Golf Cart Conundrum: Navigating Insurance Coverage For Your Ride

Golf carts are becoming an increasingly common mode of transportation, especially in gated communities and vacation spots. With this rise in popularity, the question of insurance coverage for these vehicles has become more pressing. So, do homeowners or auto insurance policies cover golf carts? The answer is that it depends on the specific circumstances. In some cases, golf carts may be covered under a homeowner's insurance policy, but this is usually limited to incidents that occur on the policyholder's property. Auto insurance policies may also provide some coverage for golf carts, but again, this is typically only in certain situations. As such, it is generally recommended that individuals with golf carts consider purchasing a separate golf cart insurance policy to ensure they have adequate protection.

Golf cart insurance as a rider on homeowners insurance

Golf cart insurance can be purchased as a rider on your homeowners insurance or as a standalone policy. The right type of insurance for you depends on the type of cart you own and how you use it.

If you only drive your golf cart while playing at a course, you may not need insurance. However, if you use your golf cart beyond the course, you will likely need a policy. There are approximately 15,000 golf cart injuries across the US each year, many of which occur from the expanded use of golf carts beyond the course.

Even the most comprehensive auto insurance policies will not cover a golf cart accident or injury. Homeowners insurance is also unlikely to cover a golf cart and any injuries associated with it, especially while the cart is being operated. Therefore, it is recommended to get a separate insurance policy for your golf cart.

Golf cart insurance provides liability protection, as well as physical damage coverage for the cart. It is similar to an auto insurance policy, protecting you and the golf cart from damage or injury caused while driving. The coverage depends on the insurance company and the type of policy.

You can add a golf cart to your home insurance policy in some cases, especially if you are using it on your property. However, in most cases, you will need a separate golf cart insurance policy or a low-speed vehicle policy.

Golf cart insurance coverage options include:

• Property damage liability: Pays for damage to another person's property.
• Bodily injury liability: Pays for injuries caused to another person.
• Collision: Pays for damage to the golf cart from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.
• Other than collision (comprehensive): Covers fire, theft, and weather damage; most types of non-collision damage.
• Guest passenger liability: Covers injuries to passengers riding in your golf cart.
• Medical payments: No-fault coverage for injuries while using the golf cart.
• Accessories coverage: Covers upgrades you have made to your golf cart, like adding a stereo or custom steering wheel.

The cost of golf cart insurance varies based on the insurer and coverage needs. You may pay as little as $6 a month if you add golf cart coverage to your current homeowner's insurance. The average cost of a standalone golf cart policy is $75 a year.

It is important to note that some states or homeowners associations (HOA) might require golf cart or low-speed vehicle insurance. Even if it is not required, it is a good idea to protect yourself and your investment with golf cart insurance.

Golf cart insurance as a standalone policy

Golf cart insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy or added to an existing homeowners insurance policy as a rider. The right type of insurance depends on the type of cart and how it is used.

Standalone golf cart insurance policies provide liability protection and physical damage coverage for the cart. They are similar to auto or motorcycle insurance policies. In states and cities where golf cart insurance is mandatory, bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is required. This covers injuries to others and property damage resulting from an accident.

Standalone policies also offer guest passenger liability coverage, which provides a claim limit for passengers injured in an accident. This coverage is unique to golf carts, motorcycles, and other vehicles covered under motorcycle insurance policies.

Medical payments coverage is optional and pays for medical bills incurred by the driver or passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also optional and covers injuries and property damage if you are hit by someone without sufficient insurance coverage or no policy.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are also optional and cover repairs to the golf cart after a collision or other incidents like fire, vandalism, theft, or storm damage.

Standalone golf cart insurance policies are recommended if the cart is used beyond a golf course, as accidents and injuries can occur. Even comprehensive auto insurance policies do not typically cover golf cart accidents, and homeowners insurance is also unlikely to provide coverage for golf carts, especially when they are being operated.

The cost of a standalone golf cart insurance policy varies depending on the insurer, coverage needs, and other factors. On average, a standalone policy costs around $7 a month or $75 a year. However, for speed-modified golf carts, the cost can be significantly higher, up to $100 a month.

Golf cart owners can shop for standalone golf cart insurance policies by comparing quotes and coverages online, similar to shopping for other insurance policies. It is important to note that some insurance companies may not offer policies for golf carts driven on public roadways. In such cases, specialty insurance companies can provide coverage.

Golf cart insurance for on-road use

Golf carts have become a common mode of transportation within gated communities and vacation spots. In some areas, golf carts are permitted on the same roads as cars. If you intend to drive your golf cart on public roads, your state, county, city, or town may require you to have golf cart insurance. Even if it is not required, it is still worth considering.

Golf cart insurance is similar to auto or motorcycle insurance. In fact, most insurance companies cover golf carts under their motorcycle insurance policies, along with scooters, mopeds, ATVs, and other vehicles. As with motorcycles, golf carts have a variety of coverage options.

