You May Need Car Insurance For Your Lawnmower
A 43-year-old European directive has recently resurfaced which may force golfers riding motorised caddies, wheelchair users and gardeners with ride-on lawnmowers to buy car insurance for their small 'vehicles'. This strange rule has actually been in place for decades, however, a recent court case has interpreted it to cover all types of motorised vehicle. The industry is now waiting for details as to how British insurers will adapt to the change.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) have been in talks with the Department for Transport in order to confirm which vehicle types will now have to be insured and at what level of cover. As our laws in the UK currently stand, these niche vehicles (such as lawnmowers and golf carts) do not require the same amount of insurance cover as a car or motorbike. Currently, lawnmowers only require insurance if they are being driven in public places and the elderly are allowed to drive their mobility scooters on the roads without any insurance.
European judges have stated that the EU directive from 1972 clashes with these rules and those vehicles (along with any similar vehicles) should at least have third-party car insurance cover. A number of insurers have already reported an increase in enquiries from customers asking whether they need to insure their small vehicles or not. Mr Effenberg, a spokesman for a specialist mobility scooter insurer said: "Everybody is confused as to what the EU is up to. We're not waiting to see how the directive will be interpreted."
What do you think of these changes? Will you be affected if the directive comes into play? You can comment on our Facebook or send us a tweet.
James Savery, 07 April 2015