I locked my $2,200 Onewheel GT in the gym locker room. When I finished my workout, the locker was pried open and the board was gone. I filed a police report and a renters insurance claim. The denial came in 24 hours: “Property Not Covered: Motor Vehicles.” I argued it’s a “toy,” not a car. They sent me the policy definition of a motor vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The Broad Definition: Insurers define “Motor Vehicle” as any self-propelled vehicle. It doesn’t need a license plate. If it has a motor and carries a person, it’s excluded from personal property coverage.
- The “Service to Residence” Exception: You might get coverage if the vehicle is “used to service the residence” (like a lawnmower) or “assist the handicapped.” A Onewheel is neither.
- Gym = Off-Premises: Even if you had coverage, “theft away from home” often has a 10% limit or higher deductible.
- Specialty Insurance is Mandatory: The only way to insure a PEV against theft is a dedicated policy that lists the serial number.
The “Why” (The Clause)
“Motor Vehicle means: any self-propelled vehicle… We do not cover motor vehicles.”
This clause was written for cars, but in 2026, it catches e-scooters, e-skates, and Onewheels.
The Investigation: Fighting the Label
I called claims departments to see if they would budge.
1. Allstate
- Argument: “It’s a skateboard.”
- Response: “Does it have a motor?” Yes. “Then it is a motorized land conveyance. Denied.”
2. Lemonade
- Argument: “I have the e-bike endorsement.”
- Response: The endorsement specifically covers “Electric Bicycles.” A Onewheel is not a bicycle (no pedals). Denied.
3. Oyster / Gator (Specialty)
- Response: Paid. They insure the specific serial number. Theft from a gym locker is covered as long as the locker was locked (forced entry).
Comparison Table
| Device | Renters Insurance Status | Specialty Insurance Status |
| Acoustic Skateboard | Covered | N/A |
| Onewheel / E-Skate | Excluded (Motor Vehicle) | Covered |
| E-Bike | Excluded (Unless Endorsed) | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Stop Relying on Renters: Assume your renters policy pays $0 for your board.
- Get a GPS Tracker: Hide an AirTag or use a board with built-in tracking. It helps recovery, though insurance might still require a police report.
- Use the “Handicapped” Argument (Long shot): If you have a disability and use the PEV as a mobility aid, you might be able to argue it is “designed to assist the handicapped.” You need a doctor’s note and a sympathetic adjuster.
FAQ
Does my credit card purchase protection cover it?
Amex/Chase usually exclude “motorized vehicles” from purchase protection. Read the fine print.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a denial letter highlighting “Motorized Land Conveyance”]