Golf cart insurance can cost as little as $75 per year in Florida. The insurance company you choose, modifications to your golf cart that change how it is categorized, and policy add-ons can increase the price you pay. Part of responsible ownership is understanding what the average cost of golf cart insurance is in Florida and the specific coverage you should have.
In Florida, owning a golf cart that is used solely on golf courses does not require insurance or even registration. Even though it is not required, golf cart insurance can cover you in the event someone is injured by your golf cart. It can also help if you are injured by an uninsured party while using your golf cart.
How do Modifications Change My Insurance Requirement?
According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) guidelines, golf cart insurance is not mandatory. If, however, you modify your golf cart into a low speed vehicle (LSV), insurance is mandatory.
As a golf cart owner, it is important that you understand the difference between the two vehicle types. Doing so lets you understand your obligations and responsibilities.
Golf Cart
FLHSMV guidelines describe a golf cart as a vehicle that:
- Is designed for use on a golf course for recreational purposes
- Cannot travel at speeds greater than 20 miles per hour
- Can be driven on roads specifically designated for their use
In all cases, use of a golf cart outside a golf course must comply with all local rules of the road and ordinances.
Low Speed Vehicle
FLHSMV guidelines describe a low speed vehicle (LSV) as one that:
- Has travel speeds of between 20 and 25 miles per hour
- Must be registered, titled, and insured in the state
- Can only be driven where the speed limit is 35 MPH or less
The owner of an LSV must register their vehicle and carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage. If your golf cart has been converted to an LSV, in addition to insurance, you will also be required to pay inspection, title, plate, and registration fees.
To consult with an experienced golf cart accidents lawyer today, call 855-780-9986
Who Can Recover Damages After a Golf Cart Accident?
Anyone whose injuries or property damage were caused by the negligence of the golf cart owner or driver can recover damages after an accident. To prove negligence, a personal injury lawyer near you can establish the following elements:
- The at-fault party owed the injured party a duty of care
- The at-fault party breached their responsibility
- The at-fault party caused your injuries and property damage
- The at-fault party caused your financial consequences
Plaintiffs who seek damages may include the golf cart’s driver, passengers, occupants of other golf carts, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Recoverable Economic and Non-Economic Damages
If you are the injured a party in a golf cart accident caused by negligence, you could be entitled to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Golf cart repairs
- Golf cart replacement
If the golf cart is insured, we help you pursue damages through that coverage provider. If not, we help you seek compensation via a lawsuit or through the owner’s, homeowners’, or HOA coverage, where applicable.
If you are the owner of a golf cart involved in an accident, you could be liable for these damages.
Golf Cart Lawsuits Have a Time Limit in Florida
If you are injured in a golf cart accident, your personal injury case is more likely to be resolved with an out-of-court settlement than by going to trial. If settlement negotiations are prolonged or a settlement seems unlikely, a personal injury lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit to protect your right to seek compensation.
In Florida, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Victims of personal injury cases must be sure to file a lawsuit no later than two years from the date of their golf cart accident. If you fail to file in this period, you may not be able to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses.
While the statute of limitations requires compliance, it can be difficult to understand your time limits on your own because Florida Statutes § 95.051 dictates exceptions to the filing deadline.
Review Your Golf Cart Accident Case With One of Our Team Members
Are you the recent owner of a golf cart? Our Bogin, Munns & Munns golf cart accident lawyer will help you determine the average cost of golf cart insurance in Florida. We will also make sure you know the specific costs of insuring your golf cart and the important financial benefits of insurance coverage.
When you are ready to build a case for compensation after a golf cart accident, contact our consultation team for a free consultation.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
