Ghost Riding: “Board Malfunctioned and Hit a Parked Car: Liability.”

I jumped off my board because of a wobble. Instead of stopping, the sensor stuck, and the board rocketed at 20mph into the door of a parked Tesla Model Y. The Tesla owner came out, saw the $4,000 dent, and asked for my insurance. I realized I had no idea who pays for a “runaway skateboard.”

Key Takeaways

• Property Damage Liability: This is the specific coverage you need. It pays for damage you cause to other people’s stuff.
• Auto Insurance Denies: Your car insurance won’t pay because the skateboard is not a “covered auto.”
• Homeowners Denies: Again, the “motor vehicle” exclusion means your home liability likely won’t pay for damage caused by the motorized board.
• You Are Personally Liable: Without PEV-specific liability insurance, you owe the Tesla owner $4,000 out of pocket.

The “Why” (The Gap)

You are operating a motor vehicle on a public road without motor vehicle insurance. You are in the “Uninsured” zone.

The Investigation: Liability Claims

I simulated a claim for property damage.

1. Personal Liability (Renters)

• Result: Denied. “Liability arising out of use of a motorized vehicle is excluded.”

2. PEV Specialty Policy (Liability Add-on)

• Result: Covered. This is exactly what it’s for. They pay the body shop directly.
• Cost: Usually adds 10−10− 15/month to a theft policy.

3. Out of Pocket

• Result: You negotiate with the Tesla owner. If you can’t pay, they sue you in small claims court.

Comparison Table

Damage Caused By	Covered by Home Liability?	Covered by Auto Liability?	Covered by PEV Policy?
Bicycle	Yes	No	Yes
E-Skate / Onewheel	NO	NO	YES
Your Body (Running)	Yes	No	N/A

Step-by-Step Action Plan

1. Buy Liability NOW: If you ride near cars, you are one sensor glitch away from a $5,000 bill. Add liability to your Oyster/Sundays policy.
2. Check Your Leash: Use a tether kill-switch if your board supports it. It prevents ghost riding.
3. Document the Glitch: If the board malfunctioned, you might be able to pass the liability to the manufacturer (subrogation), but you need video or logs proving it wasn’t user error.

FAQ

What if it hits a person instead of a car?
The medical bills will be much higher than $4,000. Bankruptcy risk is real without liability coverage.

[IMAGE: Photo of a dented car door next to a Onewheel lying on its side]