Golf Cart Insurance Basics

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Golf carts can be used for more than getting around the links. These compact vehicles can also help you move through your own property, neighborhood or even city. But because of the additional risks, you may need to purchase insurance for your golf cart.

Who needs golf cart insurance?

Here's a quick rule of thumb: If you own a golf cart, you should consider purchasing golf cart insurance. Whether you should opt for it depends on how you use the cart.

For example, if you only drive your golf cart while playing at a course, you won't need insurance. But if you use the golf cart beyond the course, then you likely need a policy. There are approximately 15,000 golf cart injuries across the US each year — a direct result of 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.

No matter what kind of golf cart you own or where you drive it, you should consider getting a separate insurance policy. Some states even require it.

What does golf cart insurance cover?

Golf cart insurance is similar to auto or motorcycle insurance. In fact, almost all insurance companies cover golf carts under their motorcycle insurance policy along with scooters, mopeds ATVs and other vehicles. As with motorcycles, a variety of coverages are available for golf carts.

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.

If your claim limits are "$25,000/$50,000/$10,000," for example, then your policy covers injuries of up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $10,000 for property damage.

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's at fault.

Uninsured/underinsured motorists (optional): If you're hit by someone who doesn't have enough coverage or lacks a policy altogether, then UM/UIM covers your own injuries and property damage.

For example, UM/UIM coverage applies to medical treatments, lost wages and other damages a policyholder might be subject to as a result of the other party's lack of adequate insurance.

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.

Golf cart insurance cost

Even though golf carts are typically covered under motorcycle insurance policies, they are generally less expensive to insure.

For example, Progressive's policy costs as low as $75 a year when the golf cart is used exclusively off road, while a more comprehensive policy costs $405 per year. The company does not offer policies for golf carts driven on public roadways. For comparison, the average cost of motorcycle insurance in the US is $519.

The cost to insure golf carts and similar vehicles can reportedly be as much as $600 to $1,000 per year in some areas. In Florida retirement communities, where many residents take golf carts that can reach 25 mph on public roads, the cost of premiums can be significantly higher, according to CNBC.

Like insurance for all other vehicles, the cost of golf cart insurance depends on several factors. Fortunately for golf cart owners, the vehicles typically are not driven on the road and have speed inhibitors. These factors reduce the insurer's risk and, consequently, the policyholder's cost.

Shopping for golf cart insurance

You can shop for golf cart coverage the same way you would any other insurance policy. Begin by gathering and comparing quotes and coverages online.

If you drive your golf cart on public roadways, shopping for insurance might not be as easy as submitting basic information online. Some carriers might require you to call and speak to an agent about your golf cart. Others, like Progressive, might not insure golf carts driven on public roadways at all. In this case, there are a number of specialty insurance companies that can serve your needs.