Golf Cart Insurance a Hole-In-One for Proper Coverage : Allstate Reminds Golfers to Play it Safe This Summer
June 17, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – June 17, 2009 – According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, golf cart-related injuries rose more than 130 percent from 1990 until 2006. With more golf carts used on and off the green in warmer weather, Allstate encourages golf cart owners to make sure they have the recommended coverages.
Before teeing off, it’s important for golf cart users to make sure they are staying safe and properly covered while operating their carts, says Allstate exclusive agent Patrick Cunningham.
That’s because golf carts are not covered under an insured’s auto policy and a homeowner’s policy may provide a limited liability and physical damage coverage for golf carts while used on the insured’s property or on the course.
Lack of insurance coverage could become more of an issue as more Americans use golf carts off the course. As off-course use rises, so can the number of injuries. In many gated and retirement communities, golf carts have become the primary means of transportation.
According to Cunningham, consumers would likely not be covered in the event of a golf cart accident that occurs off a golf course.
Golf carts are an inexpensive way to get around in local communities, but the money you save is nothing compared to the money you might lose if you’re not properly protected, says Cunningham.
To ensure consumers enjoy their time on and off the course, Allstate recommends the following safety tips for operating golf carts:
- Pay Attention. Don’t get distracted by passengers. Don’t drive while texting or reading. Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Be responsible. Make sure everyone remains seated while the vehicle is in gear. If there are seatbelts, make sure they are worn. Never transport more passengers than the cart has seats.
- Inspect your cart. Test your lights, brakes, turn signals and horn. Check tires for any punctures or slick spots. Make sure your mirrors are positioned correctly.
- Refrain from drinking. Just like any vehicle, never drink and drive.
In addition to these safety tips, Allstate recommends the following golf cart insurance coverages:
- Liability Coverage: Typically helps protect you for damages to others if you’re at fault in a covered accident.
- Guest Passenger Liability Coverage: Typically helps protect you for bodily injury to a passenger on your golf cart if you’re at fault in a covered accident.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Typically provides payment for reasonable and necessary medical treatment for you or another insured person after a covered accident.
For more information on golf cart coverages, please contact Patrick Cunningham at 803-732-0104 or email at [email protected].
The Allstate Corporation
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the You’re In Good Hands With Allstate® slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at www.myallstatefinancial.com.
