[downeaster]

Based on the numerous threads, Daily Sun articles, quotes from Sheriffs' Departments, HOA, etc., I think most of us understand the law (s) regarding carts that are capable of exceeding 20 MPH. They are unregistered motor vehicles. We are aware of penalties regarding infractions.

Let's talk insurance (or lack thereof). Let's say Mr Retiree buys a "golf" cart that is modified or he has it modified, to exceed 20 MPH. On his way to a round of golf he is involved in an accident doing major damage to his cart. His cart is removed for repair. He calls his insurance company and they send an adjuster to examine the claim. Adjuster sees it has been modified (these folks know their business) and insurer challenges the claim based on the fact they agreed to insure a golf cart not an unregistered motor vehicle, in accordance to the statements in the original application which Mr R signed.

I could make this example more involved by making it Mr R's fault and toss in serious bodily injury as well as the cart still under factory warranty.

If you refer to your insurance policy you may see clauses dealing with "fraud or misrepresentation", "duty to report policy changes", "cancellation".

I would not feel comfortable driving a cart that is capable of exceeding 20 MPH. It is not worth the few minutes I may gain.

Now, let's hear it from you.

[JerryP]

I couldn't agree more. We don't make the speed limit we just obey it.

[Villager Dude]

I have always had this question. Is the owner subject to a ticket if the cart is capable of speeding or just if they are caught speeding ?

I know someone with a 4 seat cart that may be able to go above 20 but they do not do so. They have it set up so they could go at least 20 if they have 4 people in the cart.

[Opmoochler]

We just dealt with "decommissioning" a street legal cart to a golf cart that we had bought from the previous owners of our house. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about the process even at the DMV in Ocala where we were sent with our paperwork to get our sticker that proves it's no longer street legal. We had set out originally to register and insure it until we realized how dreadfully expensive it was going to be year after year. We decided to have it modified ($85) and buy a sticker($40). Unfortunately we had first to pay to transfer the title and then the tax on the purchase price($385.75). Registration and insurance might not have been such a bad idea.....

[Nucky]

I am a little confused about the need for speed? Haven't we been in life's fast lane long enough. Why must everything be a competition? At my last job I sometimes had to give a CDL truck driver a road test if the regular testing man was occupied. Few professional drivers took the driving test to gain employment at a professional gentlemanly pace, they drove like it was a Pro Stock Vehicle at a drag strip which did not get them the job. Leave 5 minutes early, if someone on the road is struggling for some reason give them an accommodation, tomorrow it may be you who needs the assist. 18, 20, 22 MPH not a big deal...chill out. We are just little fish in a big bowl.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by MUHLBACH1@HOTMAIL.COM

I am a little confused about the need for speed? Haven't we been in life's fast lane long enough. Why must everything be a competition? At my last job I sometimes had to give a CDL truck driver a road test if the regular testing man was occupied. Few professional drivers took the driving test to gain employment at a professional gentlemanly pace, they drove like it was a Pro Stock Vehicle at a drag strip which did not get them the job. Leave 5 minutes early, if someone on the road is struggling for some reason give them an accommodation, tomorrow it may be you who needs the assist. 18, 20, 22 MPH not a big deal...chill out. We are just little fish in a big bowl.

The older you get, the less time you have. Ever notice how people drift in to work in the morning, but are goooooone baby gone when the shift ends? Driving to work versus driving to your golf course for your tee time; totally different scenarios; not even remotely related.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by downeaster

Based on the numerous threads, Daily Sun articles, quotes from Sheriffs' Departments, HOA, etc., I think most of us understand the law (s) regarding carts that are capable of exceeding 20 MPH. They are unregistered motor vehicles. We are aware of penalties regarding infractions.

Let's talk insurance (or lack thereof). Let's say Mr Retiree buys a "golf" cart that is modified or he has it modified, to exceed 20 MPH. On his way to a round of golf he is involved in an accident doing major damage to his cart. His cart is removed for repair. He calls his insurance company and they send an adjuster to examine the claim. Adjuster sees it has been modified (these folks know their business) and insurer challenges the claim based on the fact they agreed to insure a golf cart not an unregistered motor vehicle, in accordance to the statements in the original application which Mr R signed.

