If you own or drive a golf cart, you might wonder: Does car insurance cover golf cart accidents? The short answer is usually no, standard auto insurance policies do not cover golf cart accidents unless you’ve added special coverage. Golf carts are not considered regular vehicles under most auto insurance policies. Since they are used for recreation or on private property, different types of insurance may be needed to protect against damage or injury.
In many cases, homeowners insurance, specialty golf cart insurance, or off-road vehicle insurance may cover your golf cart. But the exact coverage depends on where and how you use the cart such as on a golf course, in a gated community, or on public roads.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about golf cart insurance. You’ll learn what coverage applies, when it applies, how much it costs, and how to stay protected in case of an accident.
What Is a Golf Cart Classified As for Insurance?
Golf carts are not classified the same as cars or trucks. They are typically seen as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) or off-road vehicles, depending on how fast they go and where they’re driven.
- Golf carts usually go under 20 mph
- LSVs go between 20–25 mph and may be street-legal in some areas
If your golf cart is not street legal, it’s treated as a recreational vehicle by most insurers, not as a standard car. That’s why your regular car insurance doesn’t automatically cover it.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Golf Cart Accidents?
In most cases, car insurance will not cover golf cart accidents. However, there are exceptions if:
- You registered your golf cart as a street-legal vehicle
- You added it to your auto policy as an additional vehicle
- Your state requires insurance for golf carts used on public roads
If your golf cart has a VIN, license plate, headlights, and meets safety rules, it may qualify for coverage under your car policy.
Still, this is rare. You’ll likely need specialty insurance to cover golf cart accidents properly.
Insurance Options That Do Cover Golf Cart Accidents
Here are the most common types of insurance that may protect your golf cart:
1. Specialty Golf Cart Insurance
This is the best option. It works like auto insurance and can include:
- Liability (for injuries/damage you cause)
- Collision (damage from an accident)
- Comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism)
- Uninsured motorist protection
2. Homeowners Insurance
Covers your golf cart only if:
- It’s used only on your property
- The cart is not modified to be street legal
- The accident happens on or near your property
Homeowners policies usually don’t cover golf cart use on public roads or golf courses.
3. Off-Road Vehicle Insurance
Offered by companies like Progressive or GEICO, it covers:
- Golf carts
- ATVs
- Utility vehicles
Other off-road rides
When Golf Cart Insurance Is Required
Some states require golf cart insurance if you use your cart on public roads or within certain communities. These include:
| State | Insurance Required? | Notes |
| California | Yes (if street legal) | LSV registration required |
| Florida | No for golf carts, Yes for LSVs | Street use requires coverage |
| Texas | Yes (certain cities) | Local rules apply |
| Arizona | Yes (if driven on roads) | Golf carts must meet LSV requirements |
Always check local laws to stay compliant.
🔗 Use DMV.org to check your state’s golf cart registration and insurance laws.
What Happens If You Crash a Golf Cart Without Insurance?
If you get into a golf cart accident and don’t have the right insurance, you could face:
- Out-of-pocket repair costs
- Injury liability (medical bills, lawsuits)
- Property damage costs
- Possible legal penalties if insurance was required by law
Even a small accident can cost thousands. Having the right coverage gives peace of mind.
How Much Does Golf Cart Insurance Cost?
Golf cart insurance is much more affordable than regular car insurance. Here’s a breakdown:
| Coverage Type | Monthly Cost (Average) |
| Basic liability | $6 – $10 |
| Full coverage | $12 – $25 |
| With theft + damage | $20 – $35 |
Your actual cost depends on:
- Your state
- The cart’s value
- How it’s used (private vs public roads)
- Driver history
🧠 Tip: Bundling your golf cart insurance with your home or car policy can lower costs.
Tips to Lower Golf Cart Insurance Premiums
Here’s how you can save money on your policy:
- Store it safely in a locked garage
- Use anti-theft devices
- Bundle with home or auto insurance
- Maintain a clean driving record
Only drive where allowed by law
Common Golf Cart Accidents That May Be Covered
Depending on your coverage, these situations might be covered:
- You hit someone or another cart on a course
- A passenger falls out and gets hurt
- Your cart is stolen
- You crash into private property
- A tree branch falls on your parked cart
What’s Not Covered by Golf Cart Insurance?
Like any policy, there are exclusions. Golf cart insurance usually doesn’t cover:
- Racing or stunts
- Intentional damage
- Unlicensed or underage drivers
- Use outside the allowed area
Always read the fine print before buying a policy.
Should You Add Golf Cart Insurance?
If you:
- Drive your golf cart outside your own property
- Live in a golf course community
- Have a high-value cart (custom or electric)
- Want peace of mind in case of an accident
Then yes, it’s smart to get golf cart insurance. It’s cheap and protects you from big expenses later.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Yes, but only if you use it on your property and it’s not modified or street-legal. Otherwise, you may need separate insurance.
No, not legally in most areas. You need to register your golf cart as a low-speed vehicle (LSV) and have proper insurance to drive it on streets.
Top providers include:
- Progressive
- GEICO
- State Farm
- Nationwide
You can compare these for free using Alias Insurance.
A golf cart usually goes under 20 mph and is for private property or golf courses. An LSV goes up to 25 mph, is street-legal in some states, and requires registration and insurance.
Final Thoughts
While car insurance does not cover golf cart accidents in most cases, there are affordable options to protect you. Whether it’s through a specialty golf cart policy, homeowners insurance, or an off-road vehicle plan, getting the right coverage can save you from expensive problems down the road.
Before driving your cart anywhere outside your backyard, check local laws and review your current policy. To make it easier, you can compare the best quotes for golf cart and vehicle insurance all in one place right here at Alias Insurance.
