Best Golf Push Cart: 8 Top Models for Golfers in 2026
Discover the best golf push cart options of 2026 with our comprehensive guide comparing features, prices, and durability for every type of golfer.
Golf Cart Insurance: Costs, Coverage & State Requirements (2026)
Complete guide to golf cart insurance costs, coverage options, and state requirements. Learn if you need insurance, compare policy types, and find the best coverage for your cart.
Michael
Jan 12th, 202616 min read
Golf Cart Insurance: Costs, Coverage & State Requirements
Golf cart insurance protects you if your cart is damaged, stolen, or hurts someone. Over 15,000 golf cart injuries happen each year in the U.S. Insurance claims have risen 300% in retirement communities over the past decade. This guide covers everything you need to know about golf cart insurance in 2026.
$75-$538
Annual Cost Range
$6/mo
Homeowners Add-On
15,000+
Annual Injuries
300%
Claims Increase
Do You Need Golf Cart Insurance?
Whether you need golf cart insurance depends on three key factors: where you use your cart, what type of cart you have, and your state's laws. Here's a quick framework to determine your requirements:
Insurance Requirement Guide
Insurance Required
- Driving on public roads
- Cart registered as LSV
- State law mandates coverage
- HOA requires insurance
- Financing or leasing cart
Insurance Recommended
- Gated community use
- Golf course to home trips
- Expensive or customized cart
- Multiple family members drive
- Transporting passengers regularly
Insurance Optional
- Golf course use only
- Private property only
- Older, low-value cart
- Rarely used
- No passengers carried
Key Considerations
Standard Golf Cart vs. LSV: A standard golf cart (max speed 15-20 mph) used on a golf course or private property typically doesn't require insurance. However, a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) capable of 20-25 mph that's registered for street use requires mandatory liability insurance in most states—just like a car.
State Requirements Vary: Some states like Arizona require insurance for any golf cart on public roads, while others like Florida only require it for registered LSVs. Always check your specific state's golf cart laws for current requirements.
HOA and Community Rules: Many retirement communities, golf communities, and HOAs require golf cart insurance regardless of state law. Check your community's CC&Rs before assuming you don't need coverage.
For details on whether you need a license to operate your golf cart, see our golf cart license guide.
Types of Golf Cart Insurance Coverage
Golf cart insurance works similarly to auto insurance, with various coverage types available depending on your needs and budget.
Liability Coverage
EssentialWhat it covers: Injuries you cause to others (bodily injury) and damage to others' property (property damage).
Why you need it: Protects you from lawsuits and out-of-pocket expenses if you're at fault in an accident. Required by law for street-legal carts in most states.
Typical limits: 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person injury, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage)
Collision Coverage
RecommendedWhat it covers: Damage to your golf cart from accidents, regardless of fault—collisions with other vehicles, objects, or rollovers.
Why you need it: Repairs or replaces your cart after an accident. Important if your cart is valuable or financed.
Typical deductible: $250-$1,000
Comprehensive Coverage
RecommendedWhat it covers: Non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, hail, falling objects, and hitting animals.
Why you need it: Golf carts are easy targets for theft. Protects against events outside your control.
Typical deductible: $100-$500
Medical Payments
OptionalWhat it covers: Medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
Why you need it: Covers immediate medical costs without waiting for fault determination. Useful if you regularly carry passengers.
Typical limits: $1,000-$10,000 per person
Uninsured Motorist
OptionalWhat it covers: Your injuries and cart damage if hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Why you need it: Many golf cart drivers lack insurance. Protects you when the at-fault party can't pay.
Typical limits: Matches your liability limits
Accessory Coverage
OptionalWhat it covers: Aftermarket upgrades and customizations—custom seats, lift kits, sound systems, wheels, enclosures.
Why you need it: Standard coverage may not include upgrades. Essential if you've invested in customization.
