View Full Version : Golf Cart Usage by Renters
peddieace
04-27-2016, 08:26 AM
I have some neighbors and friends who rent their properties and allow those folks to use their golf cart. I don't understand it. Villages insurance will not cover under homeowners. Not worried about damage to the cart as much as traumatic injury to driver/passenger. any thoughts?
Nike3144
04-27-2016, 10:13 AM
I rent my home out and do not supply a golf cart for this exact reason.
cmj1210
04-27-2016, 10:15 AM
I have some neighbors and friends who rent their properties and allow those folks to use their golf cart. I don't understand it. Villages insurance will not cover under homeowners. Not worried about damage to the cart as much as traumatic injury to driver/passenger. any thoughts?
We also do not rent with a cart for the same reason. Too much liability & see who wins when the injured sues you.
rosemaryly
04-27-2016, 10:27 AM
I also inquired of The Villages insurance agency when I was renting out a home. They said that "technically" I had to sell the golf cart to the renters and then buy it back when rental period ended. The renter than SHOULD insure the golf cart for damages, liability, etc.
I will not rent my villa out including a golf cart. Way too much risk.
peddieace
04-28-2016, 06:50 AM
Thanks, you have validated my concerns
ColdNoMore
04-28-2016, 07:28 AM
We rented twice, for a month at a time, before finally buying.
We only looked at rentals that supplied carts, because we didn't want to hassle with finding a rental cart (availability/delivery/pickup/etc.).
I have no idea on the actual liability to the renters and how it applied to the cart they furnished (never had an instance to find out), but surely there is a way to protect themselves as it seems there are a whole lot of rentals that supply a cart.
On the flip side, I can also see the concern if I were the one renting a place with a cart and what my liability would be.
I'll be curious to hear how others rent homes with carts and what they do (if anything) to protect themselves.
Maybe they have insurance with other companies (not The Villages) who do cover the carts?
twoplanekid
04-28-2016, 07:55 AM
According to the people who give presentations at the VHA golf cart safety seminars, everyone who rents golf carts are at risk as no one will cover them with insurance. And, home owners who have rentals will not be able to obtain insurance coverage for the golf carts they provide to their renters.
spring_chicken
04-28-2016, 08:12 AM
According to the people who give presentations at the VHA golf cart safety seminars, everyone who rents golf carts are at risk as no one will cover them with insurance. And, home owners who have rentals will not be able to obtain insurance coverage for the golf carts they provide to their renters.
Not true. My insurance company covered my home and my cart while I was renting the home out and loaning the cart.
Not sure why so many posts opining about what other people choose to do with their golf cart. As my daddy always said, "If you worry about your self, you'll have your hands full".
“When one has too great a dread of what is impending, one feels some relief when the trouble has come.”
– Joseph Joubert
Kelsie52
04-28-2016, 08:31 AM
Not true. My insurance company covered my home and my cart while I was renting the home out and loaning the cart.
Not sure why so many posts opining about what other people choose to do with their golf cart. As my daddy always said, "If you worry about your self, you'll have your hands full".
“When one has too great a dread of what is impending, one feels some relief when the trouble has come.”
– Joseph Joubert
The problem is that if a accident happens the insurance company will not consider the cart "loaned" to a stranger who is paying rent for the home .
I rent a home and have made numerous calls to insurance companies. All told me there is no way to insure that cart . One company said that I should LOAN them the cart but would not give me that in writing .
Its just a gamble that I am not willing to make. I reduce the price on the rental and give the guest a list of companies for them to call .
Good Luck
RickeyD
04-28-2016, 08:40 AM
The problem is that if a accident happens the insurance company will not consider the cart "loaned" to a stranger who is paying rent for the home .
I rent a home and have made numerous calls to insurance companies. All told me there is no way to insure that cart . One company said that I should LOAN them the cart but would not give me that in writing .
Its just a gamble that I am not willing to make. I reduce the price on the rental and give the guest a list of companies for them to call .
Good Luck
[emoji1303]
Sable99
04-28-2016, 09:01 AM
I just talked to The Villages Insurance about insurance for my new cart. They told me the insurance does not cover rentals.
