Planning to drive a gold cart off private property in Illinois? You need insurance. This article will cover everything you need to know about golf cart insurance, why it’s needed, its cost, and how to save money on this coverage.
(For more information or a free quote on golf cart coverage, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 today.)
What Is Golf Cart Insurance and Why Might You Need It?
Many golf cart owners use their carts beyond the golf course, like for getting around retirement communities, campgrounds, or even short trips in town. In these scenarios, the chances of an accident or injury are very real. In fact, over 150,000 golf cart-related injuries required emergency room visits from 2007 to 2017, showing that golf carts are not risk-free fun toys. If you injure someone or damage property while driving your cart, you could be held liable for those costs, which is why having gold cart insurance is so important.
Golf cart insurance is a specialized policy designed to cover losses involving your golf cart, much like auto insurance covers a car. It gives you financial protection if your cart is involved in an accident, is stolen, or sustains damage from events like fire or vandalism.
Is Golf Cart Insurance Required in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, a golf cart (classified as a “non-highway vehicle”) must carry the state’s minimum liability insurance when driven on roads. You also need a valid driver’s license and the cart must have proper safety equipment to be street-legal in Illinois. This means if you’re taking your golf cart off your private property – even just to cross a road or drive around the neighborhood – you legally need at least liability coverage, just as you would for a car. Failing to have insurance could result in fines or other penalties if you’re caught or if an accident occurs.
If you only use your golf cart on your own property or strictly on golf courses, Illinois state law doesn’t mandate insurance in those private settings. However, it’s still wise to insure the cart. Accidents can happen anywhere (for example, hitting a bystander or another cart on the course), and without insurance you’d be personally responsible for injuries or damage. Some homeowners’ policies offer limited coverage for golf carts on your property, but once you leave your property a home insurance policy likely won’t cover any incidents. To be safe, most owners opt for a standalone golf cart insurance policy for full protection.
Other states and localities have varying rules: For instance, Arizona requires golf cart owners to carry liability insurance to drive on public roads, while some states (like Texas) have no statewide mandate but allow cities to set their own requirements. Always check local laws, but in Illinois the rule is clear – liability insurance is a must for street use of golf carts.
What Does Golf Cart Insurance Cover?
Golf cart insurance policies typically include coverage types similar to auto insurance, tailored to the risks golf carts face. Here are the main coverages you can get and what they protect:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers |
| Bodily Injury Liability | Injuries you cause to other people in an accident. Pays for others’ medical bills, rehabilitation, or legal claims if you’re at fault. |
| Property Damage Liability | Damage you cause to someone else’s property. For example, repairs if you accidentally hit someone’s car, fence, or other belongings with your golf cart. |
| Collision Coverage | Damage to your own golf cart from a collision, regardless of who is at fault. This covers repair or replacement if you crash into another vehicle, a tree, a post, etc.. |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Non-collision damage to your golf cart from events beyond your control. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, flood, or storm damage (often called “Other Than Collision”). |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Injuries to you or your passengers, and damage to your cart, if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. This can be crucial if your golf cart is allowed on roads alongside other vehicles. |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Your own medical bills if you or your passengers are hurt in a golf cart accident. MedPay will cover necessary medical costs up to the policy limits, no matter who was at fault. |
| Accessory Coverage | Repairs or replacement for custom parts and upgrades you’ve added to the cart. For example, special wheels, a custom paint job, headlights, radios, or enclosures can be covered if they’re damaged or stolen. |
Most golf cart policies are flexible. You can choose higher liability limits for better protection (just as you might with car insurance), and you can opt in or out of coverages like collision or comprehensive depending on your needs. For instance, if your cart is brand new or high-value, you’ll likely want collision and comprehensive coverage. If it’s an older cart you only drive on the golf course and can afford to repair yourself, you might skip those and just carry liability. An insurance agent can help tailor the policy to fit how and where you use your golf cart.
Will My Auto or Homeowners Insurance Cover My Golf Cart?
Auto insurance is designed for street-legal cars; since golf carts are not classified as cars (unless modified to be a low-speed vehicle), your car insurance won’t apply to a golf cart accident. If you crash your golf cart or cause damage with it, your auto insurer will likely deny the claim, leaving you on the hook.
