Electric skateboards have gained popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, just like any other mode of transportation, accidents can happen.
This raises an important question for electric skateboard riders: what kind of insurance coverage do they need to protect themselves and their assets?.
1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Personal injury protection insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident.
It is essential for electric skateboard riders to have PIP insurance because accidents can result in serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments. Having PIP insurance ensures that riders can get the necessary medical attention without worrying about the financial burden.
2. Liability Insurance
Liability insurance protects electric skateboard riders from legal and financial liability in case they cause an accident that results in injury or property damage to others.
This type of insurance covers the injured party’s medical expenses, property repairs, and legal fees. Liability insurance is crucial because accidents can happen due to the rider’s negligence or a mechanical failure of the skateboard.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection to electric skateboard riders in the event that they are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Since electric skateboards share the road with other vehicles, there is always a risk of being involved in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance coverage. This type of insurance ensures that riders are not financially burdened if they are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
4. Property Damage Insurance
Property damage insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement for any property damaged in an accident.
For electric skateboard riders, this coverage is particularly important as accidents can damage not only their skateboard but also other people’s property, such as cars, buildings, or infrastructure. Having property damage insurance helps riders avoid significant financial liabilities for any property damage they may cause.
5. Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage provides coverage for damages to the electric skateboard that are not caused by an accident with another vehicle. This includes damages from vandalism, theft, fire, or natural disasters.
Electric skateboards can be valuable investments, and having comprehensive coverage ensures that riders can repair or replace their skateboard in case of such incidents.
6. MedPay Insurance
MedPay insurance, short for medical payments insurance, covers medical expenses for the rider and any passengers in case of an accident.
This coverage is beneficial for electric skateboard riders as injuries can occur even without another vehicle involved. MedPay insurance ensures that riders can receive medical treatment without worrying about the high costs that may arise.
7. Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage above and beyond the limits of other existing policies.
In the case of electric skateboard riders, umbrella insurance can offer extra protection if they are involved in a severe accident that exceeds the limits of their liability coverage. It acts as a safety net to protect the rider’s assets and future earnings.
8. Rental Insurance
If electric skateboard riders rent their skateboards from a rental company, it is essential to consider rental insurance. Rental insurance covers the cost of damages or theft that may occur while using a rented electric skateboard.
Without rental insurance, riders may be held responsible for all repair or replacement costs, which can be substantial.
9. Extended Warranty Insurance
Extended warranty insurance is an optional coverage that can be beneficial for electric skateboard riders. This type of insurance provides extended warranty protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
It covers repairs and replacements for mechanical failures, ensuring that riders are not left with expensive repair bills after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
10. Cyber Liability Insurance
As electric skateboards often come with advanced technology, such as smartphone connectivity or GPS tracking, riders should consider cyber liability insurance.
Cyber liability insurance protects against cyber-attacks, data breaches, and identity theft that may occur through the electric skateboard’s technology. This coverage can help riders recover financially from any loss or legal damages resulting from such incidents.