Are golf carts covered on a homeowners insurance policy? The short answer is yes, but with major limitations. While a standard homeowners policy usually provides some coverage, it is often restricted to specific locations and uses.
Here is how the coverage generally breaks down:
Where You Are Covered
- On Your Property: Most policies cover the golf cart while it is on your “insured premises.” This includes liability (if you hit someone in your driveway) and physical damage (if a tree falls on your garage).
- On the Golf Course: Many standard policies extend liability coverage while you are actively playing golf on a regulated course.
- Within a Gated Community: Some insurers extend coverage if you are driving within a private residential community that specifically allows golf carts on its roads.
Where You Are Likely NOT Covered
- Public Roads: The moment you pull onto a public street or a road not strictly within your private community, your homeowners policy typically stops providing coverage.
- Off-Premises Recreation: If you take the cart to a beach, a park, or a friend’s house outside your immediate neighborhood, you are likely unprotected.
- Speed-Modified Carts: If your cart has been modified to go faster than 25 mph, it may be reclassified as a “Low-Speed Vehicle” (LSV), which almost always requires a separate auto-style policy.
Types of Protection
Coverage Type: Under Homeowners Policy
- Liability – Usually included, but restricted to your property or the golf course.
- Personal Property – May cover theft or fire damage while at home, often subject to a deductible.
- Collision – Rarely covered. If you hit a wall or another cart, you’ll likely pay for repairs out of pocket.
- Medical Payments – Limited to guests injured on your property.
When Should You Get a Separate Policy?
If you plan to use your cart for anything more than “servicing the property” or the occasional round of golf, a standalone Golf Cart Insurance or Recreational Vehicle policy is recommended. These are relatively inexpensive ($75–$200 per year) and provide:
- Off-property liability (essential if you drive in the neighborhood).
- Guest passenger medical coverage.
- Comprehensive/Collision coverage for the cart itself.
Tip: In some states (like Arizona), liability insurance is a legal requirement if you operate a golf cart on public roads.
Questions?
If you have any questions about insuring your golf cart, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
