How to prevent stolen golf cart

[Trish Crocker]

I have a dumb question. What prevents someone from hotwiring a golf cart and just driving it away...a coat of paint and it's unrecognizable. When you buy a cart that isn't street legal is it just done with a bill of sale? I know I'll find out when we actually get out to get ours..just taking a break from unpacking and decided to share the random questions that go thru my befuddled mind.

[Wiserbud47]

Hot-wiring a golf cart? This is The Villages! We did pay a little extra to get a unique key. Even in The Villages you do not want to think that "things" can't happen.

[memason]

Stealing a golf cart would be very easy... There are no doors or locks and someone could simply put the transmission in neutral and load it on a truck and drive away with it. ..and as you said, repaint it and sell it.

Thankfully, we don't hear much about stolen golf carts. But, that's another reason to have good insurance on your cart.

Enjoy your unpacking....

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Like you say, Trish - there's not much to prevent someone hot wiring a cart......if they want to take the time to do it. The "unique key" helps but a diligent person can bypass the key.

Yamaha carts have VIN/serial numbers on them but those are on a plate or sticker that could be removed. Not sure if those numbers are stamped anywhere on the frame. Obviously, that won't prevent the cart from being stolen but it would aid in the identification of your cart should it be recovered after a theft.

Bill :)

[jimbo2012]

good point, I'm surprised there R not reported thefts of carts here, the ignition (key) switch can be yanked out and jumped easy for any amateur thief.

Next time someone see a community watch or local police officer it would be an interesting ? to ask.

:gc:

[buggyone]

Golf carts, like cars, have an ID number on them. You will need this for your cart insurance. If the golf cart does not have the ID number, do not buy it.

While golf cart insurance is not mandatory, it is just plain foolish not to have it. Imagine having an accident without the liability insurance and causing massive injury to someone. You could be sued for everything you worked all your life to have.

Think about that also if your under age 14 grandchild wants to drive the cart. The insurance company probably would not pay off a claim.

[jimbo2012]

Mine has a peel-able sticker not exactly theft proof

[TVMayor]

I have a dumb question. What prevents someone from hotwiring a golf cart and just driving it away...a coat of paint and it's unrecognizable. When you buy a cart that isn't street legal is it just done with a bill of sale? I know I'll find out when we actually get out to get ours..just taking a break from unpacking and decided to share the random questions that go thru my befuddled mind.

To prevent a cart from being driven away by evildoers a person could install a hidden “kill switch” and to discourage theft by loading in trailer a boot on a wheel. Maybe a “Club Steering Wheel Lock” would suggest the evildoer take the cart next to yours.

And most important Welcome Oakland County People.

[justjim]

I've got insurance on everything of value that we own and have never given much thought about thieves/burglars. On the other hand, we have always lived in relative low crime areas. I know "it" happens everywhere but I think you are more sensitive to crime if "it" has happen to you or if you have lived in a crime prone area. Those of us of us that grew up in a small Midwest town in the 50's are probably too naive regarding crime. Somebody took a chair off our front porch one time and I can still remember what my mom said, "well, I guess they needed it worse than we did.". It was my uncle Bill----he had borrowed it! Things are different today----we live in a violent world. It pays to be vigilant----I don't leave my key in my golf cart ---- but if someone needs it worse than I do----they can have it. We are lucky to live in TV where overall there is little crime.

[3puttharry]

Golf carts, like cars, have an ID number on them. You will need this for your cart insurance. If the golf cart does not have the ID number, do not buy it.

While golf cart insurance is not mandatory, it is just plain foolish not to have it. Imagine having an accident without the liability insurance and causing massive injury to someone. You could be sued for everything you worked all your life to have.

Think about that also if your under age 14 grandchild wants to drive the cart. The insurance company probably would not pay off a claim.

good point. how much liability insurance should you have? i think I hv 200K if that doesn't cover a "massive injury" to someone do I still get sued for the balance? thanks

[Cantwaittoarrive]

good point. how much liability insurance should you have? i think I hv 200K if that doesn't cover a "massive injury" to someone do I still get sued for the balance? thanks

Sure if someone sues and wins $500,000 and your insured for $200,000 you cover the short fall.

[memason]

good point. how much liability insurance should you have? i think I hv 200K if that doesn't cover a "massive injury" to someone do I still get sued for the balance? thanks

I think it best to talk to your insurance agent about this. Insurance is all about the risk you are willing to assume .vs the premium you pay. Coverage levels and deductibles can only be addressed by your carrier.

Cheers....

[Trish Crocker]

Thanks for the answers..now I'll have to think of another question to ask...it's a lot easier than trying to figure out why I felt I needed to bring three sets of silverware and two sofa tables...uurrrrg

[l2ridehd]

I have a remote detonate switch for mine so I can always find it.