RickeyD
04-28-2016, 12:20 PM
This topic has been covered several times. Insurance is only available to golf cart rental companies, not homeowners. Any type of scheme to circumvent an insurance policy will only end bad for the owner and the renter, if an accident occurs.
goodtimesintv
04-28-2016, 01:36 PM
Not true. My insurance company covered my home and my cart while I was renting the home out and loaning the cart.
Not sure why so many posts opining about what other people choose to do with their golf cart. As my daddy always said, "If you worry about your self, you'll have your hands full".
“When one has too great a dread of what is impending, one feels some relief when the trouble has come.”
– Joseph Joubert
I'd say the reason why is because WE are affected if some clueless renter (who has no idea what it is to drive a golf cart in city-street traffic) hits the brakes suddenly, or hits a curb or grate in the gutter and a passenger gets ejected onto the pavement in front of a driver behind them who can't avoid running over them.
The reason for opining is to alert people we are surrounded by people who put their heads in the sand to get a few more bucks out of a rental home.
:ohdear:
spring_chicken
04-28-2016, 02:43 PM
I'd say the reason why is because WE are affected if some clueless renter (who has no idea what it is to drive a golf cart in city-street traffic) hits the brakes suddenly, or hits a curb or grate in the gutter and a passenger gets ejected onto the pavement in front of a driver behind them who can't avoid running over them.
The reason for opining is to alert people we are surrounded by people who put their heads in the sand to get a few more bucks out of a rental home.
elves,
:ohdear:
If they aren't smart enough to figure out what's best for themselves, it's still none of your business.
goodtimesintv
04-28-2016, 02:56 PM
If they aren't smart enough to figure out what's best for themselves, it's still none of your business.
Oh, but it IS my business if a person gets ejected onto pavement when I'm driving behind or beside them and can't avoid running over them.
spring_chicken
04-28-2016, 03:04 PM
Oh, but it IS my business if a person gets ejected onto pavement when I'm driving behind or beside them and can't avoid running over them.
Tell me, how many times in the history of TV has a renter caused someone else harm with a golf cart?
If you are following so closely that you can't stop when someone falls out of a golf cart in front of you , then it is you who would be at fault.
I'm going to get out and enjoy the day. Somehow sitting at home wringing my hands and trying to dream of ways someone else could inadvertently cause me harm doesn't sound like too much fun.
goodtimesintv
04-28-2016, 03:54 PM
Tell me, how many times in the history of TV has a renter caused someone else harm with a golf cart?
If you are following so closely that you can't stop when someone falls out of a golf cart in front of you , then it is you who would be at fault.
I'm going to get out and enjoy the day. Somehow sitting at home wringing my hands and trying to dream of ways someone else could inadvertently cause me harm doesn't sound like too much fun.
LOL.....
...if the risks of personal injury/accidental death/maiming from golf cart accidents in TV were so non-existent as you proclaim, the insurance companies would be writing the policies and making a fortune off the premiums raked in compared to the few or no claims and lawsuit judgements they'd have to pay out.
HimandMe
04-28-2016, 04:31 PM
I think renters in the past had a cart included and now expect a golf cart to be part of the deal adding an expensive burden if the owner has to rent one for them in order to lease out their home....and some do...or foolishly, take a risk, and let them use their existing cart that is knowingly or unknowingly uninsured. As the previous poster said, get the word out. It's safer for all of us. Hand would be renters a list of the all too eager golf cart rental people who are insured and disentangle yourself completely. Even if it has a minor breakdown, you are out of it, the rental company has loaners ready to go. Who needs the hassle.
ColdNoMore
04-28-2016, 06:28 PM
I'd say the reason why is because WE are affected if some clueless renter (who has no idea what it is to drive a golf cart in city-street traffic) hits the brakes suddenly, or hits a curb or grate in the gutter and a passenger gets ejected onto the pavement in front of a driver behind them who can't avoid running over them.
Doesn't that also apply to those who own their own homes and carts?
