Scooter insurance has gaps

INSURANCE coverage for mobility scooters has worrying gaps in it, according to the Australian Lawyers Alliance.

Andrew Stone, NSW president of the ALA, said these gaps meant injuries caused by mobility scooters could leave the injured person unable to recover damages and the scooter rider financially vulnerable to significant compensation claims.

“There are insurance gaps between public liability and motor vehicle insurance and potential gaps between Compulsory Third Party insurance and public liability insurance,” Mr Stone said. “Consistent national standards would help solve this problem.

“At present some motorised scooters are covered in relation to some accidents. However, that coverage is an inconsistent patchwork. There is also insufficient public information available about insurance arrangements for mobility scooters.

“Some mobility scooter riders may be covered by the public liability extension on a domestic home and contents policy,” Mr Stone said. “However, the existence of this coverage is effectively random as far as the victim is concerned and has its limits.”

Mr Stone recommends scooter owners should:

● Check what they are covered for under their existing insurance cover by talking to their home and contents insurance provider.

● Ask the insurer if the policy includes third party injury and third party property cover.

● Seek advice from specialist insurance companies who provide mobility scooter insurance.

● Check state rules and regulations on scooter ownership.