[mrfixit]

.
We use LOJACK Vehicle Recovery Systems on ALL our vehicles.
.
If someone steals our items.......
.................. they should prepare for 3 Hots and a Cot in the County lockup.

....We are also using a "special" felt tip pen to write ownership data
on hidden and easily visible locations on ALL Vehicles.
This pen is $8. Written data can ONLY be seen using an Ultraviolet light.

We use LOJACK Laptop for computers. ( $69./yr.)
This allows you to REMOTELY Erase files...
..............and..........
............... track Current and past locations.

If all fails......Insurance Companies write the checks.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I think it best to talk to your insurance agent about this. Insurance is all about the risk you are willing to assume .vs the premium you pay. Coverage levels and deductibles can only be addressed by your carrier.

Cheers....

I have an umbrella policy for an amount that should be able to cover a large liability. You might want to check with your insurance carrier, umbrella policies are not very expensive

[oot]

When I was younger and dating my husband - he took me to Dearborn to see the Seniors play golf. When we left there was a golf cart near one of the buildings and my husband commented that we should take the cart instead of walking to the car.

I told him no way - and also laughed because the keys were not in the cart. That devil used his key for his Hi-Lo at work and actually drove the thing a short distance. I was very embarrased and kept walking. Of course, that cart most likely had a standard key that worked in many carts. This thread did bring back memories.

Welcome from an Eastsider from Macomb County!

[Down Sized]

Stealing a golf cart would be very easy... There are no doors or locks and someone could simply put the transmission in neutral and load it on a truck and drive away with it. ..and as you said, repaint it and sell it.

Thankfully, we don't hear much about stolen golf carts. But, that's another reason to have good insurance on your cart.

Enjoy your unpacking....

Before Wildwood opened I talk to three policeman from Wildwood on this very discussion. They said they were worried about when Wildwood opens and as it comes along that this very thing about stealing golf carts and clubs out of the large parking lot. They didn't know how they would keep it from happening there with it that close to the highway. They said at the very least that the golf carts might be pilfered regularly.

[JP]

:shocked: What!! Are you kidding me??!!

[Golf-Tinker]

Please change title of your post to something like "STEAL A GOLF CART." The current title implies a cart HAS been stolen.

Thanks

Jim

[Jim 9922]

I have a dumb question. What prevents someone from hotwiring a golf cart and just driving it away...a coat of paint and it's unrecognizable. .......

Past threads on TOTV have discussed carts gone missing and even a year or so ago a small local cart hack shop near TV was busted. Unless you have an automobile type of key lock, your cart will start with a standardized key that everyone else has which is used standard on almost all carts, or just put in neutral and push it onto a trailer and, poof, you are gone. Who needs new paint, most come in a standard 10 or so colors. Just remove the names and maybe a couple of strips of tape and maybe add a couple of new decals and striping tape and you are probably home free. Maybe seat cover color combinations add a bit of difference but it seems that there are many of the same color combinations. I have never noticed the 4 or so different service people who have worked on my carts over the years give any notice to serial number stickers. Heck, to my knowledge no one has even spotted, let alone identified the hit and run cart that did substantial damage to one of TOTV member's Vette a year ago. I assume Gate cameras apparently are not much help in spotting wayward carts. There are a lot large "uncovered" ares within the gated areas and one would have to spend lots of time reviewing lots of recorded traffic hoping a cart may have passed through a gate camera area.
There are a few guys around the TV that buy up used carts for rentals. It would be interesting to know if they do, or could do, anything to check on the validity of the seller's ownership
With 50,000 carts running around TV, I have always wondered why more have not gone missing over the years. Thank goodness, maybe it is because we are a pretty honest and watchful community.

[ricthemic]

Sure if someone sues and wins $500,000 and your insured for $200,000 you cover the short fall.

This is exactly WHY I never lend my cart to anyone. Under FL law the owner of the cart is 100% responsible for anyone using his/her cart with permission. All property and personal law suits can and will be filed against the owner. You could even be sued by the borrower's guest if they get hurt. It makes no sense to risk everything in order to save someone 10$ a day for a rental. before you lend your cart check google this link.
Meister v. Fisher, 462 So.2d 1071 (Fla. 1985)

[Trish Crocker]

When I was younger and dating my husband - he took me to Dearborn to see the Seniors play golf. When we left there was a golf cart near one of the buildings and my husband commented that we should take the cart instead of walking to the car.

I told him no way - and also laughed because the keys were not in the cart. That devil used his key for his Hi-Lo at work and actually drove the thing a short distance. I was very embarrased and kept walking. Of course, that cart most likely had a standard key that worked in many carts. This thread did bring back memories.

Welcome from an Eastsider from Macomb County!

Eastsider all my life until I defected to the West Side...just not the same! Where were you in the eastside? I grew up in sterling heights, lived in Warren and worked for years in st. clair shores.

