Golf Cart Insurance Requirements by State: Complete Guide (2026)

Quick Answer: Do You Need Golf Cart Insurance?

It depends where you drive. Golf cart insurance requirements vary significantly by state and usage:

Key distinction: Standard golf carts driven on public roads must be registered and insured. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) classified as motor vehicles always require insurance.

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Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)

Understanding the difference is critical for insurance requirements:

Standard Golf Cart

Characteristics:

• Top speed: Under 20 mph
• Not DOT-certified
• Designed primarily for golf courses
• Basic safety equipment

Where legal:

• Golf courses
• Private property
• Some community roads (if permitted)
• Limited public road use in some states

Insurance requirement: Only if driven on public roads and registered

Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)

Characteristics:

• Top speed: 20-25 mph
• DOT-certified and compliant
• VIN number required
• Full safety equipment (headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, parking brake)

Where legal:

• Roads with speed limits up to 35 mph
• Some states allow up to 45 mph roads

Insurance requirement: Always—treated as motor vehicle

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)

NEV is another term for LSV—same requirements apply.

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State-by-State Golf Cart Insurance Requirements

States Requiring Insurance for Street-Legal Golf Carts

Arizona

• Registration required for street use
• Minimum liability: 15/30/10
• Must display license plate
• Restricted to roads with speed limits ≤ 35 mph

California

• LSVs must meet full vehicle requirements
• Minimum liability: 15/30/5
• Regular golf carts allowed on roads ≤ 25 mph in some cities
• Special permit required

Florida

• Golf carts allowed on roads with speed limits ≤ 35 mph
• Registration required for street use
• Insurance required if crossing state/county roads
• Many communities have specific regulations
• The Villages (FL) has extensive golf cart road network

Georgia

• Must register for street use
• Minimum liability required: 25/50/25
• Restricted to roads ≤ 35 mph
• Local ordinances vary significantly

North Carolina

• Registration and insurance required for street-legal carts
• Minimum liability: 30/60/25
• Must pass safety inspection
• Restricted to roads ≤ 35 mph

South Carolina

• Title and registration required
• Insurance required: 25/50/25 plus UM
• Must be street-legal equipped
• Permitted on roads ≤ 35 mph

Texas

• LSVs require registration and insurance
• Standard golf carts: varies by municipality
• Some cities allow golf carts on designated roads
• Insurance recommended even if not required

Virginia

• Golf carts classified differently than LSVs
• Insurance required for public road use
• Local ordinances determine where permitted

States with Minimal Golf Cart Regulations

Alabama - Local ordinances govern; insurance recommended

Louisiana - Parish-level regulations; insurance may be required

Mississippi - Few state requirements; local rules vary

Tennessee - Community-specific rules; insurance often required

States Where Golf Carts Rarely Permitted on Public Roads

Illinois - Generally not permitted on public roads

Michigan - Very limited street use permitted

New York - Strict limitations on public road use

New Jersey - Limited to private property in most areas

Pennsylvania - Generally restricted to private property

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What Golf Cart Insurance Covers

Liability Coverage (Required for Street Use)

Bodily injury:

• Injuries you cause to others
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Property damage:

• Damage to other vehicles
• Damage to buildings, fences
• Other property damage

Typical minimums: Same as state auto insurance minimums (15/30/5 to 30/60/25)

Annual cost: $75-$200 for liability only

Physical Damage Coverage (Optional)

Collision:

• Damage to your golf cart in accidents
• Subject to deductible ($100-$500)
• Cost: $50-$150 annually

Comprehensive:

• Theft (common for golf carts)
• Vandalism
• Weather damage
• Fire
• Subject to deductible
• Cost: $75-$200 annually

Medical Payments Coverage

• Covers your medical expenses regardless of fault
• Typical limits: $1,000-$5,000
• Cost: $10-$30 annually

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

• Protects you when hit by uninsured driver
• Some states require this for golf carts
• Cost: $20-$60 annually

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How to Get Golf Cart Insurance

Option 1: Add to Homeowners Policy

Best for: Golf carts used primarily on private property

Coverage:

• Theft and damage on your property
• Limited liability coverage
• Usually covers carts up to $15,000-$25,000

Cost: $50-$100 annually added to homeowners premium

Limitations:

• May not cover street use
• Lower liability limits
• Check policy for exclusions

Option 2: Standalone Golf Cart Policy

Best for: Street-legal carts driven on public roads

Coverage:

• Full liability meeting state minimums
• Optional physical damage
• Medical payments
• Uninsured motorist

Cost: $150-$400 annually for full coverage

Insurers offering golf cart policies:

• Progressive
• State Farm
• Nationwide
• Foremost
• National General

Option 3: Add to Auto Insurance Policy

Best for: LSVs and street-legal carts used frequently on roads

Coverage:

• Same coverage as regular vehicle
• Full state-required liability
• Optional comprehensive and collision

Cost: $200-$500 annually (depending on coverage)

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Gated Community and HOA Requirements

Many golf cart communities have specific rules:

Common HOA Insurance Requirements

The Villages (Florida):

• Insurance recommended but not required for community roads
• Required if crossing state/county roads
• Most residents carry coverage

Peachtree City (Georgia):

• Registration required
• Insurance strongly recommended
• Extensive golf cart path system

Bluffton/Hilton Head (South Carolina):

• Insurance required for road use
• Comprehensive coverage recommended (high theft rates)

Sun City communities:

• Varies by location
• Many require proof of insurance

What HOAs Typically Require

• Minimum $100,000 liability coverage
• Proof of insurance certificate
• HOA named as additional insured
• Annual proof of renewal

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How Much Does Golf Cart Insurance Cost?

