Golf carts are becoming increasingly common across Missouri and Arkansas, especially in neighborhoods and lake communities where they’re used to travel between homes, docks, and shared amenities. While convenient and fun, many owners are unaware of the local regulations, liability risks, and insurance gaps that can come with using a golf cart off private property.
Before driving your cart on neighborhood streets, it’s important to understand both the rules and your insurance coverage.
Are Golf Carts Allowed on Public Roads?
Golf cart use on public streets is typically allowed only when permitted by local ordinance. Regulations can vary by municipality, subdivision, or county. In many areas where carts are permitted, restrictions may include:
- Operation only on roads with lower speed limits
- Required safety equipment such as headlights, taillights, reflectors, mirrors, and slow-moving vehicle signage
- Age restrictions for operators
Operating a golf cart where it is not permitted can increase liability exposure if an accident occurs.
Is a Golf Cart Covered by Auto Insurance?
One of the most common misconceptions is that auto insurance automatically covers golf carts. In most cases, golf carts are not covered by standard auto policies.
Homeowners insurance may provide limited liability coverage, but often only:
- While the cart is used on your property
- While operating on a golf course
Once a golf cart is used on public roads or in common areas, coverage may be restricted or excluded depending on the policy language.
Liability Risks of Golf Cart Accidents
Golf cart accidents can involve:
- Collisions with vehicles
- Injuries to pedestrians or bicyclists
- Damage to other carts or property
Because golf carts are smaller and less protected than vehicles, injuries can be serious. Medical bills, property damage claims, and lawsuits can become costly without proper liability coverage.
Theft and Physical Damage Risks
Theft and vandalism are also common concerns—especially in lake communities or seasonal areas where carts are frequently parked outdoors.
Physical damage risks include:
- Storm damage
- Fire
- Accidental collision
- Vandalism
Without dedicated coverage, repair or replacement costs may fall on the owner.
What Does Golf Cart Insurance Cover?
A standalone golf cart insurance policy can provide broader protection, including:
- Liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
- Comprehensive coverage for theft, fire, or vandalism
- Collision coverage for accident-related damage
Coverage can be tailored based on how and where you use your golf cart.
Review Your Coverage Before You Drive
For golf cart owners in Missouri and Arkansas, reviewing insurance coverage before using your cart on neighborhood streets or around shared amenities is a smart step. A policy review can help determine whether your homeowners policy provides adequate protection—or if a standalone golf cart policy is the better solution.
If you’re using your golf cart beyond the golf course, make sure your insurance keeps pace with how you ride.
At MBG Insurance, we offer dedicated golf cart insurance solutions designed to provide broader protection than a standard homeowners policy. We can quote liability coverage to help protect you if you cause injury or property damage, comprehensive coverage for theft, fire, or vandalism, and collision coverage for damage resulting from an accident. We also have options for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can help protect you if you’re injured by a driver who has little or no insurance. Whether you use your golf cart around your neighborhood, at the lake, or on permitted public roads, we can tailor coverage to match how you actually use it.