Homeowners insurance might offer some coverage for a golf cart on your own property, but it’s typically very limited. A typical homeowners policy could cover liability or damage involving a golf cart only while it’s on the insured residence premises (and often only if it’s being used for maintenance or to get around within a private community). The moment you drive off your property, for example, taking the cart down the street or loading it on a trailer to the golf course, your homeowners coverage usually stops applying. Additionally, homeowners policies usually exclude coverage if the golf cart is registered for road use or if it’s being driven where it shouldn’t be.
How Much Does Golf Cart Insurance Cost?
Golf cart insurance is generally affordable. Basic liability-only coverage for a golf cart can cost as little as around $75 per year for some policyholders. Your actual premium will depend on several factors, including:
- The value of your golf cart: Expensive, high-end or custom carts will cost more to insure (especially if you add collision/comprehensive), whereas an older used cart costs less to cover.
- How much coverage you choose: Higher liability limits, plus adding collision, comprehensive, and other options, will raise the premium compared to a bare-bones policy.
- Your location: Rates can vary by state and even by city. If you’re in an area of Illinois with higher theft or accident rates (or where golf carts are commonly driven on roads), your cost might be higher. Urban areas may see different rates than rural communities.
- Your driving record and age: Just like auto insurance, your personal driving history can affect your golf cart insurance rate. Any history of accidents or violations might increase the cost, while a clean record can help keep it low.
- Usage: If you only use the cart occasionally or keep it primarily on your own property, let your insurer know. Using a cart on public roads regularly might be rated differently than limited private use.
- Storage and safety: Keeping your golf cart in a secure garage and having anti-theft devices could possibly earn discounts with some insurers, lowering your premium.
For example, if you have a fairly new golf cart worth $5,000 and you opt for full coverage (liability + collision/comprehensive), you might pay more than someone insuring an older $1,500 cart for liability only. The good news is that even comprehensive policies for golf carts tend to be much cheaper than car insurance policies, because golf carts usually have lower top speeds and are driven less frequently.
How Can I Save Money on Golf Cart Insurance?
Getting the coverage you need doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Insurance companies often offer discounts or ways to reduce your premium on a golf cart policy. Here are some tips to save money:
Bundle policies
Insure your golf cart with the same company that insures your car or home. Many insurers give a multi-policy discount, so bundling your golf cart insurance with, say, your auto insurance could lower the price.
Pay in full
If you can afford to pay the annual premium in one lump sum rather than monthly, insurers often charge less overall. Paying for the full year up front can save on installment fees or surcharges.
Auto-pay enrollment
Some providers discount your rate if you set up automatic payments from a bank account, because it reduces the chance of missed payments.
Higher deductible
Choosing a higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket on a claim before insurance pays) will usually lower your premium. Just make sure it’s an amount you could reasonably pay if an incident occurs.
Safe driving or safety courses
Maintaining a clean driving record always helps. Additionally, look for any golf cart safety courses in your area because completing one might qualify you for a discount with certain insurers. This is similar to defensive driving discounts for auto insurance.
Secure storage and anti-theft
Ask about discounts for carts stored in a locked garage or equipped with theft-recovery devices. Since theft is a common concern for golf carts, showing that you’ve mitigated that risk can sometimes reduce premiums.
Compare quotes
Rates can vary among insurers. It’s wise to compare quotes from a few companies or work with an independent agent who can shop around for you. A small local insurer might offer a better deal in Illinois than a big national company in some cases, or vice-versa.
Using these strategies can bring down the cost of golf cart insurance to well under $100 a year for basic coverage, or at least ensure you’re getting the most value for your premium dollars.
How Do I Get Golf Cart Insurance in Illinois?
Obtaining golf cart insurance is straightforward. You can purchase a policy through many major insurance companies or through specialized insurers that offer recreational vehicle coverage. Here are the steps to get covered:
Contact an insurance agent or company
You may reach out to an independent agent (like Insure on the Spot in Chicago) who can gather quotes from multiple insurers for you, or you can contact insurance companies directly. When speaking with an agent, mention that you need golf cart insurance – sometimes also called off-road vehicle insurance or recreational vehicle insurance.
