Motor Scooters: 3 Times More Women Get Insurance Quotes

As the ink dries on President Obama’s order to release 20 million barrels from the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserves, Americans are taking unique measures of their own in order to save at the pump.

According to Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate, insurance quotes for motor scooters have risen dramatically, with women leading the buying trend. Almost three times more women requested quotes for scooter insurance in 2010 versus men, Allstate reports.

The Motorcycle Industry Council reports that sales of motor scooters jumped almost 50% (49.6) for the first three months of 2011. 

Scooters typically cost less to insure than motorcycles, but there are factors to consider that can drive the price up or down, including age of the scooter, the experience of the rider, driving record and whether the driver has taken a safety-driving course.

But the lines are still blurred between motorcycles and scooters based on engine size – some "maxi" scooters are equipped with up to 800cc engines – the primary difference between motorcycles and scooters is the "step-through" frame of the scooter.

"Americans continue to look for ways to trim their budgets and more are deciding two wheels cost less to drive than four," said Keith Rutman, vice president, consumer household unit for Allstate. "While economical and fun to drive, scooters can cost several thousand dollars. Adequate insurance coverage for the scooter and the driver are important and often-overlooked aspects of ownership."

Like other property and casualty insurers, Allstate’s risk management efforts include communicating with this growing client base the importance of safety first.

In a statement, Allstate recommended the following tips:

* Scooters are quieter and less visible than motorcycles yet can reach the same speeds. Defensive driving is more than a good idea, it's a must.

* Most scooter tires are smaller and thinner than motorcycle tires, making them and their drivers more susceptible to damage and crashes on potholes and other road hazards.

* Despite the warmer weather, protective clothing like leather, heavy denim and certified helmets used on motorcycles are a safer bet than typical summer wear, such as flip-flops, shorts and T-shirts.

* Just because a scooter can access some off-road surfaces doesn't mean it's legal to operate there.

* Finally, know the local laws before driving a scooter somewhere—and that includes restrictions on bike or similar paths.