Are Women Combating Higher Gas Prices with Scooters? Sales Figures, Allstate Quotes Suggest a Trend

NORTHBROOK, Ill., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As gas prices challenge historic highs, the Motorcycle Industry Council announced recently that sales for motor scooters jumped almost 50 percent (49.6) for the first three months of 2011.

Allstate Insurance internal data suggests female riders may be leading the trend. Almost three times more women requested quotes for scooter insurance in 2010 versus men.

With the lines blurring 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."

To help ensure drivers new to scooters don't sacrifice safety for savings, Allstate recommends 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. Know the local laws before driving a scooter somewhere—and that includes restrictions on bike or similar paths.

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. Owners should contact a local Allstate agent to learn about all available protection and savings options for their new or existing vehicle.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation

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