Types of Golf Cart Insurance Coverage

• Bodily injury and property damage liability: In states and cities that require golf cart owners to have insurance, this type of coverage is mandatory. It covers injuries to others and property damage resulting from an accident.
• Guest passenger liability: This coverage provides a claim limit specifically for passengers injured in an accident. It is a coverage unique to golf carts, motorcycles, and other vehicles covered under motorcycle insurance policies.
• Medical payments coverage (optional): This coverage is optional and pays for medical bills incurred by the golf cart driver or passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (optional): If you are hit by someone who does not have enough coverage or lacks a policy altogether, then UM/UIM covers your own injuries and property damage.
• Collision and comprehensive (optional): This type of coverage pays to repair your own golf cart after a covered incident. For example, if your golf cart is destroyed in a fire, vandalized, stolen, or damaged in a storm, comprehensive coverage would cover those perils.

Cost of Golf Cart Insurance

The cost of golf cart insurance depends on several factors, such as the type of golf cart, the location, and the coverage options chosen. Basic liability coverage can cost as little as $75 per year, while more comprehensive policies can cost a few hundred dollars.

How to Get Golf Cart Insurance

You can usually buy golf cart insurance from car insurance companies, add an endorsement to your home insurance policy, or purchase a separate policy for recreational vehicles. Golf cart insurance may be sold as an "off-road vehicle" policy with similar coverage types to an auto policy, including liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.

Golf Cart Insurance Discounts

You may be able to save money on golf cart insurance by taking advantage of discounts such as multi-policy discounts, payment discounts, and safety certification discounts.

Golf cart insurance for off-road use

Golf carts have become a common mode of transportation within gated communities and vacation spots. They can be used for more than just getting around a golf course. These compact vehicles can also help you move through your property, neighbourhood, or even your city. However, due to the increased risks, you may need to purchase insurance for your golf cart.

The cost of off-road golf cart insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the type of golf cart, its usage, and the coverage options selected. Some insurance companies offer off-road golf cart insurance as an endorsement to a homeowner's insurance policy, while others provide it as a separate policy specifically for recreational vehicles.

• Liability Coverage: This is crucial for off-road golf cart insurance. It protects you in case of injuries or damage caused to others while using your golf cart off-road. It typically includes bodily injury liability, which covers medical expenses for those injured in an accident, and property damage liability, which pays for any damage caused to someone else's property.
• Guest Passenger Liability: This coverage is specifically designed for golf carts and provides a claim limit for passengers injured while riding in your golf cart off-road. It ensures that your passengers are covered in case of an accident on your property or within your community.
• Medical Payments Coverage: This optional coverage pays for medical bills incurred by you or your passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It ensures that you and your passengers receive the necessary medical care without worrying about the financial burden.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage: This coverage is also optional but essential if you encounter uninsured or underinsured drivers while using your golf cart off-road. It covers your injuries and property damage if you are hit by someone who doesn't have sufficient insurance or lacks a policy altogether.
• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: While off-road use may seem safer, accidents can still happen. Collision coverage pays for repairs to your golf cart if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage protects against other types of damage, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents.
• Custom Equipment Coverage: If you've made any aftermarket additions or modifications to your golf cart, this coverage insures those custom parts and equipment. This includes custom bodies, lift kits, engine modifications, and any other upgrades you've made to your golf cart.
• Roadside Assistance: Although your golf cart is used off-road, having roadside assistance as part of your insurance policy can be beneficial. It provides help with common issues like a flat tire, a dead battery, or the need for a tow, ensuring you're not stranded with your golf cart.

When considering golf cart insurance for off-road use, it's important to review the specific coverage options offered by different insurance providers. Compare the policies, coverage limits, and exclusions to ensure that your off-road golf cart usage is adequately protected. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify any doubts with the insurance company to make an informed decision.

Golf cart insurance for injuries

Golf cart insurance is highly recommended if you use your cart beyond the golf course. There are around 15,000 golf cart injuries in the US each year, and standard auto or homeowners insurance policies will not cover these incidents.

Golf cart insurance covers liability for injuries and damage caused while driving a golf cart, as well as damage to the cart itself. This includes:

• Bodily injury liability: This covers injuries caused to another person. In states and cities that require golf cart insurance, this type of coverage is mandatory. It typically includes a maximum coverage amount per person and per accident.
• Guest passenger liability: This provides a claim limit for passengers injured in an accident.
• Medical payments coverage (optional): This optional coverage pays for medical bills incurred by the driver or passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

You can purchase golf cart insurance as a rider on your homeowners insurance or as a standalone policy. The cost of golf cart insurance depends on several factors, including the type of cart, how and where you use it, and whether you opt for additional coverage.

It's important to note that some states, such as Arizona and North Carolina, have set minimum coverage requirements for golf carts used on public roads. Even in states without specific golf cart insurance requirements, it is generally recommended to have a separate insurance policy for your golf cart to ensure adequate protection.

Frequently asked questions