Moped insurance typically costs between $100 and $300 per year, though your actual rate depends on your age, location, driving record, and the moped's engine size

A moped under 50cc often costs less to insure than a full motorcycle because most states classify it differently for insurance purposes. Riders under 25 pay roughly double what riders over 40 pay for the same coverage. Location matters sharply — urban areas with more theft and accidents run higher than rural ones. The difference between a basic liability-only policy and one that includes collision and comprehensive coverage can be $50 to $150 per year.

Your insurance company will ask for your moped's engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc), the year it was made, and whether you've taken a safety course. Some insurers offer discounts of 5 to 15 percent for completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or for bundling moped insurance with a car or home policy. A few carriers specialize in small-displacement bikes and may quote lower than national companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Moped insurance costs between $100 and $300 yearly for basic liability, with rates climbing if you add collision or comprehensive coverage.
  • Riders under 25 typically pay two to three times more than older riders, and urban locations cost significantly more than rural areas.
  • A Motorcycle Safety Foundation course can lower your rate by 5 to 15 percent and is required by some states before you can ride.
  • Engine size matters: a 50cc moped may may have access to for cheaper rates than a 150cc model, and some states treat them as motorized bicycles rather than motorcycles.
  • Bundling moped insurance with car or home coverage often saves money, and some insurers specialize in small bikes and quote lower than national carriers.

How state classification affects what you pay

States define mopeds differently, and that definition changes your insurance cost. Some states classify a moped as anything under 50cc and treat it like a motorized bicycle — meaning you may only need liability coverage, not collision. Other states use 49cc or 50cc as the cutoff but require the same coverage as a motorcycle. A few states don't regulate moped insurance at all, leaving it to the insurer's judgment.

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the legal definition and what coverage is mandatory. If your moped is 50cc or under and your state treats it as a motorized bicycle, you'll find cheaper policies because fewer insurers write them and those that do price them lower. If your state requires motorcycle-level coverage, you'll pay closer to what a 125cc motorcycle costs. Check your state's rules before shopping — an insurer in one state may not even write policies in another.

What coverage types cost and what they cover

Liability coverage is mandatory in every state and covers damage or injury you cause to someone else. It's the cheapest part of a moped policy, often $40 to $80 per year for basic limits. Most states require a minimum of 15/30/5 (meaning $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, $5,000 for property damage), though you can buy higher limits for a few dollars more.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your moped if you hit something or crash, minus your deductible. It typically costs $30 to $100 per year depending on your moped's value and your deductible choice. A $500 deductible costs less than a $250 deductible. Comprehensive coverage pays for theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes — usually $20 to $60 per year. Many riders skip comprehensive on older mopeds worth under $1,000 because the premium isn't worth the payout.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver injures you. It costs $10 to $30 per year and is required in some states. Medical payments coverage pays your medical bills after a crash regardless of fault, running $5 to $20 per year. Most riders add it because the cost is low and emergency room visits are expensive.

Age, driving record, and safety course discounts

Insurers charge younger riders more because accident and injury rates are higher. A 20-year-old typically pays $200 to $400 per year for basic coverage, while a 45-year-old pays $80 to $150 for identical coverage. The gap narrows after age 25 and continues to narrow through your 30s and 40s. If you're under 18, some insurers won't write a policy at all; others require parental co-signature and charge premiums 50 percent higher than adult rates.

A clean driving record — no accidents, no tickets — keeps your rate at the base quote. One at-fault accident can raise it 20 to 40 percent for three years. A speeding ticket adds 10 to 20 percent. A DUI or reckless driving conviction can double your rate or get you dropped entirely. Some insurers forgive one minor violation after three years of clean driving.

A Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course costs $150 to $300 and takes one or two days. Most insurers discount your premium by 5 to 15 percent if you complete one, which pays for the course in one or two years. Some states require the course before you can ride; others make it optional but cheaper. A few insurers waive the discount if you already have motorcycle endorsement on your license.

How moped value and engine size change your rate

A brand-new $3,000 moped costs more to insure than a five-year-old $800 moped because the replacement cost is higher. Collision and comprehensive premiums scale with the bike's actual cash value — what an insurer would pay you if it were totaled today. A $500 moped might have $15 per year in comprehensive coverage; a $2,500 moped might have $50 per year for the same deductible.

Engine displacement (cc) affects both the base rate and the types of coverage available. A 50cc moped qualifies for cheaper rates in most states because it's slower and less powerful. A 150cc model sits in a gray zone — some insurers treat it as a moped, others as a motorcycle. A 250cc or larger is almost always rated as a motorcycle and costs 30 to 50 percent more. Check your moped's title or owner's manual for the exact cc rating before you call for a quote.

Where to get quotes and what information to have ready

National carriers like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive write moped policies in most states, though their rates vary widely. Specialty insurers like Dairyland, Acceptance, and Nationwide often quote lower on small bikes. Local independent agents can shop multiple insurers at once and sometimes find better rates than you'd find calling directly.

Before you call or go online, gather: your moped's year, make, model, and VIN (vehicle identification number); your driver's license number; your driving history for the past three to five years; and the coverage limits you want. If you've taken an MSF course, have the completion certificate handy. If you're bundling with car or home insurance, have that policy number. Getting quotes from at least three insurers takes 15 to 30 minutes and can save $50 to $100 per year.

Online quote tools at major insurers' websites give you a preliminary number in minutes, but you'll need to call or chat with an agent to lock in a rate. Some insurers require a phone call for moped quotes because they're less common than car policies. Ask each insurer whether they offer discounts for safety courses, bundling, automatic payment, or paying the full year upfront — these can add up to 20 to 30 percent off the base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance if my moped is under 50cc?

It depends on your state. Most states require liability insurance on any motorized vehicle, even a 50cc moped. A few states exempt mopeds under 50cc if they're registered as motorized bicycles rather than motorcycles. Check your state's DMV website or call your local registration office to confirm what's required before you ride.

Will my car insurance cover my moped?

No. Car insurance policies exclude motorcycles and mopeds. You need a separate motorcycle or moped policy. Some insurers offer a discount if you bundle moped insurance with your car policy, but the moped must be on its own separate policy with its own premium.

What happens if I get in an accident without insurance?

You'll be liable for all medical bills, property damage, and legal costs out of your own pocket. You may face fines, license suspension, or both, depending on your state. If the other person sues, a judgment can follow you for years and lead to wage garnishment or asset seizure.

Can I get a lower rate by taking a safety course after I've already bought insurance?

Yes. Most insurers explore the discount retroactively or at your next renewal. Complete the course, send your completion certificate to your insurer, and ask them to adjust your policy. The discount typically takes effect within a few days to a week.

Does my moped insurance cover me if I'm riding someone else's moped?

Usually not. Most policies cover only the specific moped listed on the policy. If you ride someone else's moped regularly, ask your insurer about adding it to your policy or ask the owner whether their policy covers other riders. Riding an uninsured moped is illegal in most states.