Typical limits: $3,000 standard, up to $30,000 available
Golf Cart Insurance Costs: Complete Breakdown
Golf cart insurance is relatively affordable compared to auto insurance, with costs varying based on coverage level, policy type, and where you live.
Homeowners Endorsement
$72-$100/year
Monthly cost$6-$8
Best forOn-property use
Coverage areaLimited
Liability limitsVaries by policy
Pros: Cheapest option, easy to add, no separate bill
Cons: Limited off-property coverage, claim affects home insurance
Standalone Policy
$75-$538/year
Liability only$75-$100
Full coverage$350-$538
Coverage areaComprehensive
Liability limitsHigher available
Pros: Full protection anywhere, separate from home policy, better coverage options
Cons: Costs more, separate bill to manage
LSV/Street-Legal
$200-$700+/year
Minimum liability$200-$300
Full coverage$400-$700+
Coverage areaPublic roads
Liability limitsState minimums+
Pros: Street-legal compliance, full road coverage, higher limits
Cons: Most expensive, requires registration
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Location
Urban areas with more traffic and higher theft rates have higher premiums. California averages $310/year, while rural states can be under $100.
Cart Value
More expensive carts cost more to insure. A $15,000 custom cart costs more to cover than a $3,000 used model.
Usage
Carts driven on public roads cost 2-3x more to insure than those used only on private property or golf courses.
Driver History
Your driving record affects rates. Accidents, DUIs, or moving violations increase premiums.
Modifications
Speed modifications that exceed 25 mph can reclassify your cart and significantly increase insurance costs.
Coverage Level
Higher deductibles lower premiums. Choosing $1,000 vs $250 deductible can save 15-25% on annual cost.
For more information on golf cart values and costs, see our golf cart pricing guide.
Golf Cart vs. LSV Insurance: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between standard golf carts and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is critical for insurance purposes. The classification determines your legal requirements and insurance options.
Golf Cart vs. LSV Comparison
Feature
Standard Golf Cart
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
Maximum Speed
15-20 mph
20-25 mph
Street Legal
No (limited exceptions)
Yes (roads ≤35 mph)
Registration Required
Rarely
Yes (DMV title & plate)
Insurance Required
Usually no
Yes (liability minimum)
Safety Equipment
Basic
Headlights, signals, seat belts, mirrors
Insurance Cost
$75-$200/year
$200-$700+/year
Typical Use
Golf course, private property
Neighborhood streets, errands
Important: If you modify your golf cart to exceed 20 mph or add street-legal equipment, it may be reclassified as an LSV. This reclassification triggers registration requirements and mandatory insurance in most states. Check with your state DMV before making speed modifications.
For information on golf cart speed capabilities and modifications, see our golf cart speed guide.
State-by-State Insurance Requirements
Golf cart insurance requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require insurance for any golf cart on public roads, while others only require it for registered LSVs. Below is an overview of requirements in key states—for complete details, visit our state-by-state golf cart laws pages.
Insurance Requirements by State
Insurance Required
For any golf cart on public roads
- Arizona - 25/50/15 minimum
- California - 15/30/5 minimum (NEV)
- South Carolina - 25/50/25 minimum
LSV Insurance Required
Only for registered LSVs
- Florida - 10K PIP, 10K PDL
- Texas - 30/60/25 for NEVs
- Georgia - Standard auto minimums
- North Carolina - 30/60/25
Homeowners Insurance vs. Standalone Policy
Many golf cart owners wonder whether to add coverage to their existing homeowners policy or purchase a separate golf cart policy. Here's how they compare:
Homeowners Endorsement
Advantages
- Cheapest option ($6-8/month)
- Easy to add—just call your agent
- Single bill, single policy
- May include liability coverage
Limitations
- Coverage typically limited to your property
- Claims affect your home insurance rates
- Lower coverage limits
- May not cover public road use
- Theft coverage may require cart in locked garage
Best For
Golf course use only, private property use, budget-conscious owners with low-value carts
Standalone Policy
Advantages
- Full coverage anywhere you drive
- Claims don't affect home insurance
- Higher coverage limits available
- Covers public road use
- Better accessory/upgrade coverage
Limitations
- Costs more ($75-538/year)
- Separate bill to manage
- May need separate policy for each cart
Best For
Street-legal carts, community/neighborhood use, valuable or customized carts, frequent drivers
Why Golf Cart Insurance Matters: The Statistics
Golf cart accidents are more common—and more serious—than most people realize. Understanding the risks helps explain why insurance is important even when not legally required.
