Texas Golf Cart Insurance (2026)
Golf cart insurance requirements in Texas, including $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 minimum liability and $115–$325/year average cost.
Key Facts
Texas Golf Cart Insurance Map
Embed This State Map
Copy the snippet below to display the interactive Texas golf cart insurance map on your site. It resizes to fill its container automatically.
Overview
Texas distinguishes between golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) for insurance purposes. Standard golf carts operated on public roads under Tex. Transp. Code § 551.403 are explicitly exempt from the state's financial responsibility requirement (§ 601.052) — meaning Texas has no statewide insurance mandate for golf carts. However, LSVs that are fully titled and registered as motor vehicles must carry 30/65/25 minimum liability insurance, and some municipalities require insurance for golf carts by local ordinance.
Golf carts are extremely popular in Texas, with use concentrated in coastal communities along the Gulf Coast (Galveston, South Padre Island, Port Aransas, Rockport), retirement and master-planned communities, and many smaller towns throughout the state. Texas's massive size and diverse geography mean that golf cart culture varies significantly by region. The warm climate in much of the state allows for year-round or near-year-round use.
Texas has moderate-to-slightly-above-average insurance costs, influenced by the state's high traffic volume, severe weather risks, and large uninsured driver population. USAA, headquartered in San Antonio, is a popular choice for military families, while Texas Farm Bureau serves the rural market. The state's competitive insurance market provides numerous options for golf cart coverage.
Texas-Specific Notes
- Gulf Coast Communities: Galveston, South Padre Island, Port Aransas, and Rockport are popular golf cart destinations with local ordinances permitting cart use.
- USAA Headquarters: San Antonio-based USAA offers competitive rates, particularly for military families.
- Texas Farm Bureau: A major insurer in rural Texas with competitive recreational vehicle rates.
- Severe Weather: Texas is prone to hurricanes (coast), tornadoes (north/central), and hailstorms; comprehensive coverage is essential.
- Golf Carts Exempt: Standard golf carts on public roads are explicitly exempt from state insurance requirements under § 601.052, but some cities require insurance by local ordinance.
- Electronic Verification: Texas uses the TexasSure system to electronically verify insurance for titled motor vehicles (LSVs), making lapses more likely to be caught.
- Master-Planned Communities: Many Texas master-planned communities (The Woodlands, Cinco Ranch, etc.) have growing golf cart usage.
Get a Free Texas Insurance Quote
Connect with a licensed agent for a no-obligation golf cart insurance quote in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about golf cart insurance in Texas.
Do I need insurance for my golf cart in Texas?
It depends on the vehicle type. Standard golf carts operated on public roads under state law (§ 551.403) are explicitly exempt from Texas financial responsibility requirements — no state-mandated insurance is needed. However, if your golf cart is titled and registered as an LSV (low-speed vehicle), you must carry 30/65/25 liability insurance like any motor vehicle. Some cities (Clear Lake Shores, Port Aransas, Seabrook, etc.) also require insurance by local ordinance even for standard golf carts. Insurance is always recommended regardless of legal requirements.
How much does golf cart insurance cost in Texas?
Golf cart insurance in Texas typically costs between $115 and $325 per year for basic liability coverage. Costs vary by location, with Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio metro areas being more expensive than rural areas. Full coverage with comprehensive (important for severe weather protection) may run $275-$500 annually.
What does golf cart insurance cover in Texas?
Golf cart insurance in Texas covers bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and optional coverages like comprehensive (hurricane, hail, tornado, theft), collision, medical payments/PIP (Texas offers optional PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended in Texas due to the wide variety of severe weather risks.
Do I need insurance for a golf cart on South Padre Island?
Yes, if you drive your golf cart on public roads on South Padre Island. South Padre is one of the most popular golf cart communities in Texas, with local ordinances permitting cart use on certain streets. All carts on public roads must be registered and insured. Rental companies typically include basic coverage, but if you own a cart, you need your own policy with at least 30/65/25 liability coverage.
Does golf cart insurance cover hurricane damage in Texas?
Yes, comprehensive coverage covers wind damage from hurricanes. However, flood damage is typically excluded from standard auto comprehensive policies. Texas Gulf Coast golf cart owners should carry comprehensive coverage and consider separate flood protection if their cart is stored in a flood-prone area. Wind and hail deductibles may apply separately on the coast.
Related Resources
View golf cart insurance requirements for all 50 states on our interactive map.
Street-legal requirements, speed limits, and regulations in Texas.
Complete 2026 pricing guide for new, used, electric, and gas golf carts.
Find top-rated golf cart dealers and services in Texas.
Stay Updated with Golf Cart News
Get the latest updates on golf cart services, tips, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.