By Amy Streifel
It seems like everywhere you look, there’s people cruising around town on a golf cart, especially kids. Even my own kids are riding around. I always wonder, are there seatbelts in those things? Do you have to wear a helmet? What are the rules to driving a golf cart on the street? More importantly, do you need golf cart insurance? Golf cart accidents can happen at any time and place. You can damage someone's property or get in an accident even on the golf course. There have also been instances where carts get stolen if the keys are left inside. I had a friend who "borrowed" someone's cart to give her friends a ride. You are leaving yourself open to liabilities and sometimes without knowing it. Another example, every time I am a passenger on Michelle's golf cart, I have a near death experience because of her fast driving. Who's is going to pay for my injuries when I fall off one of these times? If you own a golf cart, there's a good chance that you use if for more than getting around to the golf course, especially in small towns. Many golf cart owners treat their cart as a secondary mode of transportation. But, if you drive your golf cart on the road, you will need insurance. A golf cart may be covered under your homeowners insurance while it is on your property or on the golf course. However, once you leave your property, most homeowners insurance will no longer cover your golf cart. Most homeowners insurance policies won’t cover a golf cart that’s registered to be driven on roads. When you get a golf cart policy, it typically will include some basic coverages such as property damage liability coverage, bodily injury liability coverage, collision and comprehensive coverage. These coverages may help pay to repair damage to your golf cart in certain situations. Even if you only use your cart at the club, home or auto coverage many not be sufficient for every hazard you face. Check with your insurance agent before taking it on the road!
Golf Cart Etiquette:
¨ Carry no more than the designated amount of passengers (or the total number of seats).
¨ Never drive any vehicle under the influence.
¨ Don't allow anyone to stand in/on the vehicle while in motion.
¨ Avoid driving if you see lightning.
¨ Use hand signals if the cart isn't equipped with turn signals.
¨ Golf Carts can tip quite easily, so take turns, inclines and declines slowly.
¨ Check your state-specific laws for age and license requirements.
¨ Don't leave keys in the Golf Cart.

NuLine Insurance Services
Posted on June 14th, 2023