Golf Carts, Auto Policy, CGL Form

In our town, a recent ordinance has been posted that has made golf carts street legal, within certain guidelines and restricted to certain streets in town. Once or twice a year, the town holds a festival and a couple of the officials drive some golf carts around town. A local retailer lends these golf carts to our insured for this event

My question is, how can the insured get coverage for this exposure? Does the CGL form apply or will the insured need an auto policy? Incidentally, the golf carts do have head lights, tail lights, turning signals, and horns.

Florida Subscriber

The question you have to answer is whether these golf carts are subject to a compulsory or financial responsibility law or other motor vehicle registration law. If so, they are considered to be autos under the CGL form and would need an auto policy in order for insurance coverage to apply. But, if the carts are not subject to the compulsory or financial responsibility laws in your area, they are considered to be mobile equipment and the CGL form will respond to a claim.

We do not know the specifics of the town ordinance, but we can say that golf carts are usually considered to be mobile equipment regardless of the fact that they can be driven on the street. They are designed for use principally off public roads and having head lights and tail lights and other equipment does not change that point.

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