Yes. Since Low-Speed Vehicles are treated like cars in California, operators will need auto insurance in case they are involved in a major accident.
This insurance requirement for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) is also meant to protect the owners and drivers involved. A major accident might injure an LSV passenger or even a car occupant. Insurance coverage would allow victims to get help in paying for their injuries without bankrupting vehicle owners.
LSV drivers should be aware of the protections they’ll need before taking an LSV out on any California road.
How are LSVs Different than Golf Carts?
California recognizes LSVs as four-wheeled carts that are under 3,000 lbs and that can only travel up to 25 mph. They often run on electricity. LSVs are also known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs).
Golf Carts are generally not allowed on public roads unless they are close to a golf course. But LSVs arrive street-legal. These are some other differences in LSVs.
- LSVs are usually larger and heavier than golf carts.
- LSVs can travel faster than golf carts.
- LSVs can travel on public roads as long as the posted speed limit isn’t over 35 mph.
- LSVs used on public roads require license plates, insurance, and a driver’s license to drive.
What Kind of Car Insurance Do I Need to Drive an LSV in California?
Since most car insurance policies don’t include coverage for LSV accidents, California drivers will be searching for additional liability insurance. This can be a policy that looks much like car insurance coverage. Some insurers have policies tailored to golf carts and LSVs.
A Golf Cart/LSV policy would usually include:
- Bodily Injury Liability & Guest Passenger Liability: This would pay for any injuries your mistake caused to someone in another vehicle or a guest in your own LSV. It wouldn’t cover the costs of your medical care or for a family member. You’d probably have to rely on your health insurance for help.
- Property Damage Liability: This would pay for the damage to another vehicle you caused.
Just like a car insurance policy, you would have the option to add additional coverage to your policy. Med-pay protection would help you and your family pay for your own injuries no matter who was found at fault in a LSV crash. Collision coverage would help you pay the cost of repairs to your LSV or to purchase a replacement.
An LSV policy may be a little cheaper than a car insurance policy but don’t expect much of a discount. You won’t be able to avoid this requirement, because once you register your LSV, the DMV will require proof of insurance.
You’ll have to open a policy so that the car insurance company will report to the DMV that you are covered. The DMV can pull your LSV off the road or even take your driver’s license if you are traveling around without coverage.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Low-Speed Vehicle?
Some LSV owners might think their LSV and their trips are covered by their homeowner’s insurance. This isn’t likely the case.
Most homeowners policies would only cover your LSV in case of theft and any accidents while you were on your own property. Once you entered a public road, you’d have no coverage.
Some California insurance companies may also have fine print in their homeowner’s policies that states that four-wheeled vehicles that are street-legal aren’t covered.
Any recreational vehicle policy would only cover your vehicle if it was on a golf course or perhaps inside a neighborhood. Once you pulled onto a city or county road, you’d likely have no protection. Make sure you check with your insurance agent.
Insurance Responsibilities for California LSV Drivers
Since LSVs are considered motor vehicles and can be sometimes found in the midst of fast-moving traffic, drivers will need NEV auto insurance. A distracted driver or a reckless driver in an LSV can do considerable damage and cause life-threatening harm to others.
LSV owners may not have the savings or assets to help injured victims pay for their recoveries. This is a major reason for the auto insurance requirement for LSV drivers. It’s also financial protection for LSV owners who may be able to avoid a financial crisis after a major collision.
