Golf carts are becoming a common transportation option to go short distances. They’re quick and easy to use, but you may face severe injuries and property damage if you get in a golf cart accident. This leaves many people wondering does car insurance cover golf cart accidents?
Many people don’t know where to turn in a golf cart accident. Their first reaction is often to contact their car insurance company, but car insurance doesn’t usually cover golf cart accidents, especially on private property.
Read on to learn more about your options if you’re in a golf cart accident, including the different types of insurance policies, liability in golf cart accidents, golf cart insurance, and how you can get compensation if you’re in an accident.
A golf cart accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help if you have sustained injuries in such an accident.
Golf Carts on and Off the Course
Golf carts were once only used on the golf course to take players between holes. Now, they are becoming more prevalent in other settings, including:
- Neighborhoods: They can be used by groundskeeping for property upkeep.
- Resorts: Golf carts transport customers between locations and to and from their rooms.
- Patrols: Golf carts are often used by safety officers to patrol areas.
- Public places: They can provide transport to individuals with limited mobility.
There are no regulations on who can purchase golf carts. Individuals and companies can use them to meet various transportation needs. One of the reasons typical auto insurance isn’t the same as golf cart insurance is that golf carts are used differently than cars.
State and Local Laws
State regulations govern the general use of golf carts. However, local municipalities can have rules that supersede state regulations in their community.
Regardless, golf carts cannot operate as traditional cars do. There are limitations to:
- Where they can drive: Most are prohibited from driving on public roads, highways, etc.
- How fast they can travel: Depending on the state, they typically need to drive between 20 and 35 mph.
- Who can drive: Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and/or be accompanied by an adult.
Golf cart insurance requirements also vary by state. Some states require golf carts to have their own insurance policy to operate. You cannot legally drive your cart unless you carry insurance on it.
Other states don’t require insurance unless you plan on driving it on public roads. If that’s the case, you are minimally required to carry liability insurance. This ensures if something happens, you have golf cart insurance. You and other drivers are covered in the case of an emergency.
Many often ask themselves: does car insurance cover golf cart accidents? In general, traditional car insurance policies do not cover golf carts. Golf cart owners must have a golf cart insurance policy, and a personal injury attorney can help you navigate your options if you’re in an accident with one.
If you have questions about coverage requirements, check local community and state laws to learn more.
Types of Golf Carts
Different types of golf carts can be used depending on their purpose. They include
- Personal transportation golf carts: These are often basic models. They are used to transport people between destinations.
- Utility golf carts: Utility golf carts are often used for work purposes. They may have a cab in the back and are designed to handle rougher terrain.
- Street-legal golf carts: Golf carts can be modified to drive on the street. They can include safety features like headlights, turn signals, seatbelts, and four-wheel drive. These may be eligible to be added to your auto insurance.
There are limitations on where and how golf carts can be driven. Failure to adhere to these standards can lead to accidents.
Typical Golf Cart Insurance Policies
If you purchase a golf cart, it must carry its own insurance policy. Standard auto insurance policies will not apply, but you have options.
Standard Auto Policies
Standard car insurance policies generally do not provide coverage for golf carts. They only cover the cars listed in the insurance policy, and golf carts are not typically classified as cars. If you are in an accident, you will be responsible for the costs out of pocket, including property damage. You cannot file an insurance claim.
However, a golf cart driver can ask their insurance company about insurance coverage for their golf cart. Carts that are street-legal may be included in some policies. Many auto insurance companies also offer insurance coverage for your golf cart.
Reasons for Exclusion
While a golf cart is a form of transportation, it is not typically considered a motor vehicle. It does not have a VIN or title. Additionally, golf carts are often classified as recreational vehicles, which are different from motor vehicles.
Golf carts are often used in nontraditional settings. They may take passengers from place to place but are only used for short distances. They are often used on a golf course, residential area, or campus.
There is still a risk associated with using them, so they require specialized policies. This is a way for an insurance provider to make more money and reduce liability. Their policy outlines what is covered, including property damage or serious injuries. Any other vehicle type, unless specifically insured, is not their problem.
Exceptions and Gray Areas
There are some gray areas for golf carts modified for street use. Technically, these are legal to drive on the street. They must adhere to the road rules and speed limits. However, they are still not classified as cars.
Most car insurance policies require a separate policy for carts, regardless of whether they are designed for street use. Check with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage limitations.
Alternative Insurance Options for Golf Carts
Standard car insurance policies may not apply to golf carts, but alternative options exist to obtain coverage for the next time you want to head to the golf course.
Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover golf cart accidents in select cases. For example, if the accident occurred on the insured property, there may be limited liability coverage via your homeowner’s insurance policy. They may provide limited coverage, such as bodily injury liability.
However, homeowners insurance does not apply to accidents off the property. As soon as you leave your property, there is no insurance coverage. It’s crucial to understand your coverage limits.
Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella insurance is an additional insurance policy you can add to your existing plans for more liability coverage. However, some umbrella insurance policies exclude golf carts, so it’s essential to consult with your insurance company to understand the limitations of your coverage.
Because of these exclusions, a standalone golf cart insurance policy may be the best option to protect yourself during golf cart accidents.
- Liability coverage: This policy offers limited coverage and will cover damages if you’re at fault. In some states, it may be required to drive on public roads and may offer negligent motorist coverage.
- Collision coverage: Collision coverage will help repair your cart if it is damaged during an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: This covers all types of damage to your cart, including theft, natural disasters, and vandalism. It ensures you’re adequately protected against things beyond your control.
Golf cart policies are a specialized type of insurance policy. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage on your golf cart. It’s common for an auto insurance company that insures motor vehicles to offer golf cart coverage.
Liability in Golf Cart Accidents
Liability and negligence are essential in golf cart accidents. They help determine who is at fault and impact the amount you are paid for your damages.
To prove negligence, you need to:
- Establish duty of care: The driver was responsible for ensuring safe driving conditions.
- Demonstrate breach of care: The other party breached their duty. Perhaps they were driving under the influence or recklessly by not following the road rules, speeding, or illegally driving on public roads.
- Determine causation: Their breach of care caused injury and personal harm.
- Highlight damages: As a result, you suffered significant damages. These could be physical or emotional.
If proven negligent, the other party can be held liable for the golf cart accident. This may include the golf cart manufacturer if manufacturing defects contributed to the accident.
Factors Affecting Liability
Several factors can influence liability in a golf cart accident, including:
- Traffic laws: Golf cart drivers must adhere to traffic laws, including speed limits.
- Rules of the road: The rules also apply to golf carts. This includes signaling when turning, adhering to posted signage, and having certain safety features on your cart.
- Behaviors: Drivers should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving golf carts. They should also not drive while tired, distracted, or exhibiting other dangerous behaviors.
- Accident circumstances: If the golf cart accident happens on a public road and it is not licensed to be there, it can impact liability.
You must prove liability in accidents to recover compensation.
Seeking Compensation After a Golf Cart Accident
Golf cart accidents are similar to car accidents. Victims can seek compensation for their damages, and personal injury attorneys can help. Here’s an overview of some of your legal options.
Types of Damages
You can recover different damages as part of a golf cart accident claim. They include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs associated with necessary medical attention, such as doctor’s visits, medical bills, ambulance rides, physical therapy, prescription medicine, and other medical costs.
- Mental health: Some victims develop mental health issues after an accident involving golf carts, and you can recover costs for your therapy, rehab, etc.
- Personal property: If your property was damaged due to the accident, you can include it in your claim.
- Pain and suffering: You can get compensation for the pain and suffering you endured following your accident. It is often a multiplier of the actual costs suffered.
- Lost wages: You can recover costs for past, current, and future lost income associated with the accident. This includes legal fees.
These accidents can be expensive. You should not suffer a significant financial burden due to another’s negligence. You have rights after a golf cart accident occurs.
Filing a Claim
If you’ve been in an accident, you need to file a claim. You should contact your insurance company to tell them what happened. They will work with the at-fault party’s insurance to help get a settlement for your accident.
Be wary of what you share with your insurance. Stick to the facts and avoid taking blame or responsibility, such as saying reckless driving contributed. Many companies will use your words to avoid paying your claim to save money.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Seeking legal representation after an accident is one of the best things you can do. Your attorney is essential throughout the claims and legal process, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.
Personal injury lawyers can:
- Educate: The legal process can be confusing, and a good attorney can explain your legal options and provide recommendations to help you maximize your settlement.
- Negotiate: They make sure the settlement you get is fair. They won’t accept the first offer.
- Represent: Personal injury attorneys will represent you if an agreement can’t be met.
Accident victims do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Personal injury attorneys are there to guide you every step of the way and help you get a maximum settlement.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
Golf cart accidents can be devastating and lead to many unexpected expenses. Victims have rights, and Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help as you’re pursuing compensation. Our team of qualified attorneys is ready to help you understand your legal options and recommend how to get the most out of your personal injury lawsuit.
To speak with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, reach out to (888) 424-5757 or complete the form on our website.