Okay, all. Here's a synopsis of my dialogue with Tim Lucas with the N.C. Rate Bureau...
Me to him...
Mr. Lewis,
Hope you are well. Kerry Hall of the NC DOI suggested I start with you regarding this situation. I sent him the exact same.
How will folks without a driver's license be able to insure a moped/scooter of 50cc or less if House Bill 1145 passes in its current form, which will require insurance? Just curious how this is gonna work, not for me, but for some folks very dear to me that ride mopeds that do not have a driver's license. Clue me in, please.
Him to me (can't copy and paste it, but here's the gist of what he said)... House Bill 1145 requires a person that owns a moped to register it and purchase liability insurance. The bill will take mopeds away from the jurisdiction of the the bureau. Since we will not be setting rates for the mopeds, it'll be up to EACH individual insurance company to determine the rates. Insurance companies are not required to write the insurance. Bottom line, not sure how each insurance company will handle moped insurance since they will not be required to write it and because it will not be under our jurisdiction.
Again, take this for what it's worth, as things MAY change. I can also ad that I called my insurance co. (Geico) and their representative clearly stated to me that Geico will write an insurance policy on a moped for folks in NC regardless if they have, have not or never had a driver's license. So, that may relieve some folks right there. Other insurance companies, in order to "stay in the game" may offer the same, so check around.
That's all I have for now. I still have questions regarding the inspection process of these "mopeds" going forward...will inspections take place like on a motorcycle at an official inspection station or will an official NC DMV inspector be involved, for example??? Hmmmm???