Got a Golf Cart?

After purchasing our golf cart a couple of years ago, my husband and I had to ask ourselves how to properly protect ourselves and our new investment. There were many things we needed to consider since we planned on operating our golf cart on, and off, our property.

How do you know if your owned golf cart is properly insured? Consider the following scenarios:

Q: What if I injure a pedestrian or damage my neighbor's property with my golf cart while I'm traveling down my street? Would my home or auto policy provide any coverage?

A: Most likely no. Here's why:

• Your homeowners policy only provides liability coverage for your owned golf cart when it's being driven off of your property in limited circumstances. For example, if it is designed to carry four or fewer people, not built or modified to exceed 25 mph, and is being used on a golf course or in the private residential community where your insured residence is located (provided that the private residential community is subject to the authority of a property owners association).
• Your automobile policy won't provide any liability coverage unless it's endorsed to provide coverage because the unendorsed automobile policy does not provide coverage for vehicles designed mainly for use off public roads and does not, except in limited circumstances, cover vehicles you own which are not listed on the policy.

Q: What if I cause injury to myself or my passengers, or damage my golf cart, while operating it off my property? Will there be any coverage under my home or auto policy?

A: No. Here's why:

• Your homeowners policy only provides physical damage coverage for your owned golf cart if it is being used solely to service your property. Regarding medical expenses for you or your passengers, there is no coverage for these medical payments under your homeowners policy.
• Your automobile policy won't provide any medical payments coverage for you or your children because a golf cart is not designed for use mainly on public roads. Nor would there be coverage for any other passengers since the golf cart is not listed on the automobile policy. Coverage for physical damage to your golf cart is not included in your auto policy for the same reason.

If you do own a golf cart, don't fret! You have options for adequately covering you and your golf cart! While you could add physical damage coverage to your golf cart by endorsing your homeowner's policy, the liability coverage provided under the homeowner's policy is limited. To provide you the best coverage, consider asking your independent agent about the options available to add golf cart coverage to your current personal automobile policy. Alternatively, you may want to purchase a separate golf cart policy to provide the most comprehensive coverage. Either way, talk to your trusted insurance advisor today to learn the best options to cover you and your golf cart.