or for low annual mileage.
What happens if your state does not require moped insurance
A handful of states do not mandate insurance for mopeds under a certain engine size — often 50cc. This does not mean you are protected if you cause an accident; it means you are personally liable for all damages. If you hit someone's car or injure a pedestrian, you could be sued for medical bills, vehicle repair, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A single accident can result in a judgment against you for tens of thousands of dollars.
Even in states where moped insurance is not required, carrying at least liability coverage is a practical safeguard. The annual cost is low enough that the protection outweighs the risk of going uninsured. If you finance your moped through a dealer or bank, they will require you to carry full coverage regardless of state law.
How to get a quote and what information you will need
Contact an insurer online, by phone, or through an agent. Have ready your date of birth, your state of residence, the moped's year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), and your riding history — any accidents, tickets, or claims from the past three to five years. If you have completed a safety course, have the certificate or course name available.
Most insurers will ask how you plan to use the moped: commuting to work, recreational riding, or both. They may also ask whether you store it in a garage or outside. These details affect your rate. Once you have quotes from multiple companies, compare not just the price but what coverage each quote includes — the liability limits, whether comprehensive and collision are offered, and what discounts are already applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance if my moped is under 50cc?
It depends on your state. Some states do not require insurance for mopeds under 50cc, but that does not protect you financially if you cause an accident. Carrying liability coverage is still a practical choice because the annual cost is low and the risk of a lawsuit is real.
Will my car insurance cover me if I ride a moped?
No. Car insurance does not cover motorcycles or mopeds. You need a separate moped or motorcycle policy. Some insurers offer discounts if you bundle moped insurance with your car policy, but the coverage itself is separate.
What is the cheapest way to insure a moped?
Liability-only coverage is the cheapest option. Completing a safety course and paying your premium in full upfront can lower the cost further. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential because rates vary significantly for the same coverage.
Does my moped insurance cover me if someone else rides it?
Most policies cover anyone riding with your permission, but some have restrictions on who can ride. Check your policy documents or ask your insurer. If you regularly let someone else ride your moped, tell your insurer — they may adjust your rate or coverage.
Can I get moped insurance if I have had accidents or tickets?
Yes, but your rate will be higher. Insurers consider your riding history, and accidents or traffic violations increase your premium. Some insurers specialize in coverage for riders with less-than-perfect records, so getting quotes from multiple companies is especially important in your situation.