I'm also guessing that there are a large number of owners living here (full and part-time) that don't insure their carts, so aren't they just as likely to cause the problem in your scenario(s)?
I guess I'm missing your point that somehow renters are, or might be, more dangerous than existing owners or part-timers.
GatorFan
04-28-2016, 06:45 PM
The Villages Insurance advise based on the companies they represent and have contracts to write business.
rustyp
04-29-2016, 05:59 AM
LOL.....
...if the risks of personal injury/accidental death/maiming from golf cart accidents in TV were so non-existent as you proclaim, the insurance companies would be writing the policies and making a fortune off the premiums raked in compared to the few or no claims and lawsuit judgements they'd have to pay out.
On the flip side if the rate of incidents were as high as some would like to project the insurance companies couldn't write policies (liability) for $60/year.
peddieace
04-29-2016, 06:32 AM
I can see an insurance company insuring the cart but not the occupants. I would personally help my renters to secure a cart rental.
goodtimesintv
04-29-2016, 10:40 AM
On the flip side if the rate of incidents were as high as some would like to project the insurance companies couldn't write policies (liability) for $60/year.
Those policies are for us home-cart owners assuming our own risks, not renters who are putting the landlord cart owners at risk for huge liability lawsuits.
As for $60/year premiums, "you get what you pay for" in the fine print.
rustyp
04-29-2016, 10:59 AM
Those policies are for us home-cart owners assuming our own risks, not renters who are putting the landlord cart owners at risk for huge liability lawsuits.
As for $60/year premiums, "you get what you pay for" in the fine print.
If they were putting us at such a high risk and can't be stopped (thus your plea to not let renters use the carts) wouldn't the insurance companies be charging us a much higher fee for our policies ? Does your policy cover you against other uninsured cart drivers. Mine does. Do you have to insure your cart in Florida ? I don't believe so. That's probably a more productive battle to take on. I don't really care if a landlord is covered or not - it's their risk. One thing I'm pretty certain of if they want to believe they are covered they will find some hearsay somewhere and latch on to it. If they were so concerned they would call their attorney. If they are taking legal advice off TOTV well they get what they pay for like you said. This subject which is very old and smells a little bit like I'm here and now it's time no one else comes.
goodtimesintv
04-29-2016, 11:15 AM
If they were putting us at such a high risk and can't be stopped (thus your plea to not let renters use the carts) wouldn't the insurance companies be charging us a much higher fee for our policies ? Does your policy cover you against other uninsured cart drivers. Mine does. Do you have to insure your cart in Florida ? I don't believe so. That's probably a more productive battle to take on. I don't really care if a landlord is covered or not - it's their risk. One thing I'm pretty certain of if they want to believe they are covered they will find some hearsay somewhere and latch on to it. If they were so concerned they would call their attorney. If they are taking legal advice off TOTV well they get what they pay for like you said. This subject which is very old and smells a little bit like I'm here and now it's time no one else comes.
To me it sounds like some landlords don't want to hear the truth about the liability risks they face by providing a rental cart they don't have a specific rental cart policy for.
I think landlords and renters looking for homes to rent here need to be aware of this. If they were aware, the original question would not have been posted here.
asianthree
04-29-2016, 02:46 PM
To me it sounds like some landlords don't want to hear the truth about the liability risks they face by providing a rental cart they don't have a specific rental cart policy for.
I think landlords and renters looking for homes to rent here need to be aware of this. If they were aware, the original question would not have been posted here.
Use the search for rentals and golf carts, it's been a topic for years, nothing new
JoMar
04-29-2016, 03:28 PM
I always assume that if something happens the potential is everyone will get sued, the renter driving the cart, the cart manufacturer and the person that provided the cart. There are some attorneys that would be honored to represent the injured party. Why anyone would elect to not have their "butt" covered is beyond me.
Fraugoofy
04-29-2016, 11:45 PM
Call Grandpa and Grandma's Buggies or Don Cunningham Rent Me carts or any other rental cart company and ask them if you rent a cart are you covered on their insurance. Let me know what you find out.
Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk
asianthree
04-30-2016, 04:47 AM
We were told when we rented a cart that the cart was covered but not the drivers so you still are on your own for liability
twoplanekid
04-30-2016, 07:03 AM
We were told when we rented a cart that the cart was covered but not the drivers so you still are on your own for liability
:thumbup:
As was stated at the VHA golf cart safety clinic.
cmj1210
04-30-2016, 07:46 AM
Call Grandpa and Grandma's Buggies or Don Cunningham Rent Me carts or any other rental cart company and ask them if you rent a cart are you covered on their insurance. Let me know what you find out.
Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk
Grandma & Grandpas definitely offers insurance for a small extra fee. Most do not have insurance at least they didn't.
ColdNoMore
04-30-2016, 08:31 AM
After reading all of the posts in this thread, it appears to me that some people are upset that some owners are supplying golf carts with their rentals.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I specifically looked for a rental that included a cart (as I'm sure many others do also).
I'm still trying to grasp why anyone would be mad at those owners who supply a cart (or how/why it even affects them), unless perhaps they are landlords also, don't supply a cart and have more problems renting their places.
Maybe I'm the only one, but it is a bit perplexing to me. :shrug:
rustyp
04-30-2016, 08:58 AM
After reading all of the posts in this thread, it appears to me that some people are upset that some owners are supplying golf carts with their rentals.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I specifically looked for a rental that included a cart (as I'm sure many others do also).
I'm still trying to grasp why anyone would be mad at those owners who supply a cart (or how/why it even affects them), unless perhaps they are landlords also, don't supply a cart and have more problems renting their places.
Maybe I'm the only one, but it is a bit perplexing to me. :shrug:
I think I can help. It's like living on a lake. Now that I'm here let's not let anyone else in. Next step after that is I got here first so I have more entitlement than you. Let me tell you how this ends. The guys who write these policies work is some ivory tower like in Chicago. They know squat about golf carts but do know the algorithm predicts a profit based upon historical data. Now some of the Villagers get into the act by sighting number of accidents, no seat belts, renters, kids etc. News media hears we have something unique. Let's broadcast their story in a snippet - no data. Guess what happens everyone rates go up or you won't be able to find a company to insure you. Next big brother steps in to help and the majority of the world that don't drive golf carts around their hometown want to know what is going on there. New traffic laws - no golf carts on public roads.
ColdNoMore
04-30-2016, 09:01 AM
I think I can help. It's like living on a lake. Now that I'm here let's not let anyone else in. Next step after that is I got here first so I have more entitlement than you. Let me tell you how this ends. The guys who write these policies work is some ivory tower like in Chicago. They know squat about golf carts but do know the algorithm predicts a profit based upon historical data. Now some of the Villagers get into the act by sighting number of accidents, no seat belts, renters, kids etc. News media hears we have something unique. Let's broadcast their story in a snippet - no data. Guess what happens everyone rates go up or you won't be able to find a company to insure you. Next big brother steps in to help and the majority of the world that don't drive golf carts around their hometown want to know what is going on there. New traffic laws - no golf carts on public roads.
You make a good point.
Kelsie52
04-30-2016, 09:18 AM
After reading all of the posts in this thread, it appears to me that some people are upset that some owners are supplying golf carts with their rentals.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I specifically looked for a rental that included a cart (as I'm sure many others do also).
I'm still trying to grasp why anyone would be mad at those owners who supply a cart (or how/why it even affects them), unless perhaps they are landlords also, don't supply a cart and have more problems renting their places.
Maybe I'm the only one, but it is a bit perplexing to me. :shrug:
I dont think people are "mad" I have a rental property --I do not offer a cart --as stated earlier I reduce my price enough for a guest to rent a cart ---I have no problem renting my villa.
The reason I post this is to let renters know that when they rent a home with a cart they are NOT covered by any insurance--I would like to know if I were renting. Now on the flip side do landlords tell the renter that they are not covered ? some add a rider that states the renter is solely responsible for anything that happens. Well, get to court and see if that stands up .Its about information not anger. I just have a problem giving a cart to someone I dont know... with my investment at stake.