Provide details about your cart
The insurer will need information such as the make, model, year, and value of your golf cart. They’ll also ask how and where you use it (on a golf course only, within a community, on public roads, etc.), and how it’s stored. Be honest and detailed, as this ensures you get appropriate coverage and accurate quotes.
Choose your coverages
Decide on the coverage types and limits you want. At minimum, for Illinois, you’ll need liability coverage that meets the state’s requirements. But you should consider adding comprehensive and collision if your cart has significant value or if you want protection from theft and damage. Also consider uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage for more complete protection. An agent can explain the cost difference for adding these options.
Compare quotes (if not done already)
If you’re not using an agent who shops around, it’s wise to get quotes from a few insurers. Rates can vary, and so can coverage details. Ensure each quote offers similar coverages so you can make a fair comparison.
Finalize the policy
Once you’re satisfied with a quote, you can purchase the policy. You’ll typically get proof of insurance documents or an ID card. In Illinois, be sure to carry this proof of insurance with your golf cart when using it on public roads. Some Illinois communities require you to show proof of insurance when registering your golf cart locally for street use.
Which insurers offer golf cart coverage? Many well-known companies provide golf cart insurance or allow you to add a golf cart endorsement to an existing policy. For example, Progressive, GEICO, Nationwide, State Farm, Allstate, and Foremost all offer golf cart or low-speed vehicle policies. Specialized insurers (often the ones known for motorcycle or RV insurance) also cover golf carts. Pricing can differ, so again, comparing is key.
If you’re looking for guidance, Insure on the Spot is here to help Illinois golf cart owners. We can answer your questions, find a policy that fits your needs and budget, and make sure you meet all legal requirements. Our Chicago-based agents can assist you with not only golf cart insurance, but also any auto or specialty vehicle coverage you need. (For instance, if you have an ATV or need regular auto insurance, we can bundle policies to save you money.)
Ready to get covered? Visit our website for a free quote or call 773-202-5060 to speak with a friendly agent and get your golf cart insured today. We’ll help you cruise around the course or neighborhood with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions about Golf Cart Insurance
Is golf cart insurance required in Illinois?
Yes. If you drive a golf cart on public roads in Illinois, you are required by law to have liability insurance on it. This ensures you can pay for any injuries or damage you might cause. There’s no legal mandate for a cart used only on private property or golf courses, but it’s still recommended to have coverage for protection.
Will my homeowners or auto insurance cover my golf cart?
Not in most cases. Auto insurance typically does not cover golf carts at all. Homeowners insurance might offer very limited coverage while the cart is on your own property, but once you leave your property, a standard homeowners policy won’t cover incidents involving your golf cart. A dedicated golf cart insurance policy is needed for full coverage off-property.
What types of coverage can I get for a golf cart?
Golf cart insurance policies can include liability coverage (for injuries or property damage you cause), collision coverage (for damage to your own cart from crashes), comprehensive coverage (for theft, fire, or weather damage), uninsured motorist coverage (if you’re hit by someone with no insurance), and more. You can also add medical payments coverage for injuries and accessory coverage for custom parts. Essentially, it offers similar protections as car insurance, but tailored to golf carts.
How do I get golf cart insurance?
You can get golf cart insurance through many insurance providers or via an independent agent. To start, gather details about your cart (make, model, year, usage). Then request a quote for golf cart insurance – either online, by phone, or through an agent. Companies like Progressive, GEICO, Nationwide, and specialized insurers offer golf cart policies, or you can contact Insure on the Spot to compare options and buy a policy that meets Illinois requirements. The process is quick – often you can get coverage the same day you request it.
How much does golf cart insurance cost?
It’s usually very affordable. Basic liability coverage for a golf cart might cost around $75 per year or more, depending on factors like your location, the cart’s value, your driving history, and the coverages you choose. Adding collision and comprehensive will increase the cost, but even full coverage for a golf cart is generally much cheaper than car insurance. It’s a small price to pay for the protection and peace of mind it provides.
How can I save on golf cart insurance?
To save money, consider bundling your golf cart policy with your auto or home insurance (multi-policy discounts), paying your premium in full annually, and enrolling in automatic payments – all of which many insurers reward with discounts. You can also opt for a higher deductible to lower the premium, and ask about any safety course discounts or other promotions. Shopping around between insurers or working with an agent to compare quotes is another great way to make sure you’re getting the best rate.