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.” Note, the policy may contain a maximum value for a recreation vehicle on premises of say $2500. This includes liability (if you hit someone in your driveway) and physical damage (if a tree falls on your garage) but would NOT cover collision or overturn.
- 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, be sure to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