Liability Only (Street-Legal Carts)

Full Coverage (Liability + Physical Damage)

Factors Affecting Cost

Increases premium:

• Custom modifications
• High-value cart ($15,000+)
• Frequent street use
• Urban location
• Poor driving record
• Young drivers

Decreases premium:

• Stored in garage
• Security features (GPS, alarm)
• Safety equipment
• Bundling with auto/home
• Mature driver discounts

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Golf Cart Accidents and Liability

Common Golf Cart Accident Scenarios

On public roads:

• Collision with cars (golf cart occupants usually injured)
• Rear-ended at intersections
• Struck while crossing roads
• Visibility issues at night

In communities:

• Collisions at intersections
• Rollovers (especially modified carts)
• Pedestrian accidents
• Backing accidents

On private property:

• DUI/DWI incidents
• Youth joyriding
• Tip-overs on slopes

Why Liability Coverage Matters

Example 1: You run a stop sign in your golf cart and hit a cyclist. They suffer $85,000 in medical expenses. Without insurance, you're personally liable.

Example 2: Your teenage child takes the golf cart without permission and causes $25,000 in property damage. As the owner, you're liable.

Example 3: Guest driving your cart hits a pedestrian causing serious injury. Your homeowners policy may not cover this—you need liability coverage.

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Special Considerations for Golf Cart Insurance

Modified and Customized Carts

Modifications affect coverage:

Performance modifications:

• Lifted suspension
• High-speed motors
• May void coverage or increase premium
• Some insurers won't cover modified carts

Cosmetic modifications:

• Custom seats and wheels
• Sound systems
• Lighting packages
• May require higher coverage limits

Rental Golf Carts

If you rent golf carts:

Commercial insurance required:

• Much higher liability limits ($1-2 million)
• Covers rental customers
• Significantly more expensive
• Specialized commercial policies

Golf Cart Businesses

Dealers and repair shops need:

• Garage keepers liability
• Dealer's insurance
• Workers' compensation

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Golf Cart Safety and Loss Prevention

Required Safety Equipment for Street-Legal Carts

• Headlights and taillights
• Turn signals
• Rearview mirrors
• Parking brake
• Reflectors
• Windshield (in some states)
• Seat belts
• Horn

Recommended Safety Measures

Theft prevention:

• Remove keys when parked
• Install GPS tracking
• Use steering wheel lock
• Store in locked garage
• Install kill switch

Accident prevention:

• Don't exceed speed limit
• Use headlights at dusk/night
• Avoid steep slopes
• Follow golf cart-specific traffic rules
• Don't overload cart

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance for a golf cart on my property?

Not required by law, but recommended. Your homeowners insurance may provide limited coverage, but check your policy. If others use your cart, liability coverage is wise.

Can I drive a golf cart on the road without insurance?

No, if the road is public. Nearly all states require insurance for golf carts driven on public roads. Fines for uninsured golf carts range from $100-$500 and can include impoundment.

Does my homeowners insurance cover my golf cart?

Maybe. Most homeowners policies provide limited coverage for golf carts on your property—typically $1,000-$3,000 for theft/damage. They rarely cover street use or provide adequate liability coverage. Check your policy.

What's the difference between golf cart and LSV insurance?

LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles) are regulated as motor vehicles and require full auto insurance meeting state minimums. Standard golf carts may only need insurance if driven on public roads, and coverage can be simpler.

How do I register a golf cart?

Requirements vary by state:

1. Check if your state allows street-legal golf carts
2. Ensure cart meets safety equipment requirements
3. Obtain insurance meeting state minimums
4. Visit DMV with proof of ownership and insurance
5. Pay registration fee ($15-$50)
6. Receive license plate or permit

Can teenagers drive golf carts?

Depends on state and local laws:

• Some states allow unlicensed drivers on private property
• Public road use typically requires driver's license
• Minimum age ranges from 12-16 depending on state
• Check local ordinances

What happens if I have an accident in my golf cart?

With insurance: Your liability coverage pays for damages/injuries you cause. Your collision coverage repairs your cart.

Without insurance: You're personally liable for all damages and injuries. This can mean tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, plus fines for driving uninsured.

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Key Takeaways

• Golf carts on public roads require registration and insurance in most states
• LSVs always require insurance meeting state auto minimums
• Liability coverage is essential even if not legally required
• Homeowners insurance provides limited coverage insufficient for street use
• Annual insurance costs: $75-$500 depending on coverage and usage
• HOAs often require insurance for golf carts in communities
• Modified carts may need special coverage or higher limits
• Always check state and local laws before driving on public roads

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about golf cart insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements vary significantly by state, county, and municipality. Golf cart regulations change frequently at the local level.

Always verify current requirements with your state DMV, local municipality, and HOA before operating a golf cart on public roads. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for coverage specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: State DMV websites, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), insurance industry sources