My present insurance company does not insure Autocycles, so I would like to start discussions with insurance companies that do. If any of you out there have Autocycles I would like to know what company(ies) you have used, so I might approach and have the discussions. I.e. Since they would have the history of insuring other autocycles. Without a VIN and established crash test etc,.. it makes the conversation a little more difficult.
The Aptera Forum
Progressive and Allstate (so a quick Google search shows) both offer dedicated insurance for autocycles that is distinct from policies for "trike" motorcycles. There do not seem to be any actual autocycles for sale in the US at this time as the Federal legal definition includes the phrase, "fully enclosed." Some individual states consider any 3-wheeled vehicle with seats (as opposed to saddles) to be autocycles. So, depending upon where you live, your Polaris Slingshot might be a motorcycle or it might be an autocycle but - on Federal interstate highways it would be considered a motorcycle.
Thank you. My local Progressive agent has been slow to respond but I will walk them through
Progressive told me today that company policy is that I need to have a motorcycle license to drive/insure an autocycle. I called two other companies, and they can't give me a quote unless I have a VIN number, bu tone of them assured me that I would be able to get a policy. I'm still working on the issue of insurance.
Re the license...
Interesting. Each state can be different. this is our deal in AZ
5. "Autocycle" means a three‑wheeled motorcycle on which the driver and passengers ride in a completely fully orpartially enclosed seating area that is equipped with a roll cage, safety belts for each occupant and antilock brakes and that is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals.
6. Class M. A class M license is valid for operating a motorcycle, motor driven cycle or mopedbut is not necessary for operating an autocycle.For the purpose of licensing a driver, the department may endorse a class M license classification on a valid class A, B, C, D or G license.
Here's the Tennessee law for those who want to know:
An autocycle is a three-wheeled motorcycle that is equipped with safety belts, steering wheel, and nonstraddle seating, and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. [TCA 55-1-103 (a)]
The Class M Motorcycle Operator License is not required for the operation of an autocycle. [TCA 55-50-301(c)]
The driver and passenger of an autocycle must wear helmets UNLESS the autocycle is completely surrounded. [TCA 55-9-302 (b)(2)]
I am pretty sure it’s the same in California.
From Progressive's website: https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/household/rise-of-the-trike/
"If it’s cool enough to ride, it’s cool enough to insure"
Progressive Insurance has the right idea, I have them for my RV now at fair prices, Guess they can insure the Aptera when I get it.
I called USAA and their rep did not know of any plans to insure autocycles.
I have been a USAA customer for many years - maybe it will be time to change!
I would like to hear from an Aptera representative on the question of insurance, as it must have been considered when planning for product launch.
Aptera employees don't usually monitor the forum so, to contact them directly, the best route is via their Facebook page. The founders spoke about both insurance and helmet requirements during yesterdays launch Q&A.
Facebook? Somebody still uses that?
Seriously, thanks for the tip on the Q&A. I wonder if I have to be a Facebook user to see it.
Also, my experience is that Aptera employees are looking at the forum and responding to questions. The most direct way to get answers though is by email to info@aptera.us
They did their official launch on Facebook Live last night...
Florida's rules on AutoCycles. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.003.html