Golf cart insurance: Coverage, costs and when you need it

What is golf cart insurance?

Golf cart insurance protects you financially if your cart is involved in an accident where someone is hurt or their property is damaged. Like an auto insurance policy, it provides liability protection for damage or injury caused while driving and can also include coverage for the cart itself. Coverage varies depending on the insurance company and the type of policy.

Golf cart insurance might be:

• An endorsement on yourr home insurance policy
• A standalone policy
• Called low-speed vehicle insurance, although some differences exist between these two types of insurance.

Golf cart insurance coverage types

Golf cart insurance coverages are similar to car insurance, and you can choose coverage and limits based on your needs, including:

• 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.

Do you need insurance on a golf cart?

Your state or homeowners' association (HOA) may require insurance for golf carts or low-speed vehicles. Otherwise, whether or not you need it depends on how you use your golf cart; either way, it's a good idea to protect yourself and your investment.

Here's a quick guide to insuring different types of golf carts.

In many golf communities, the HOA requires golf cart owners to purchase specific insurance for golf carts and name the HOA as an additional insured.

Best practice: Buy the broadest possible coverage to protect yourself; a standalone policy is generally the wisest choice.

Are golf carts covered under homeowners insurance?

No, your golf car is not covered by your home insurance policy unless you add it as a rider on the policy, which is usually inexpensive.

However, a standalone policy will offer better coverage and may not be much more expensive.

If you live in a place like Florida or Arizona, where the weather is warm and riding around in a golf cart, even on public roads, is almost a way of life. In fact, in Arizona, if you drive a golf cart on the road, you are required to have liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. on your golf cart.

How golf cart insurance applies in common scenarios

Coverage depends on the location of the incident, the cart types and how it is used. These common scenarios outline how a golf cart policy might apply.

It's important to understand the exclusionsItems that are specifically denied coverage under the terms of an insurance policy. For example, most auto insurance policies exclude coverage for normal wear and tear, drag racing and intentional acts. and limitations of your golf cart insurance policy, especially as they apply to:

• Who can drive the cart (age exclusions)
• Where the cart is operated (on or off course, private or public land)

How much is golf cart insurance?

Golf cart insurance costs vary based on the insurer and coverage needs, among other rate-determining factors. Here is some general information on monthly golf cart insurance costs:

• Homeowner's endorsement: Typically $6 a month
• Standalone coverage, liability-only: About $7 a month
• Standalone coverage, full coverage: $33 - $83 a month
• For a speed-modified golf cart, standalone coverage: $100 a month or more

The cost of golf cart insurance is lower if the golf cart is used exclusively off-road, in which case you can buy ATV insurance. For on-road golf carts, some insurers, like Progressive, offer a modified motorcycle insurance policy or, like The Hartford, a modified low-speed vehicle (LSV) policy.

Are there golf cart insurance discounts?

There are several discounts for golf cart insurance, but they vary by insurance company.

As always, you are likely to pay less if you are willing to take on a higher deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim. (the portion of a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. you pay before your insurance pays the rest).

Steps to buy golf insurance

If you need golf cart insurance, there are a few ways to get it.

1. Contact your current insurance company. You may be able to insure your golf cart by adding it to your home insurance policy as a rider. If not, they might be able to offer you a quote for a standalone policy.
2. Compare quotes from multiple companies. Don't just go with the home insurance quote; compare standalone options as well. It's best to get three to five quotes.
3. Narrow down which policy option is best for you in terms of rates and coverage.
4. Compare the companies; look for insurance companies with a solid reputation for claims and customer service.
5. Finalize the policy. You'll pay your first premium and receive proof of insurance.

Which insurance companies sell golf cart insurance?

If there are golf carts abound where you live, you likely have several insurance options. A few of the insurance companies that offer this type of coverage include:

• Progressive
• Allstate
• Nationwide
• The Hartford
• GEICO

Make sure to shop around for the cheapest golf cart insurance.

Ways to save on golf car insurance premiums

Here are a few tips to save money on a golf cart policy:

• Reduce risk: Keep your golf cart off-road and don't drive in busy areas
• Ask about multi-policy or bundling discounts if you buy your coverage from the same insurance company as your home and auto
• Stay accident-free and don't file small claims
• Choose a higher deductible if you can afford it

Golf cart insurance for retirees and seasonal drivers like snowbirds

Golf carts can be a great way to navigate a retirement community for seniors or an RV park for the snowbirds heading south for winter. But before you hop on, check out the insurance requirements for the state you'll be driving it in.

Some states, like Florida, don't require insurance on golf carts (unless they are low-speed vehicles) but have roadways specifically for golf carts. Other states, like Arizona and North Carolina, have set minimum coverages required for any golf cart traveling on public roads.

If you won't be driving the cart on public roads, getting some insurance coverage for an off-road vehicle is still a good idea. And whatever you do, don't drive an uninsured cart on a public road without insurance, especially if your state requires it.

Should you get golf cart insurance?

If you own a golf cart, you should carry liability insurance at the very least. It will protect you from potentially expensive claims. However, carrying extended coverage is good idea if you use the cart frequently, and especially if your drive on public roads.

Golf cart insurance is generally inexpensive and worth the purchase.

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