RickeyD
04-30-2016, 10:48 AM
Call Grandpa and Grandma's Buggies or Don Cunningham Rent Me carts or any other rental cart company and ask them if you rent a cart are you covered on their insurance. Let me know what you find out.
Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk
Grandpa charges 5 bucks for a 1M policy during the rental period , if you want it.
Packer Fan
05-01-2016, 09:13 AM
Call Grandpa and Grandma's Buggies or Don Cunningham Rent Me carts or any other rental cart company and ask them if you rent a cart are you covered on their insurance. Let me know what you find out.
Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk
I think that is a great point - so how do the cart rental companies work? Same way Ski Hills, Sky diving operators, Dive boats, Scooter Rental places, and any other non-insurable entity does it - By having the participant sign a waver of liability contract. All my renters sign a total waver or liability, that includes if the cart is faulty to begin with. I have discussed this with several lawyers and had my lawyer review the contract and he is fine with it. On top of it, I carry 2 million in umbrella liability.. Yeesh, you people worry too much.
bimmertl
05-01-2016, 11:57 AM
I think that is a great point - so how do the cart rental companies work? Same way Ski Hills, Sky diving operators, Dive boats, Scooter Rental places, and any other non-insurable entity does it - By having the participant sign a waver of liability contract. All my renters sign a total waver or liability, that includes if the cart is faulty to begin with. I have discussed this with several lawyers and had my lawyer review the contract and he is fine with it. On top of it, I carry 2 million in umbrella liability.. Yeesh, you people worry too much.
Your renters can't waive liability for somebody they hit with your cart or for any passenger in the cart not part of the agreement. Great between you and the renter but no protection against anybody else.
Under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine the owner of the cart will be held liable for any injury to others caused by the permissive operator. So your stuck and your $2million umbrella doesn't apply to the cart while rented to others. Standard exclusionary policy language.
Yeesh, good luck!
roggie49
05-01-2016, 01:14 PM
Wow! Can't wait for the insurance company to open tomorrow. We were sold a motorcycle /off road vehicle policy by Progressive for our golf cart. ...for the very concern voiced over and over here. I will certainly check into the validity of it tomorrow.
Thanks for all the input everyone.
goodtimesintv
05-01-2016, 01:35 PM
Your renters can't waive liability for somebody they hit with your cart or for any passenger in the cart not part of the agreement. Great between you and the renter but no protection against anybody else.
Under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine the owner of the cart will be held liable for any injury to others caused by the permissive operator. So your stuck and your $2million umbrella doesn't apply to the cart while rented to others. Standard exclusionary policy language.
Yeesh, good luck!
Exactly.
asianthree
05-01-2016, 02:00 PM
I do realize that this was directed towards renters, but your parents, your siblings, and your children are not covered on your cart. Each person that uses our cart has their own umbrella policy and Our golf cart is included on it. That way I can allow my parents, my siblings, and my children, but not my grandchildren to use our golf cart.
GatorFan
05-01-2016, 03:53 PM
How many people posting on here are Licensed Insurance Agents in the State of Florida? How many have a legal contract with individual insurance companies that are licensed to do business in Florida that offers golf cart insurance? Talk to local licensed agents to find out what the companies they represent and have a legal contract with what they offer. Remember that every company is individually contracted with the State and they are all not the same.
GatorFan
05-01-2016, 03:56 PM
I do realize that this was directed towards renters, but your parents, your siblings, and your children are not covered on your cart. Each person that uses our cart has their own umbrella policy and Our golf cart is included on it. That way I can allow my parents, my siblings, and my children, but not my grandchildren to use our golf cart.
You are half right. You are the primary insured and your insurance pays first. The person you give permission is also liable as the operator of your owned golf cart and their insurance is excess over your insurance.
rustyp
05-01-2016, 04:00 PM
Best advice - stop listening to these people sighting nothing more than hearsay. They have other motives than to protect you. Call your insurance company or attorney. What are you going to do ? Tell the judge "but a sage from TOTV said we could ---"
asianthree
05-01-2016, 05:40 PM
You are half right. You are the primary insured and your insurance pays first. The person you give permission is also liable as the operator of your owned golf cart and their insurance is excess over your insurance.
