How Much Is Golf Cart Insurance in Florida?
Demystify golf cart insurance in Florida. Gain a comprehensive understanding of securing protection and meeting state expectations for your vehicle.
Owning a golf cart in Florida offers a convenient way to navigate communities and enjoy outdoor activities. While these vehicles provide flexibility, understanding golf cart insurance is important for protecting your investment and financial well-being. This includes knowing typical costs, available coverage options, and specific state requirements.
Understanding Golf Cart Insurance Costs in Florida
Annual golf cart insurance in Florida typically ranges from $75 to a few hundred dollars, with many owners paying around $100 to $150 for standard coverage. Costs can increase to $350 or more for street-legal golf carts (LSVs) due to increased road exposure.
Several factors influence these premiums:
Location of primary use (urban or rural) affects rates.
The type of golf cart, including its make, model, age, and value, also plays a role, with newer or more expensive carts generally incurring higher premiums.
How often the golf cart is used and whether it’s driven on private property versus public roads can also impact cost.
A driver’s record, including their age and driving history, influences rates, with younger drivers or those with past accidents potentially facing higher premiums.
The chosen coverage limits and deductibles directly affect the price, where higher limits or lower deductibles lead to increased costs.
Discounts, such as multi-policy discounts or those for safety features, can help reduce premiums.
Types of Coverage for Golf Carts
Golf cart insurance policies offer various types of coverage:
Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for medical bills and other expenses if you cause an accident with your golf cart that injures another person.
Property damage liability coverage addresses costs if your golf cart damages another person’s property, such as a car or house.
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your golf cart if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive coverage protects your golf cart from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection if you or your passengers are injured by a driver with insufficient or no insurance.
Medical payments coverage can help with medical expenses for you and your passengers if an accident occurs, regardless of fault.
Additional options, like coverage for custom parts or roadside assistance, may also be available.
Florida Golf Cart Insurance Requirements
In Florida, insurance requirements for golf carts depend on their classification and how they are used. Standard golf carts, designed for golf courses and not exceeding 20 miles per hour, typically do not require insurance or registration if used solely on private property or designated golf courses. If a golf cart is modified to travel between 20 and 25 miles per hour, it is classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). LSVs are considered motor vehicles and must be registered, titled, and insured to operate on public roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less. Florida law mandates minimum coverage of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) for LSVs, and obtaining golf cart insurance is a prudent choice for financial protection against potential accidents or damages.
Steps to Obtain Golf Cart Insurance
Obtaining golf cart insurance involves a straightforward process:
Gather all necessary information about your golf cart (make, model, year, VIN if applicable).
You will also need details about the primary drivers, such as their age and driving history.
Once you have this information, it is advisable to shop around by requesting quotes from multiple insurance providers.
You can contact independent agents, who often work with several insurance companies, or reach out directly to insurers.
When comparing quotes, look beyond just the price; consider the types of coverage offered, the deductibles, and the insurer’s reputation.
After selecting a policy, carefully review the policy document to understand all terms, conditions, and coverage limits before finalizing the purchase.