15,000+
Americans injured annually in golf cart accidents, with estimates as high as 26,000 emergency room visits per year
300%
Increase in golf cart insurance claims over the past decade in active adult communities
31%
Of all golf cart injury victims are children under 16 years old
60%
Of injured children suffer traumatic brain injuries—3x higher rate than adults
Common Accident Scenarios
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and medical research, the most common golf cart accidents include:
- Ejections and falls - 38% of injuries involve passengers falling from moving carts
- Rollovers - Account for 10% of accidents but cause the most severe injuries
- Collisions - With other vehicles, objects, pedestrians, or other golf carts
- Tip-overs - Often from sharp turns, uneven terrain, or overloading
Financial Consequences Without Insurance
If you cause an accident without insurance, you could be personally liable for:
| Expense | Potential Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency room visit | $3,000-$15,000 |
| Hospitalization | $10,000-$100,000+ |
| Surgery | $20,000-$200,000+ |
| Long-term care | $50,000-$500,000+ |
| Property damage | $5,000-$50,000+ |
| Legal fees if sued | $10,000-$100,000+ |
For $75-$200 per year, golf cart insurance protects you from potentially devastating financial consequences.
How to Get Golf Cart Insurance
Getting golf cart insurance is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1
Gather Your Information
Have ready: golf cart make, model, year, and VIN (if applicable); your driver's license; current insurance information; how and where you'll use the cart.
2
Determine Your Coverage Needs
Consider: Will you drive on public roads? Is your cart financed? What's your cart's value? Do you have expensive accessories? What does your state require?
3
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact 3-5 insurers for comparison. Major providers include Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, Nationwide, State Farm, Safeco, and The Hartford.
4
Compare Coverage, Not Just Price
Look at coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and what's included. The cheapest policy may not provide adequate protection.
5
Purchase and Get Proof
Complete your application, pay your premium, and get your insurance card. Keep proof of insurance with your cart for any required inspections or if stopped.
Tips for Saving Money
- Bundle policies - Add golf cart to existing home or auto policy for multi-policy discounts (10-20% savings)
- Increase deductibles - Higher deductibles mean lower premiums (but more out-of-pocket if you claim)
- Take a safety course - Some insurers offer discounts for completing golf cart safety courses
- Pay annually - Avoid monthly billing fees by paying the full premium upfront
- Ask about discounts - Inquire about discounts for safety features, storage in locked garage, or low annual mileage
- Shop around - Rates vary significantly between insurers; get at least 3 quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance for my golf cart?
Whether you need golf cart insurance depends on how and where you use your cart. Insurance is legally required if you drive on public roads in most states, if your cart is classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), or if your HOA mandates coverage. Even when not required, insurance is strongly recommended—golf carts cause over 15,000 injuries annually, and you could be liable for medical bills and property damage without coverage.
How much does golf cart insurance cost?
Golf cart insurance costs between $75 and $538 per year depending on coverage level. Basic liability-only coverage starts around $75-$100 annually ($6-8/month). Full coverage including collision and comprehensive costs $350-$538 per year ($30-45/month). Adding coverage to your homeowners policy as an endorsement costs as little as $72-$100 per year. LSV insurance for street-legal carts costs $200-$700+ annually.
Does homeowners insurance cover golf carts?
