Motorized Vehicles and Mini-bikes

We use an AAIS Homeowner and Farmowner form 2 (2.0). The definition of a motorized vehicle is a self-propelled land or amphibious vehicle regardless of method of surface contact. This does not include vehicles that are designed and used to assist the handicapped and are not required to be licensed for road use.

Our insured had a motorized mini bike 50cc stolen which was ridden by children. We initially denied the loss under the above definition. The insured claims this bike is not and cannot be licensed for road use and thinks he should have coverage.

I think he may be right because if it cannot be licensed for road use then it is not a motorized vehicle so it would just be considered personal property.

Wyoming Subscriber

The AAIS homeowner's form defines motorized vehicle as you have stated, a self propelled land or amphibious vehicle regardless of method of contact; so the mini bike by definition is a motorized vehicle. Note that the exception to a motorized vehicle requires that the vehicle be designed to assist the handicapped AND not required to be licensed for road use; both criteria are necessary for a vehicle to fit the exception. The mini bike does not fit the exception.

A motor vehicle is then defined as a motorized vehicle (self-propelled land/amphibious vehicle) if it is: subject to motor vehicle registration OR designed for use on public roads; this is an either or situation. If the mini bike is designed for use on public roads, even it if doesn't have to be registered, it's a motor vehicle.

Coverage C excludes motorized vehicles, with an exception for motorized vehicles (self-propelled land/amphibious vehicle) not subject to registration AND used to assist the handicapped OR only to service the residence premises. So if the mini bike, which is a motorized vehicle, is used to service the residence premises or assist the handicapped, and is not required to be registered, there is coverage. However, if the mini bike is just for fun for the kids, there is no coverage since it's a motorized vehicle.

The farm policy has the same definition of motorized vehicle and the same exclusion although the language is slightly different; the intent is the same.

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