I could make this example more involved by making it Mr R's fault and toss in serious bodily injury as well as the cart still under factory warranty.

If you refer to your insurance policy you may see clauses dealing with "fraud or misrepresentation", "duty to report policy changes", "cancellation".

I would not feel comfortable driving a cart that is capable of exceeding 20 MPH. It is not worth the few minutes I may gain.

Now, let's hear it from you.

I believe that unless the accident indicates excessive speed contributed, the insurance company is still on the hook. Example. You're stopped at an intersection on the MMP, waiting for car traffic to cross in front of you. A cart runs into your rear causing damage to your cart. You have comprehensive insurance on your cart. You would be successful in a claim against your insurance company. Your insurance company would then go after the other cart driver. I don't think it matters how fast your cart is capable of going in this case.

[JoMar]

My insurance company made it clear that if am involved and it's determined that I am exceeding 20MPH I will not be covered. After they determine that I was exceeding the 20MPH the burden is on me to prove that I wasn't. The fact that the car "can" exceed the limit would be a contributing factor. Either way, we are looking at time and expense to fight their decision. Keeping the cart limited to 20MPH makes it easier for us.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Villager Dude

I have always had this question. Is the owner subject to a ticket if the cart is capable of speeding or just if they are caught speeding ?

I know someone with a 4 seat cart that may be able to go above 20 but they do not do so. They have it set up so they could go at least 20 if they have 4 people in the cart.

My car can go 120 mph.........Hmmmmmmmmm

[rubicon]

i am very surprised that the moderators allowed this thread to remain. It would seem that this is a topic left to the experts. I'll make a wager that if you asked any insurance expert or lawyer their opinion on this topic they would reply "it depends on the facts"

Now it would seem that some folks are making a lot of noise over the difference of 5 mph more . The problems I encounter with speed are those individuals that are under the speed limit blocking those behind creating a backup of vehicles like the guy yesterday on 466 in the left lane at below 35 mph or the lady in front of me on way home from golf who was at 12-13 mph because she was so busy jawing with her friend. Does jawing with your friend and having an accident disqualify your insurance coverage probably not but it much more of a risk hazard than an additional 5 mph on a cart an increase that often isn't even utilized except to pass 12-13 mph carts

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by rubicon

i am very surprised that the moderators allowed this thread to remain. It would seem that this is a topic left to the experts. I'll make a wager that if you asked any insurance expert or lawyer their opinion on this topic they would reply "it depends on the facts"

Now it would seem that some folks are making a lot of noise over the difference of 5 mph more . The problems I encounter with speed are those individuals that are under the speed limit blocking those behind creating a backup of vehicles like the guy yesterday on 466 in the left lane at below 35 mph or the lady in front of me on way home from golf who was at 12-13 mph because she was so busy jawing with her friend. Does jawing with your friend and having an accident disqualify your insurance coverage probably not but it much more of a risk hazard than an additional 5 mph on a cart an increase that often isn't even utilized except to pass 12-13 mph carts

It could be said a lot of topics on this forum should be left to the experts. If Admin removed them all there would be little discussion.

My reason for posting was I had detected a general unawareness of the subject. I think folks should be aware of possible consequences of their actions. I hope I prompted some to look at their own policies to make certain they are properly covered.

However, it did give you the opportunity to post your complaint about those preventing you from maintaining you desired speed. So, some useful service may have been rendered.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

Originally Posted by downeaster

It could be said a lot of topics on this forum should be left to the experts. If Admin removed them all there would be little discussion.

My reason for posting was I had detected a general unawareness of the subject. I think folks should be aware of possible consequences of their actions. I hope I prompted some to look at their own policies to make certain they are properly covered.

However, it did give you the opportunity to post your complaint about those preventing you from maintaining you desired speed. So, some useful service may have been rendered.

Thanks for continuing this discussion.