Not if the carts are owned by all who drive them
GatorFan
05-02-2016, 08:29 PM
Not if the carts are owned by all who drive them
You have to prove ownership at the time of loss and actually live in household! How many people actually own the cart? I strongly suggest you advise your insurance agent and make sure you are insured correctly.
asianthree
05-03-2016, 08:18 AM
You have to prove ownership at the time of loss and actually live in household! How many people actually own the cart? I strongly suggest you advise your insurance agent and make sure you are insured correctly.
Thinking my attorney knows whathe is doing. Yep we buy golf carts. Together.
rustyp
05-03-2016, 09:05 AM
Thinking my attorney knows whathe is doing. Yep we buy golf carts. Together.
You, your parents, siblings, and children own your golf cart ?
clheidle
05-03-2016, 09:35 AM
I have some neighbors and friends who rent their properties and allow those folks to use their golf cart. I don't understand it. Villages insurance will not cover under homeowners. Not worried about damage to the cart as much as traumatic injury to driver/passenger. any thoughts?
As a 30 year insurance agent for Allstars I have never read a policy that would protect the owner of the cart under a rental situation. All policies , HOME AND GOLF CART POLICIES will explicitly declare under exclusions of the policy any commercial or for hire. Let me say the owner of the cart will always be the first party sued so when you let someone else use your cart visiting or loan it out everything you own but a disability check is riding in that cart. Rent your house with a cart is a commercial exposure and spicifically excluded from coverage as far as liability is concerned and your assets. Just like an auto policy, covers you for anyone you give permission to drive, but provides no coverage for the person driving . It has to be classified business rental to have coverage. You are better off renting without a cart and letting the renter rent from a rental company. I have seen claims denied and would never provide a cart. Kill someone by that driver causing an accident and owner of cart is liable first, driver second. Hope this helps. I would have to see cart for hire in a policy to accept coverage
RickeyD
05-03-2016, 09:41 AM
People are like water, they seek their own level. Nothing will ever change that.
bimmertl
05-03-2016, 10:13 AM
Thinking my attorney knows whathe is doing. Yep we buy golf carts. Together.
The more the merrier for the plaintiff attorneys if one of the owners injures someone. Under Florida's archaic Dangerous Instrumentality doctrine each owner is liable for it's use. So you've created a bunch of liable people who probably never even use the cart. Not a great idea.
Record10ti
05-03-2016, 11:03 AM
We were told when we rented a cart that the cart was covered but not the drivers so you still are on your own for liability
That idea and five bucks wont get you a Mocha at StarSchmucks...
But, IF the issue was so prevalent helmets and seat-belts would be required. However, I am finding that people who are retired and in TV have nothing to do all day but worry about, judge, theorize and pontificate to and about others...
ColdNoMore
05-03-2016, 05:46 PM
But, IF the issue was so prevalent helmets and seat-belts would be required. However, I am finding that people who are retired and in TV have nothing to do all day but worry about, judge, theorize and pontificate to and about others...
Even as a newbie here, I can see the wisdom and truth in what you've said. :ho:
GatorFan
05-21-2016, 11:09 AM
So if the Villages Insurance does not have a market you might branch out and check with other companies they do not represent.
GatorFan
05-21-2016, 11:12 AM
[QUOTE=Kelsie52;1219672]I dont think people are "mad" I have a rental property --I do not offer a cart --as stated earlier I reduce my price enough for a guest to rent a cart ---I have no problem renting my villa.
The reason I post this is to let renters know that when they rent a home with a cart they are NOT covered by any insurance--I would like to know if I were renting. Now on the flip side do landlords tell the renter that they are not covered ? some add a rider that states the renter is solely responsible for anything that happens. Well, get to court and see if that stands up .Its about information not anger. I just have a problem giving a cart to someone I dont know... with my investment at stake.[/QUOTE
What companies did you check with regarding covering your cart?
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