Geico: Insuring Low-Speed Vehicles?

GEICO does not insure low-speed vehicles (LSVs) or golf carts. However, it does provide insurance for off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles (UTVs), four-wheelers, and side-by-sides (SxS).

Some users have reported that GEICO was willing to insure their LSVs or golf carts, but only if they were bundled with other vehicles.

GEICO does not insure low-speed vehicles (LSVs)

A user on talkofthevillages.com reported that they had been with GEICO for 35 years but were unable to insure their LSV with the company. Instead, they had to take out a policy with Safeco, another insurance company.

Another user on buggiesgonewild.com also reported that GEICO would not insure their LSV. They were eventually able to convince their auto insurer, The Hartford, to provide coverage for their LSV by providing them with a copy of a memo issued by the Florida Bureau of Motorist Compliance to "All Insurance Companies Authorized to Issue Motor Vehicle Policies in Florida," detailing the insurance requirements for LSVs.

Therefore, while GEICO does not offer insurance for LSVs, it may be possible to obtain coverage for these vehicles from other insurance companies, such as Safeco or The Hartford. However, it is important to note that insuring an LSV can be challenging, as some insurance companies are unfamiliar with this type of vehicle. It may be necessary to provide detailed information about the vehicle and the applicable insurance requirements to obtain the correct coverage.

GEICO insures other off-road vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs

GEICO provides insurance for many types of off-road vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs. ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, are covered by GEICO for a wide range of incidents. This includes ATV Collision Coverage, which pays for damages to your vehicle if it collides with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. ATV Liability Coverage, required by most states, protects you in the event of an accident that results in property damage or bodily injury to another person.

ATV Comprehensive Coverage pays for damages to your vehicle from incidents other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. Additionally, GEICO offers ATV Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, which protects you if you are in an accident with someone who doesn't have enough insurance or isn't insured. ATV Medical Payments Coverage pays for your or your passengers' medical bills after an ATV accident, regardless of fault.

UTVs, or utility vehicles, are also insured by GEICO. Similar to ATVs, GEICO offers UTV Collision Coverage, which pays for damages to your UTV if it collides with another vehicle or object. UTV Liability Coverage is also available and protects you in the event of an accident causing property damage or bodily injury to another person. UTV Comprehensive Coverage pays for damages to your UTV from incidents other than collisions, such as theft or natural disasters. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage and Medical Payments Coverage are also available for UTVs.

GEICO offers several benefits for insuring your off-road vehicles, including flexible payment plans and 24/7 customer service. They also provide various discounts, such as the Multi-Vehicle Discount, Experienced Riders Discount, Multi-Policy Discount, Anti-Theft Device Discount, and Safety Course Completion Discount.

LSVs are a separate category from golf carts in Florida and require insurance

In Florida, golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are treated differently under the law. While golf carts are not required to be insured, LSVs are a separate category and do require insurance.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles defines a golf cart as a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for use on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes, with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Golf carts can be driven on designated roadways with a speed limit of 30 mph or less and are not required to be titled or registered in the state. Personal injury protection or property damage liability coverage is also not mandatory for golf carts. However, operating a golf cart in Florida means adhering to local rules, and the type of road designated for golf cart use can vary by county.

On the other hand, LSVs are defined as any four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph. These vehicles are only permitted to be driven on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or lower. LSVs are required to have minimum liability coverage, including personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance. To be street legal, LSVs must also be registered, titled, and equipped with specific safety features, such as turn signals, reflex reflectors, mirrors, headlamps, a parking brake, and seat belts.

Converting a golf cart into an LSV requires an inspection by the Florida Motorist Services Regional Office to ensure compliance with safety requirements. Once approved, the vehicle will be assigned a vehicle identification number (VIN) and can be titled and registered. At this point, insurance is required, with a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage, as per Florida's no-fault law.

While golf cart insurance is not mandatory in Florida, it can provide financial protection in the event of an accident. Similarly, insuring an LSV can offer peace of mind, as potential damages or medical bills will be covered by the insurance policy.

LSV insurance is expensive

The cost of LSV insurance will depend on the insurer and the coverage needs, but it is generally higher than golf cart insurance because it provides more coverage. LSV insurance typically includes liability coverage for injuries and property damage, as well as physical damage coverage for the cart itself. It may also include comprehensive coverage for damages from events such as theft, vandalism, flooding, wind, and fire.

Some factors that can affect the cost of LSV insurance include the make and model of the cart, the location, the age of the driver, and their driving history. Additionally, LSV insurance may be more expensive because it is required by law in some states, such as Florida, which mandates a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in personal damage liability coverage.

While LSV insurance can be costly, it is important to consider the potential financial risks of not having adequate coverage in the event of an accident. LSVs can cause serious damage and injuries, and without insurance, the owner may be responsible for paying for these damages out of pocket.

To save money on LSV insurance, some companies offer discounts for storing the vehicle in a locked garage, installing a theft recovery device, and keeping the annual mileage below 5,000 miles. Owning a home may also qualify you for a discount on your LSV insurance policy.

Some insurance companies do not know what an LSV is

In Florida, LSVs are a separate category from golf carts and are required to have minimum liability coverage. If your LSV is street legal, can go faster than 20 mph, and has a state-assigned VIN, it likely falls under the LSV category and requires insurance.

Even if LSV insurance is not required in your state, it can still offer financial protection in case of an accident. LSV insurance typically includes bodily injury liability, guest passenger liability, and property damage liability. It can also cover repairs or replacement if your LSV is stolen, vandalized, or damaged in a way other than a collision.

When shopping for LSV insurance, it is important to be persistent and ask to speak to someone familiar with LSVs if the initial person you speak to is unfamiliar with them. Be careful with very cheap insurance options, as they may be golf cart insurance and not auto insurance, which could lead to issues down the line.

Some insurance companies that have been mentioned in online forums as providing LSV insurance include Safeco, State Farm, and The Hartford. However, rates can vary significantly, and it may be challenging to find reasonable coverage.

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