[jimbo2012]

This is exactly WHY I never lend my cart to anyone. Under FL law the owner of the cart is 100% responsible for anyone using his/her cart with permission. All property and personal law suits can and will be filed against the owner. You could even be sued by the borrower's guest if they get hurt. It makes no sense to risk everything in order to save someone 10$ a day for a rental. before you lend your cart check google this link.
Meister v. Fisher, 462 So.2d 1071 (Fla. 1985)

Interesting...
Found this bit on it also

To understand golf cart insurance, you have to begin with Florida's laws regarding golf carts. Initially, a golf cart is a motor vehicle for some purposes, and is not a motor vehicle for other purposes. Murky, right?

To clear up the confusion, for purposes of Florida's PIP statute, a golf cart is not a motor vehicle because it is generally not required to be licensed for use on the highways of this state.* Practically, this means that in most cases, although not all, your golf cart generally will not be covered for crashes under your traditional automobile coverage or Florida's PIP coverages. Because the PIP statute's coverage of $10,000 is not available for injuries suffered arising out of the use of a golf cart, there is a gap in insurance coverage for the medical expenses of persons injured while using a golf cart. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase medical payments coverage for your golf cart, if available.

Next, under Florida's motor vehicle law, a golf cart is a dangerous instrumentality.* The owner of a golf cart, because it is a dangerous instrumentality, is responsible for the damages caused by anyone using it with the owner's permission. Accordingly, it is critical to purchase liability coverage in case property damage or bodily injury results from a golf cart incident, regardless of who is using it - if you are the owner, or if you will be using a golf cart on a regular basis. The unfortunate reality is that owners of automobiles and golf carts are almost always named as defendants in lawsuits to answer for damages -- even if they were not driving or present at the time of the crash.

If 30 to 40% of automobiles have no bodily injury liability coverage, close your eyes and imagine what percentage of golf carts are not insured. Because of the significant number of golf carts and automobiles that have little or no insurance, it is again recommended that you purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Practice the golden rule of insurance -- insure for yourself as you would have others insure for you.

Most insurance companies cover golf carts as a component or rider under a homeowner's insurance policy, or under an automobile insurance policy, or under a separate recreational motor vehicle policy. It is crucial to read your homeowner's insurance policy to determine exactly what coverages are provided for your golf cart.

Many of these policies cover only property damage liability which means that if you are involved in a crash, you are unprotected. When purchasing golf cart coverage, always ask your insurance agent specifically to list your golf cart as an insured item under your policy. Additionally, request adequate bodily injury liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments coverage. How much coverage to purchase varies from person to person. However, the general rule should be to purchase enough coverage to protect you and your assets in the event of a crash.

In sum, you are the person in the best position to purchase adequate coverage before something bad happens. You and your family are the most important people you know, so protect yourself and your family. As a practical matter, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is utilized very often to pay medical bills, lost wages, and to compensate for pain and aggravation. Finally, purchase medical payments coverage in at least $10,000 where available to protect you in your golf cart.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I have a unique key not because I think it will stop someone from stealing my cart, if someone is set on stealing it they will no matter what you do. I have it because I'm more concern that someone will accidently get in my cart thinking it is their's and drive off with it. Yes I would most likely get it back but this way I don't have to worry when parking at the squares that someone will drive off and I have to find my cart

[BobnBev]

Before Wildwood opened I talk to three policeman from Wildwood on this very discussion. They said they were worried about when Wildwood opens and as it comes along that this very thing about stealing golf carts and clubs out of the large parking lot. They didn't know how they would keep it from happening there with it that close to the highway. They said at the very least that the golf carts might be pilfered regularly.

I'm guessing you mean Brownwood opening, not Wildwood.:oops:

[oot]

Eastsider all my life until I defected to the West Side...just not the same! Where were you in the eastside? I grew up in sterling heights, lived in Warren and worked for years in st. clair shores.

I grew up in Eastpointe (East Detroit back then) and lived for about 5 years in St. Clair Shores near 13 and Harper. My mom still lives there, but I keep trying to get her to go to the Villages. Never will happen...best thing I can do is have her come and visit.

[gjbl8114]

I have a dumb question. What prevents someone from hotwiring a golf cart and just driving it away...a coat of paint and it's unrecognizable. When you buy a cart that isn't street legal is it just done with a bill of sale? I know I'll find out when we actually get out to get ours..just taking a break from unpacking and decided to share the random questions that go thru my befuddled mind.

Ummmm!!! Sounds as though you might be a worrier????? Try to put those thoughts out of your mind here in TV's. Although there have been reports of golf cart theft, they are few and far in between. But, as another responder has indicated, good golf cart insurance is the answer. Try it you'll like it -- we do, and we just don't worry about it......