Does Car Insurance Cover Golf Cart Accidents?

“Does car insurance cover golf cart accidents?” is a top concern for golf cart operators throughout Chicagoland. These vehicles are a popular transportation option near Chicagoland’s golf courses, like the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton or Shoreacres Golf Club in Lake Bluff, as well as near Lake Michigan and in private communities.

However, it’s important to understand how liability insurance works and what options you have for coverage. A Chicago golf cart accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation from the correct policy for your injuries after a golf cart crash. 

Golf Carts on and Off the Course

Golf carts were once used only on the golf course to transport players between holes. Now, they are becoming more prevalent in other settings, including property maintenance, resort transport, neighborhood patrols, and public safety. 

State and Local Laws

Golf carts are classified as “non-highway vehicles” under Illinois law, and they are only permitted on streets that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Anyone operating a golf cart must have a valid driver’s license (§625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1). 

State law gives municipalities the right to decide whether or not to allow golf carts on their streets. In Chicago, golf carts are strictly banned from all roads, highways, and public property unless they are owned by the city or are used for a city-permitted event (§9-12-110).

Types of Golf Carts

Different types of golf carts can be used depending on their purpose, including personal transportation, utility, and street-legal golf carts. These last ones include safety features like headlights, turn signals, seatbelts, and four-wheel drive. In some cases, you can add these to your car insurance. 

While not always included under golf carts, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are a similar class of vehicle that looks similar to golf carts. Unlike golf carts, Chicago allows these on streets with a speed limit of less than 30 mph (§9-48-100). 

Typical Golf Cart Insurance Policies

If you purchase a golf cart, it must carry its own insurance. Standard auto insurance will not apply, but you have options. 

Standard Auto Policies

Standard car insurance does not usually cover golf cart accidents. However, many auto insurance companies also offer insurance coverage for these vehicles.

Reasons for Exclusion

While a golf cart is a form of transportation, it is typically classified as a recreational vehicle. It does not have a VIN or title. 

There is still a risk associated with using them, so golf cart insurance is required to reduce liability. You should always carry insurance for any motor vehicle you drive, whether it’s a car or not. 

Exceptions and Gray Areas

There are some gray areas for street-legal golf carts and other vehicles like NEVs. However, you must check with your carrier to see whether these can be covered under your policy. 

Alternative Insurance Options for Golf Carts

Standard car insurance may not apply to golf carts, but you can still get insurance coverage for these vehicles.

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may cover golf cart accidents in select cases. For example, if the accident occurred on the insured property, the policy may provide limited coverage via your homeowner’s insurance, but only when on your own property. 

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is an additional insurance policy you can add to your existing plans for more liability coverage, but not all of these cover golf cart accidents. It’s essential to consult with your insurance company so you can ensure adequate coverage.

Because of these exclusions, a standalone golf cart insurance policy may be the best option to protect yourself if a golf cart accident occurs. 

• 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 golf 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.

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, 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, such as:

• Location
• Cause of the accident
• Relevant traffic laws
• Vehicle maintenance

Drivers, pedestrians, and property owners are potential liable parties. In some cases, manufacturers can be liable.

Seeking Compensation After a Golf Cart Accident

Golf cart accidents are similar to car accidents. Victims can seek compensation for their damages, and 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 bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Inconvenience

Filing a Claim

If you’ve been in an accident, you need to file a claim with the relevant insurance agency. Insurance adjusters will try to avoid paying, so you must speak with a skilled attorney who can guide you through the claims process and explore your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation about your rights.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Seeking legal representation after an accident is one of the best things a golf cart driver can do. Our lawyers can investigate the accident, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance providers to ensure your policy will cover such an accident. 

Consult a Golf Cart Insurance Attorney Near You!

Golf cart accidents can cause serious injuries and expensive property damage, but our team will help you pursue compensation. 

To schedule a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, call (888) 424-5757 or complete the form on our website. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.