The face of Italian cities is changing rapidly. Where the Vespa once reigned supreme, silent electric scooters now zip by, while drones capture breathtaking aerial views in parks and on beaches. This technological evolution brings new responsibilities and, inevitably, new risks.
The insurance market is adapting to this “new mobility” and widespread digitalization, offering solutions that seemed futuristic just a few years ago. It’s no longer just about protecting your car or home, but about safeguarding your digital lifestyle and new personal transportation methods.
In this context, Italian regulations are undergoing a radical transformation, aligning with stricter European standards. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to avoid hefty fines and protect your assets from increasingly frequent unforeseen events.
Insurance is no longer a mere bureaucratic obligation but has become an indispensable tool for navigating the complexities of modern life without fear.
The Regulatory Revolution for Electric Scooters
The Italian Highway Code has recently undergone profound changes to regulate the use of electric scooters. The era of the urban “wild west” is over. Lawmakers have introduced mandatory third-party liability (RC) insurance for all e-scooters, effectively equating them with mopeds in terms of owner responsibilities.
This decision stems from the exponential increase in accidents in urban areas. New policies specific to micromobility cover damages caused to third parties, whether they are pedestrians, other vehicles, or public property. Without this coverage, the rider is personally liable with their own assets for compensation that can reach very high figures in cases of serious injury.
In addition to insurance, the new rules mandate helmet use (progressively extended) and a license plate identifier. It’s a cultural shift that pushes users toward greater awareness: the e-scooter is a vehicle in every sense, not a toy.
Drones: Between Hobby and EASA Regulations
The sky above our heads is getting more crowded. The use of drones, technically defined as UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), is regulated at the European level by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). Many amateur users are unaware that insurance is mandatory for almost all drones, even those used purely for recreation.
The regulation stipulates that any drone equipped with a camera or sensor capable of collecting personal data, regardless of its weight, must be covered by a third-party liability policy. Even for “toy” drones under 250 grams, if they have a camera, registration on the D-Flight portal and insurance coverage become mandatory.
The penalties for flying without insurance are comparable to those for civil aviation and can amount to thousands of euros. A drone policy protects the operator in case the aircraft loses control and damages property or injures people, a real risk even for the most experienced pilots.
Smartphones and Devices: Beyond the Legal Warranty
The smartphone has become the nerve center of our professional and social lives. With prices for top-of-the-line models easily exceeding a thousand euros, accidental damage represents a significant financial risk. The legal warranty covers manufacturing defects but is powerless against drops, liquids, or theft.
New insurance policies for smartphones and tablets offer “Kasko” (all-risk) protection that kicks in right where the warranty leaves off. This is particularly relevant for those who use their phone for work. To delve deeper into risk management, it’s useful to understand the meaning and utility of insurance in a broader sense.
Furthermore, the device’s value isn’t just in the hardware, but in the data it contains. Some advanced policies are beginning to include coverage for data recovery or assistance in the event of a cyber attack, an increasingly hot topic. For those who work online, considering broader protection like cyber risk insurance is a crucial strategic step.
The Italian Cultural Context: Tradition and Innovation
Italy is experiencing an interesting dichotomy. On one hand, we are a traditional people, attached to the concept of owning a home and a car—assets for which insurance is seen as a necessary tax. On the other hand, we are among the quickest in Europe to adopt new technologies, as demonstrated by the widespread use of smartphones and the rapid rise of electric mobility.
Historically, the insurance culture in the Mediterranean is less developed than in Anglo-Saxon or Northern European countries. However, the introduction of legal requirements for e-scooters and drones is forcing a change in mindset. Italians are learning to protect not only their “static” assets but also their actions and their movement.
Prevention is becoming an integral part of the modern lifestyle, overcoming old superstitions.
How to Choose the Right Policy
Navigating the new insurance offerings requires attention. Many traditional companies offer extensions to their “Capofamiglia” (head of household) policy that may include third-party liability for the use of bicycles and e-scooters, and sometimes even for the recreational use of drones. This is often the most economical solution.
It’s essential to check if your multi-risk home insurance already includes these items or if you need to purchase an additional package. For electronic devices, however, stand-alone policies or those offered at the time of purchase are often more comprehensive, but watch out for recurring costs.
A crucial element to evaluate is the deductible. Understanding what deductibles and co-payments are will save you from unpleasant surprises at the time of a claim. A policy with a very low monthly premium might hide high deductibles that make the insurance useless for minor damages.
Advantages of “On-Demand” Policies
Technological innovation has also influenced how policies are purchased. For smart mobility and drones, so-called “instant insurance” or on-demand policies are emerging. These allow you to activate coverage only when you are actually using the vehicle, directly from a smartphone app.
This flexibility is ideal for the occasional user. If you only use your e-scooter on weekends or your drone on vacation, paying an annual premium might not be cost-effective. Micro-policies offer temporary coverage at reduced costs, perfectly adapting to the rhythms of the gig economy and modern life.
However, for those who use their vehicle daily, like commuters, an annual policy remains the most solid and often more economical choice in the long run. It’s a principle similar to what happens with Auto Liability and bonus-malus systems: continuity and a good insurance history can reward the responsible user.
In Brief (TL;DR)
We explore the importance of insuring new tech assets and smart mobility, ensuring comprehensive coverage for e-scooters, drones, and smartphones.
Discover the importance of protecting your smart mobility and tech devices with the right coverage.
Find out why protecting your devices and your mobility is essential to avoid unexpected events and fines.
Conclusions
The introduction of new insurance policies for e-scooters, drones, and smartphones marks a fundamental shift in our society. It’s not just about complying with new legal obligations, but about gaining a greater awareness of the risks associated with modernity. Protecting your tech assets and your civil liability while on the move is an investment in personal peace of mind.
Today’s market offers flexible solutions for every need, from comprehensive annual coverage to pay-as-you-go micro-insurance. The key is to get properly informed and carefully read the contract terms, overcoming cultural distrust of insurance and embracing it as an ally in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with the 2024/2025 reform of the Highway Code, third-party liability (RC) insurance has become mandatory for all electric scooters, regardless of whether they are for private use or part of a sharing service. In addition to the policy, a helmet and the appropriate identification tag (license plate) are required.
It depends on its technical features. Even if the drone weighs less than 250g (Open A1 category), insurance is mandatory if the device is equipped with a camera or sensors capable of collecting personal data, as it is no longer considered a simple toy under EASA regulations.
Generally, no. Standard home insurance policies only protect assets within the home. To be protected against theft, snatching, or accidental damage that occurs outside, you need to activate a specific extension for digital mobility or purchase a dedicated policy (often called Kasko or all-risk).
A comprehensive Kasko (all-risk) policy usually covers accidental damage not covered by the legal warranty, such as a broken screen from a fall, liquid damage, and oxidation. Many versions also include theft protection, but it’s crucial to check for any deductibles or co-payments in the contract.
The costs are affordable: insuring an e-scooter costs about 40-80 euros per year; for a hobbyist drone, it starts at around 30 euros annually. For smartphones, the premium varies based on the phone’s value, typically ranging from 5 to 15 euros per month.
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