Yes. If your golf cart is not “street legal”, you will still need coverage for physical damage and liability. If your golf cart is “street legal”, meaning it has been modified for use on public roadways it is considered a “low speed vehicle” and will need to be insured like a vehicle.
Low-Speed or Golf Cart?
Many Floridians who own a golf cart or low-speed vehicle are confused with Florida’s insurance requirements. Unfortunately, it is oftentimes not until after an accident or collision that questions about golf cart insurance and low-speed vehicle insurance are answered.
A golf cart can be a low speed vehicle, but all low speed vehicles must carry insurance and meet these requirements:
- May be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less
- Must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers
- Must be registered
- Anyone driving must have in his or her possession a valid driver license
Although golf carts are not legally required to be insured, here in Florida we see too many accidents happening with golf carts, some even resulting in injuries. Therefore, we highly suggest adding coverage for your golf cart that includes physical damage and liability protection.
Where’s the Danger?
Golf carts are supposed to be relatively safe. Most have accelerator governors that prevent the carts from reaching speeds over 15 mph. They are supposed to be hard to tip over with how much they are weighted down by heavy engines and batteries. They were designed to be used only on smooth paved paths or manicured grass fairways.
However, each year accidents and injuries from golf carts continually rise. It could be because golf carts have become much faster and more powerful. Reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and traveling as far as 40 miles on a single charge; golf carts now offer quick travel.
A few other golf cart statistics that may surprise you:
- 40% of golf cart accidents involve a person falling out of the cart
- 10% of golf cart accidents involve rollovers
- Each year in the U.S., about 15,000 golf cart related injuries require emergency care
Get the Coverage that Protects
In Florida, low-speed vehicles are considered motor vehicles and are required to be titled, registered, and insured with Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability coverage in order to be operated on Florida streets and highways, while golf carts in Florida are not required to be insured (although it is highly recommended).
Speak with one of our agents to add on a golf cart or low-speed vehicle policy. We hope you never need it, but having protection and peace of mind allows you to enjoy your golf cart without ever giving it another worry!