Do You Need Special Insurance for a Golf Cart?

Last Updated on January 3, 2026

Golf carts aren’t just for the course anymore. In many neighborhoods and retirement communities, they’re used for quick errands, visiting friends, and cruising local roads. That raises a practical question: do you actually need golf cart insurance—or will your home or auto policy cover it?

The right answer depends on where you drive (private property vs. public roads), how fast the cart is, and what your HOA or city requires. Some owners are fine with limited homeowners coverage. Others need a dedicated golf cart or low-speed vehicle (LSV) policy.

Below is a clear, up-to-date guide to when golf cart insurance is worth it, when it’s required, what it covers, and what it typically costs.

Key Takeaways

1. Homeowners Coverage Can Be Limited: Many home insurance policies only cover golf carts in specific situations (often on your property), so street use may not be covered.
2. Street Use May Require a Separate Policy: If you drive on public roads or your cart qualifies as a low-speed vehicle (LSV), you’ll usually need a dedicated golf cart/LSV policy.
3. HOAs and Cities Can Require Proof of Insurance: Golf and retirement communities commonly require liability coverage and may ask to be listed as an additional insured.
4. Costs Vary by Coverage Level: Liability-only coverage is often inexpensive, while full coverage (including theft, vandalism, and collision) costs more—especially for higher-value carts or frequent road use.

What Is Golf Cart Insurance?

Golf cart insurance is a specialized policy (or endorsement) that can protect you financially if your cart causes injuries or damage—and it can also protect the cart itself. In that sense, it works similarly to car insurance: you’re transferring the financial risk of accidents, lawsuits, theft, and physical damage to an insurer.

Depending on the policy, golf cart insurance can include liability coverage for injuries (bodily injury) and damage to other people’s things (property damage), plus optional “physical damage” coverage for the cart itself if it’s stolen, vandalized, or damaged in a crash.

Golf Cart vs. LSV: Why Speed and Street Use Matter

Insurance (and legal requirements) often hinge on whether your vehicle is treated as a traditional golf cart or a street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV).

• Traditional golf carts are typically intended for the course or private property. Many aren’t designed or equipped for public roads.
• LSVs are a separate category in many states. They usually top out around 20–25 mph and may require safety equipment (like lights, reflectors, mirrors, windshield, seatbelts, etc.). If your cart is used on public streets—or modified to reach LSV speeds—your insurance needs often shift closer to an auto policy than a homeowners add-on.

If you’re not sure which you have, check the owner’s manual, the manufacturer label/VIN plate, and any local registration paperwork. When in doubt, call your insurer and describe exactly where you drive and how fast the cart goes.

Do I Need Golf Cart Insurance?

You might need golf cart insurance for three common reasons:

1. Your HOA or community requires it. Many golf/retirement communities require residents to carry liability insurance for carts. Some also require you to list the HOA as an “additional insured” or provide proof of coverage each year.
2. You drive on public roads (even briefly). City/county rules vary widely. Some areas allow golf carts only on specific roads and may require registration, a permit, and insurance. If you’re street-driving, don’t assume your homeowners policy will protect you.
3. Your cart is expensive or financed. If you’d be upset (or financially strained) replacing it after theft, storm damage, or a crash, adding physical-damage coverage is often worth it.

Even when it’s not required, insurance is smart because golf carts can still cause serious injuries—especially with passengers, kids, pets, and tight neighborhood streets.

When Homeowners Insurance May Cover a Golf Cart

Some homeowners policies provide limited coverage for golf carts—most commonly when the cart is used on your property (or sometimes on a golf course). This is one reason people don’t always need a separate policy.

However, homeowners coverage is not standardized. Two neighbors can have different insurers and different policy language. If your cart use goes beyond “on-premises,” your homeowners policy may offer little to no protection.

If you’re trying to keep things simple (and possibly cheaper), ask your insurer whether your homeowners policy covers:

• Liability while driving the cart on your property
• Liability on a golf course or inside a private community
• Physical damage (theft, fire, storm, vandalism)
• Medical payments for injured passengers

You may also want to look at bundling options if you end up needing a standalone policy. Some people save money by bundling auto and homeowners insurance with the same carrier.