Homeowners insurance provides limited golf cart coverage, typically only while the cart is on your property. Most policies cover theft and damage to the cart itself on your premises, and may provide some liability coverage for injuries on your property. However, homeowners insurance generally does NOT cover accidents away from your property, damage on public roads, or comprehensive off-premises protection. For full coverage, you need a golf cart endorsement or standalone policy.
What is the difference between golf cart and LSV insurance?
Standard golf carts (max 20 mph, used on private property or golf courses) often don't require insurance. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) that travel 20-25 mph and are street-legal require mandatory liability insurance in most states, just like regular vehicles. LSV insurance costs more ($200-$700/year) because it covers on-road use and must meet state minimum liability requirements, typically 25/50/25 coverage.
What does golf cart insurance cover?
Golf cart insurance typically covers: bodily injury liability (injuries you cause to others), property damage liability (damage to others' property), collision (damage to your cart in accidents), comprehensive (theft, vandalism, weather damage), medical payments (injuries to you and passengers), uninsured motorist coverage, and accessory coverage for upgrades like custom seats or sound systems. Coverage limits and options vary by policy.
Is golf cart insurance required in Florida?
Florida does not require insurance for standard golf carts used on private property or designated golf cart paths. However, if your cart is registered as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) for street use, you must carry minimum liability coverage: $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 Property Damage Liability. Many Florida communities and HOAs also require golf cart insurance regardless of state law.
Can I add golf cart insurance to my existing auto policy?
Generally, no—golf carts cannot be added to standard auto insurance policies because they are not classified as automobiles. However, you can add golf cart coverage as an endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy (cheapest option, around $6/month), or purchase a standalone golf cart policy from insurers like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, or Nationwide. Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts when bundling.
What happens if I get in a golf cart accident without insurance?
Without insurance, you are personally liable for all damages and injuries. This means paying out-of-pocket for the other party's medical bills (potentially $50,000+), property damage, and legal fees if sued. You could also face fines for driving uninsured if your state requires coverage. Your homeowners insurance likely won't cover off-property accidents. In serious accidents, you could face lawsuits, wage garnishment, and financial ruin.
How do I get golf cart insurance?
To get golf cart insurance: 1) Gather your cart information (make, model, year, VIN if applicable), 2) Determine your coverage needs based on usage, 3) Get quotes from multiple insurers (Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, Nationwide, Safeco), 4) Compare coverage levels and prices, 5) Purchase your policy. You can often get quotes online in minutes. Have your driver's license, cart details, and current insurance information ready.
Do I need insurance for a golf cart on private property?
Insurance is not legally required for golf carts used exclusively on private property in most states. However, insurance is still recommended because your homeowners liability coverage may not fully protect you if someone is injured, you could be sued for accidents even on your own property, and your cart could be stolen or damaged. Many golf cart owners add a homeowners endorsement for as little as $6/month for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Golf cart insurance is an affordable way to protect yourself from significant financial risk. With policies starting as low as $6 per month for a homeowners endorsement or $75 per year for standalone coverage, the cost is minimal compared to the potential consequences of an uninsured accident.
Key Takeaways:
- Insurance is required for LSVs and carts on public roads in most states
- Homeowners endorsements are cheapest but offer limited coverage
- Standalone policies provide comprehensive protection for $75-$538/year
- Golf cart accidents cause 15,000+ injuries annually—insurance provides crucial protection
- Check your state's specific requirements before hitting the road
Ready to find a dealer for service or purchase? Use our golf cart dealer finder to locate dealers near you. For more information on golf cart costs and ownership, see our comprehensive pricing guide.
Related posts
Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart in 2026?
Discover if you need a license to drive a golf cart with our comprehensive guide to state laws, age requirements, and legal regulations for golf cart drivers.
Electric vs Gas Golf Cart: Complete Comparison Guide 2026
Electric or gas golf cart? Compare costs, maintenance, performance, range, and environmental impact to find the best choice for your needs in 2026.
Stay in the loop
Stay Updated with Golf Cart News
Get the latest updates on golf cart services, tips, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.