Many people in the Bradenton and Palmetto area have golf carts they use on a regular basis – and not just for golf. Whether to drive around the community, or take to the corner store, golf carts are a common sight in this region. Because it is motorized and used for transportation, you may wonder – do you need golf cart insurance?
To start with, if you don’t have to register your golf cart, you only use it on the golf course, and you don’t need a license to operate it – it can probably be covered by your homeowners insurance. However, this coverage is limited and may not cover you in the case of golf course accidents which may occur off the course. (Such as if your kids or grandkids decide to take a joyride.)
If you use the golf cart for short errands and off your own property, insurance requirements may be different. Some providers offer a “golf course endorsement” to provide protection from liability and damage, and possibly theft and vandalism. However, there are many restrictions to these riders which may void your coverage, such as if it is used for income, is rented to another party, is driven outside the boundaries of a recognized community, or is driven by an unlicensed driver.
Higher Performance Golf Carts
Most golf carts are built to reach top speeds of about 15 miles per hour. They are not required to have seatbelts, doors, or headlights. However, there are higher performance golf carts which can reach 20-to-35 miles per hour, and may be driven on public Florida streets with lower speed limits.
These carts which have been modified for higher speeds are typically classified as “low speed vehicles” or LSVs, “neighborhood electric vehicles” or NEVs, and “medium speed vehicles” or MSVs. These carts are popular with people who like a quiet, economical way to run around town. However, many do not realize that these higher speed carts are classified by the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB as motor vehicles. This means you must have a license to operate the cart – and it must be insured. An even greater surprise may be that insurance to operate the cart may be as much as $500-1000 per year in Florida.
The reason is that LSVs can actually be dangerous. They tip easily, and in certain Florida communities, LSVs make up approximately 10-12% of DUIs.
Umbrella Insurance for your Golf Cart
Individuals with “grown up toys” like motorcycles, ATVs, and golf carts, can somewhat protect themselves from an expensive accident with an “umbrella” policy.
An umbrella policy gives additional liability insurance that goes further than other insurance coverages that you carry, such as your homeowners, boat and auto insurance., protecting you from costly liability claims associated with your recreational vehicles.
Umbrella policies provide a lot of coverage–from $1 million up to $5 million, depending on what limit you choose–at a relatively low price. However, if you damage your own property or cause your own injury, you won’t be covered.
If you are looking for coverage for injuries to others or damage to their property, you should choose a golf cart insurance policy, which is similar to auto insurance.
If you have any questions, as to the coverage which is right for you, your best bet is to speak to a local insurance brokerage. Anderson & Associates Insurance agents have the knowledge and expertise you need to get the right coverage for your unique situation and vehicle – from auto to motorcycle to golf cart.