When You Usually Need a Golf Cart Endorsement or Standalone Policy

If your homeowners policy doesn’t cover your cart (or only covers it in a very narrow way), you can often add an endorsement. In other situations—especially street use—insurers commonly recommend a standalone golf cart or LSV policy.

You’re more likely to need additional coverage if:

• Your cart is modified or capable of higher speeds (often up to 25 mph)
• You drive on neighborhood streets or public roads (even short trips)
• Your cart has “street” features like seatbelts, turn signals, headlights, and mirrors
• You use the cart off your property frequently (parks, friends’ homes, community roads)
• Your HOA, city, or state requires proof of insurance
• You want coverage for theft, collision, or weather damage

Your insurer may treat this as a homeowners add-on, a recreational vehicle policy, or even an auto-style policy (especially for LSVs). If you’re unsure what’s available, ask about add-on coverage options and whether your cart qualifies for a dedicated policy.

What Golf Cart Insurance Typically Covers

Coverage varies by insurer, but many policies offer a mix of these options:

• Bodily injury liability (injuries to others)
• Property damage liability (damage you cause to vehicles, homes, fences, etc.)
• Medical payments (covers minor injuries regardless of fault, depending on the policy)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (helpful in some areas if you’re hit by someone without coverage)
• Comprehensive (theft, fire, vandalism, storms, falling objects)
• Collision (damage to your cart from hitting something or being hit)
• Accessory/custom equipment coverage (lift kits, upgraded seats, stereos, custom wheels)

Tip: If your cart is used around guests, kids, or in crowded communities, consider higher liability limits. A serious injury claim can be far more expensive than the cart itself.

Common Golf Cart Insurance Exclusions

Most denials come down to how the cart was being used or who was driving. Common exclusions include:

• Business use (e.g., transporting people for pay or using it as a work vehicle)
• Racing or reckless use
• Renting the cart out to others
• Driving outside approved areas (for example, beyond the boundaries set by your community/HOA or outside the permitted road network)
• Unlicensed or excluded drivers operating the cart (rules vary by insurer)

Some policies allow limited travel to and from a golf course or within a designated community—while others don’t. Get the details in writing so you don’t learn about an exclusion after an accident.

How Much Does Golf Cart Insurance Cost?

Golf cart insurance is usually affordable, but pricing depends heavily on your location, usage (private property vs. street), cart value, and coverage level.

• Liability-only coverage is often roughly $75 to $200 per year for many drivers and carts.
• Full coverage (liability + comprehensive + collision) commonly falls in the $300 to $1,000+ per year range, especially for newer carts, upgraded accessories, or frequent road use.
• Endorsements on a homeowners policy can be one of the cheapest ways to add protection—if your use fits the endorsement rules.

Insurers may price your policy using similar inputs as auto insurance, including your record. Some will check your driving history and other underwriting details like the factors that affect auto insurance rates.

How to Choose the Right Policy

Use this quick checklist before you buy (or skip) coverage:

1. Map your driving area. If you ever use public roads, ask about a dedicated golf cart/LSV policy.
2. Confirm HOA and local rules. Communities may require liability limits or proof of insurance on file.
3. Decide if physical damage coverage is worth it. If your cart is expensive—or theft is common—comprehensive can be a good value.
4. Pick realistic liability limits. Low limits can disappear fast with emergency care, lost wages, and legal costs.
5. Ask about accessory coverage. If you’ve upgraded your cart, make sure your custom equipment is insured.

FAQs on Golf Cart Insurance

Final Word

You don’t always need a separate golf cart policy—but you do need to be sure you’re covered for how you actually use the cart. If you only drive on your own property or the course, homeowners coverage (sometimes with an endorsement) may be enough. If you drive on public roads, own a high-value cart, or your HOA requires insurance, a standalone golf cart/LSV policy is often the safest move.

The easiest next step: call your insurer and ask, “Am I covered for liability and physical damage when my cart is used here?” (Then describe the exact roads/locations and top speed.) That one conversation can prevent a costly coverage gap later.