Do You Need Insurance for A Golf Cart?

Spring is upon us and that means more time outside enjoying the beautiful spring weather. You may be ready to dust off that golf cart to go for a neighborhood ride or hit the course, but are you protected? Even if you’re just taking a spin around the corner to pick up your mail, insurance for a golf cart should be a top priority.

How to Insure a Golf Cart

As soon as you leave your property and hit the road, you will need coverage for your golf cart just like your car needs auto insurance. Some states or cities will have specific requirements for your golf cart, but it’s most important to add vehicle liability coverage to be sure you are protected when you’re driving in your neighborhood, at the park or hauling supplies from one place to another.

Know Your Local Golf Cart Laws

Golf cart insurance requirements vary by city or state. It is recommended that you look into what your state and even city has to say about golf carts in your area and if you’re allowed to drive them on public roads. Also, take the time to look at local laws. There are certain differences between LSV and golf cart insurance that you’ll want to look into. Once you’re comfortable knowing your local rules and laws, you’ll be better prepared and ready to hit the road.

Requirements to Drive a Golf Cart on a Public Road

Depending on where you live and the local laws, you may need to have liability coverage, be of a certain age and may be required to have certain safety features on your golf cart to drive it on the road. Make sure you are aware of your local laws before leaving your driveway.  

1. Operate During Daylight Hours

Due to most golf carts not being equipped with headlights or taillights, many states prohibit the use of golf carts after sundown. It’s also unsafe to drive them in the dark with no lights because it will be harder to see cars or pedestrians and vice versa. Operating golf carts during daylight hours will help prevent accidents.

1. Enhance Your Safety Features

Along with needing headlights and taillights, golf carts will also need to be equipped with other safety features like seatbelts to be legally driven on public roads. Again, every state’s requirements are different so be sure to check in with your state to make sure you are able to drive a golf cart on public roads.

1. Proper Registration, Permits and Licenses

In specific states, golf carts are required to be registered at your DMV. Some even require an inspection by a DMV official when registering a golf cart. In order to stay safe, it’s best to check in with your local DMV to plan ahead of time to know what requirements you’ll need to follow before showing up unprepared.

1. Follow Safe Driving Guidelines

Just like any other type of motor vehicle, it’s important to be safe on the road. Even though golf carts may seem more of a relaxed vehicle, it’s still important to follow your local road rules. Always stay focused and avoid all distractions - which means no texting while driving.

Stay Safe on the Road

If you’re not sure what type of coverage you need, reach out to your local Farm Bureau agent to have them perform a SuperCheck^® and give you a better idea of what you need.