Mobility Scooter & Powerchair Insurance Guide
Everything you need to know about protecting your mobility scooter or powerchair with comprehensive insurance from our exclusive partner, Mark Bates Ltd.
While mobility scooter insurance isn't always legally required, it's one of the best investments you can make to protect yourself financially and give you peace of mind when using your scooter.
Important Note
Even though insurance isn't legally required for Class 2 (4mph) scooters, you could still be held liable for any damage or injury you cause. Mark Bates Ltd provides public liability coverage to protect you from claims if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property.
Legal Requirements
Class 2 Scooters (4mph)
- Insurance Status: Not legally required
- But Consider: You're still liable for damage/injury caused
- Recommendation: Strongly advised to have at least third-party cover
Class 3 Scooters (8mph)
- Insurance Status: Not legally required but strongly recommended
- Road Use: Using on roads increases risk significantly
- Recommendation: Essential to have comprehensive coverage
Types of Insurance Coverage
Mark Bates Standard Cover
Comprehensive protection for mobility scooters and powerchairs valued up to £5,000.
What's Included:
- ✓ Loss or damage (fire, theft, storm, flood, accidental)
- ✓ New for old replacement (up to 2 years)
- ✓ Personal liability up to £2 million
- ✓ 24/7 National Breakdown Recovery
- ✓ Lost keys replacement
- ✓ Personal accident benefit (£1,000)
- ✓ Personal effects cover (£150)
- ✓ Temporary hire costs (£150)
- ✓ Worldwide coverage (90 days)
Note: Costs vary based on individual circumstances
Mark Bates Plus Cover
Enhanced protection with additional benefits for complete peace of mind.
Additional Plus Benefits:
- ✓ Everything from Standard Cover
- ✓ New for old replacement (up to 3 years)
- ✓ Personal liability up to £5 million
- ✓ Puncture repairs (£60, max 3/year)
- ✓ Legal expenses cover (£25,000)
- ✓ Manual wheelchair cover (£1,000)
- ✓ Alternative mobility vehicle (£3,000)
- ✓ Any driver coverage
- ✓ Enhanced limits (hire costs £300, personal effects £300)
Note: Costs vary based on individual circumstances
Important Exclusions
Understanding what's not covered is as important as knowing what is.
Key Exclusions:
- ✗ Unattended loss/damage (>1hr unless secured, >12hrs unless locked building)
- ✗ Theft/vandalism if key not removed when unattended
- ✗ Breakdown recovery if >50 miles from home
- ✗ Personal liability in USA or Canada
- ✗ Battery failure/tyre damage for breakdown (except Plus)
Additional Benefits Available:
- ✓ Hospitalisation benefit
- ✓ Mugging benefit
- ✓ Vet fees for injured pets
- ✓ Dental fees for injury
Note: Costs vary based on individual circumstances
What Affects Your Premium?
Factors That Increase Cost:
- ↑Higher value scooter
- ↑Class 3 (8mph) scooters
- ↑Previous claims
- ↑High crime area
- ↑No secure storage
Factors That Reduce Cost:
- ↓Security devices fitted
- ↓Locked garage storage
- ↓Limited mileage use
- ↓Higher voluntary excess
- ↓No claims discount
How to Make a Claim
If You're Involved in an Incident:
- 1
Ensure Safety First
Check if anyone is injured and call 999 if needed
- 2
Gather Information
Take photos, get witness details, note exact location and time
- 3
Exchange Details
Get names, addresses, and insurance details of all parties
- 4
Report to Police
If required (injury, damage to property, or road incident)
- 5
Contact Insurer
Report claim within 24-48 hours with all documentation
💡 Tip: Keep your insurance documents and a claim form with your scooter so you have all the information you need if an incident occurs.
Tips for Lower Premiums
1. Improve Security
Fit an approved alarm, immobiliser, or tracking device. Store in a locked garage or shed.
2. Increase Your Excess
Agreeing to pay more towards a claim can significantly reduce your premium.
3. Pay Annually
Paying upfront for the year is usually cheaper than monthly instalments.
4. Accurate Mileage
Don't overestimate how much you'll use your scooter - lower mileage means lower risk.
5. Shop Around
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, but ensure you're comparing like-for-like coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home insurance cover my mobility scooter?▼
Some home insurance policies may provide limited cover when your scooter is at home, but this rarely extends to use away from home or third-party liability. Always check your policy and consider dedicated scooter insurance for full protection.
What's the typical excess on scooter insurance?▼
Typical excess ranges from £50 to £250, depending on the insurer and level of cover. You can often choose a higher voluntary excess to reduce your premium, but ensure you can afford to pay it if you need to claim.
Am I covered abroad?▼
Most UK policies don't automatically cover foreign use. If you plan to take your scooter abroad, inform your insurer in advance. They may extend cover for an additional premium, typically for EU countries only.
What happens if I modify my scooter?▼
You must inform your insurer of any modifications, including aftermarket accessories, performance upgrades, or custom adaptations. Failure to declare modifications could invalidate your insurance.
Get Protected Today
NBR Mobility has partnered exclusively with Mark Bates Ltd to offer comprehensive mobility scooter and powerchair insurance. Get protected with their specialist coverage that includes accidental damage and 24/7 breakdown recovery as standard.
Insurance Partners
We work exclusively with Mark Bates Ltd, specialist mobility insurance brokers with a 5-star Trustpilot rating and over 14,000 reviews. Policies are underwritten by China Taiping Insurance (UK) Co Ltd.
Call NBR: 01379 651 600Mark Bates Direct: 01476 512 190Policy Options
- Equipment valued up to £5,000
- 12, 24 or 36 month policy terms
- Monthly payment options available
- Standard and Plus policy options
- Premier Club Rewards membership
Important Note
Mark Bates Premier Club
As a special thank you, all Mark Bates policy holders receive free access to the Premier Club Rewards, meaning huge savings on the biggest brands both on the high street and online.
Quick Quote Requirements:
- • Age of your equipment
- • Manufacturer
- • Purchase price
- • Place of purchase