TO
Golf Car
Basics
Many people use golf cars for more than traversing the golf course. They purchase them
to get around their own property, neighborhoods or cities and with those uses, come
additional risks and a need to insure them. Depending on how someone uses a golf car,
where they live and the car itself, they might need to purchase golf car insurance.
Who Needs Golf Car Insurance?
Most people who own a golf car should
consider purchasing golf car insurance, es-
pecially depending on where they drive it.
Someone who only drives golf cars while
playing at a course does not need insur-
ance. Uses beyond that probably warrant
the purchase of an independent policy.
The number of golf car injuries more than
doubled from 1990 to 2006, according to a
2007 medical report, and it was a direct re-
sult of expanded use beyond golf courses.
Even the most comprehensive auto in-
surance policies will not cover a golf car
or anyone injured while it is operated.
Homeowners insurance is also unlikely
to cover to cover a golf car or any injuries
associated with it, especially while it is
operated. For that reason, no matter what
kind of golf car someone owns, or where
they drive it, they need to consider getting
an insurance policy for it. That includes
owners who drive their golf car exclusively
on their own property and around their
residential neighborhood.
Golf car owners who drive the vehicle on
roads and use it as a frequent method of
transportation should probably purchase
an insurance policy for it. A homeowners
insurance policy is even less likely to cover
any damages caused during operation on
roadways. Owners who drive their golf car
on public roadways are especially at risk of
getting into an accident and injuring some-
one else, a passenger, or damaging the car.
Some states even require golf car owners
by law to purchase an insurance policy for
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them. In Arizona, for example, owners must have liability insur-
ance for their golf car to legally drive them on roads.
What Does Golf Car Insurance Cover?
Golf car insurance is not unlike auto or motorcycle insurance.
In fact, almost all insurance companies cover golf cars under
their motorcycle insurance policy along with scooters, mopeds,
ATVs and other vehicles. Like motorcycles, a variety of different
coverages are available for golf cars.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability: In states that
require golf cars to have insurance, this is the coverage that is
mandated. Bodily injury and property damage liability cover
damages to others or their property that a driver causes while
operating the golf car. The claim limits of the policy are like
auto or motorcycle insurance and are frequently demarcated
with slashes ($25,000/$50,000/$10,000). The first number is the
claim limit for per injured person, the second is per accident,
and the third is for property damaged in a crash.
Guest Passenger Liability: This coverage provides a claim limit
specifically for passengers injured in an accident. It is a cover-
age unique to golf cars, motorcycles and other vehicles cov-
ered under motorcycle insurance policies.
Medical Payments Coverage (Optional): This coverage is op-
tional and pays for any medical bills of a golf car driver or pas-
sengers in the event they are injured in an accident. No matter
the nature of an accident or the number of vehicles involved,
this coverage applies.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists (Optional): Another option-
al coverage and one that is commonly shortened and referred
to as UM/UIM. It covers damages to the driver, passengers and
the golf car in the event the individual who causes the damage
is under or uninsured entirely. The coverage applies to medi-
cal treatments, lost wages and other damages a policyholder
might be subject to as a result of other party’s lack of adequate
insurance.