Do You Need Golf Cart Insurance?
The short answer: it depends on how you use the cart.
Private property only: Insurance is generally not legally required. However, if you injure someone or damage property with your cart, you may be personally liable — and standard homeowner's insurance often has limited golf cart coverage.
Road-registered LSV/NEV: Liability insurance is required by law in every state before registration. Without it, you cannot legally register the cart for road use.
Recommended for everyone: Even for private-property carts, a dedicated golf cart policy is typically inexpensive and provides meaningful protection.
Types of Golf Cart Insurance Coverage
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Bodily injury and property damage you cause | Yes (for road-registered) |
| Collision | Damage to your cart in an accident | Optional |
| Comprehensive | Theft, vandalism, weather, fire | Optional |
| Medical payments | Passenger medical expenses | Optional |
| Uninsured motorist | Accidents with uninsured drivers | Optional |
What Golf Cart Insurance Costs
| Coverage Level | Annual Cost (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Liability only | $75–$150/year |
| Liability + collision | $150–$300/year |
| Full coverage (all types) | $250–$500/year |
Premiums depend on: cart value, your location, coverage limits, and your claims history.
Where to Get Golf Cart Insurance
Major insurers offering golf cart coverage:
- Progressive — most comprehensive golf cart program; covers all types
- Markel — specialty vehicles; strong golf cart program
- National General — competitive rates for LSV/NEV coverage
- State Farm — golf cart endorsement on some homeowner's policies
- USAA — available to military members and families
- American Family — golf cart coverage in some regions
Homeowner's policy endorsements: Some homeowners' policies can add golf cart coverage as an endorsement (add-on) for private-property use. Coverage is typically limited and may not cover road use.
Key Insurance Terms to Understand
Agreed value vs. actual cash value: Agreed value pays the insured amount if totaled; actual cash value pays depreciated market value. Agreed value is preferred for golf carts.
On-premises vs. off-premises coverage: Some policies cover only damage on your property. Ensure "off-premises" coverage if you drive at campgrounds, communities, or other locations.
Street use endorsement: If you have an LSV and use it on roads, confirm the policy explicitly covers street use. Many standard golf cart policies exclude road use.
Related Guides
- Golf Cart Registration Guide — Registration requirements by state
- Street-Legal Golf Carts Guide — Road-legal options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is golf cart insurance required?
Required for road-registered LSV/NEV carts in all states. Not typically required for private property use — but strongly recommended.
How much does it cost to insure a $15,000 golf cart?
Full coverage typically runs $300–$500/year. Liability only: $100–$200/year.
Does homeowner's insurance cover golf carts?
Sometimes — for on-premises use and with limited coverage. Off-premises use and road use typically require a separate policy.
Learn more about golf cart ownership → | Call 1-844-844-6638 | Browse TIGON's inventory →