On 18th May 2010 the BBC reported that a disabled pensioner had been ordered to pay £13,000 in compensation after she hit and injured a shop worker on her mobility scooter.

More details of the case:

The BBC report states that a shop worker was hit by Mrs Brown’s mobility scooter and her knee was injured. In January this year the County Court in Denbighshire found Mrs Brown liable and ordered her to pay compensation and legal costs.

As the £13,000 is a very large amount of money, the Court agreed this week that Mrs Brown can pay the debt at £100 per month over the next 12 years. This will mean she does not have to sell her home in order to pay the compensation.

We understand Mrs Brown will appeal against the Court’s original decision.

This story really adds weight to the argument for having insurance when you are using your scooter.

If a scooter user has suitable insurance, then any accidents that they cause whilst using the scooter are covered and the insurance company pays any compensation awarded. Likewise if anything should happen to your scooter, be it where someone else is at fault or even if it is damage caused by bad weather, then you could be covered as well.

It is certainly food for thought, and too many cases are happening where someone is left seriously out of pocket after an accident. At City Mobility we always recommend that people take out suitable mobility scooter insurance.

As the law stands at the moment, you do not legally have to have insurance for your mobility scooter. There are good reasons to have insurance though:

• In case your scooter is damaged, or stolen.
• In case you cause an accident in your scooter, either to a pedestrian or property.
• We all think we are good drivers, but sometimes accidents do happen.

Mobility scooters can be expensive to buy and they are your link to mobility and independence. Insurance can mean you keep your independence in the event of something happening to your scooter.

Here is some information on mobility scooter insurance.

Types of insurance

• Third Party insurance – covers repairs and damage you have caused to other property/people.
• Insurance to cover repairs/damage to your scooter.

Typical Insurance Benefits – what does all the jargon mean?

• Any Driver – are YOU insured or is it your SCOOTER that is insured? With any driver policies, you can let other people drive your scooter with your permission and they are covered by your insurance.
• Accidental Damage – for example – are you covered if you back your car into your scooter and it is damaged, or if you drop paint all over your scooter?
• Fire Damage – are you covered if your scooter is damaged or destroyed by fire?
• Flood Damage – are you covered if your scooter is damaged or destroyed by flooding?
• Loss or damage caused by theft or attempted theft – what happens if someone steals your scooter either when it is parked at home, or while you are out?
• New for old replacement -  will you get a replacement with the same specification and value of the one you have insured?
• Public liability – if you have injured a member of the public, they may sue you for damages. Does your policy cover the cost of this? Some policies will cover you up to £2million for public liability.
• Get you home expenses – does your policy cover the cost of getting you home after an accident – remember you won’t be able to use your scooter if it is damaged.
• Excess - are you expected to pay the 1st part of any claim?
• No claims bonus - do you get a discount each year if you haven’t made a claim?
• World-wide cover – is your scooter covered for trips abroad?
• Temporary cover – this covers mobility equipment you have on loan while your scooter is being repaired or a new one delivered to you.
• Temporary hire cover – this covers equipment that you need to hire while your scooter is being repaired or a new one delivered to you.
• Storm Damage - does your policy cover any damage caused by storms?
• Personal Injury Benefit – what would be paid out if you are seriously injured or killed? Find out what injuries are covered.
• Personal effects cover – if any of your possessions are damaged or stolen in an accident or incident – are they covered?

Hopefully this list is helpful in understanding what your scooter insurance can cover, remember to always shop around to find the best deal for you.