Golf carts are everywhere on Amelia Island, and many owners assume their homeowners policy covers them. Often it doesn't once the cart leaves your property.
Golf cart or low-speed vehicle?
Florida treats these as two different things:
- Golf cart: a cart that can't go faster than 20 mph. Florida doesn't require insurance on it, and it can only be driven on public roads where local government allows it.
- Low-speed vehicle (LSV): a vehicle that goes 20 to 25 mph and has equipment like headlights, turn signals, seat belts and a VIN. LSVs must be registered, titled and insured like a car, with at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability. The driver needs a valid license, and LSVs are limited to roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Who can drive a golf cart?
Under Florida law, golf cart drivers under 18 must have a valid learner's permit or driver's license, and drivers 18 and older must carry a valid government-issued photo ID.
Why your homeowners policy may not cover it
Many homeowners policies limit golf cart coverage to use on your own property or on a golf course. An accident on a neighborhood street, a cart stolen from a parking lot, or damage while you're driving to the beach may not be covered at all. Check your policy, or send it to us and we'll check it.
What a golf cart policy can cover
- Liability if you injure someone or damage their property
- Collision and comprehensive, including theft and storm damage
- Medical payments for you and your passengers
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Custom parts and accessories like lift kits, seats and stereos
Check local rules
The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County decide where carts can drive. Check the current rules before taking a cart on a public street.
Want a quote, or help adding a cart to your existing coverage? Call (904) 807-4554. See our auto insurance page for more.
This article is general information, not a substitute for your policy documents. Coverage varies by policy and carrier.