Golf equipment insurance is often ignored by golfers as just another expense. However, golf insurance can protect your investment in golf equipment and also offer financial, legal and medical protection for you and your wallet. Read through our Frequently Asked Questions, skip to compare golf insurance policies or read through what can be covered.
Why do I need golf insurance?
Will I not be covered by my household insurance?
Will I have cover through my club?
Do I have to be a member of a golf club to take out a policy?
Will I be insured whilst playing abroad?
Is there anything that will not be covered on a golf insurance policy?
If I have a claim, is it paid in full?
Why do I need golf insurance?
How much would it cost to replace not only your golf clubs, but also your bag, trolley, clothing, balls, GPS, sunglasses, shoes and even balls. If you add it all up then it is probably a lot more than you ]think. Based on the average price from the Golfalot Price Index the above equipment could be worth around £1500, if not more.
In addition, 1998 saw a High Court ruling resulting in golfers being ‘potentially liable for shots that cause injury’ and each year there are over 12,400 golf injuries a year that require hospital treatment. In 2001 an insurance company settled the UK'S, largest public liability claim for a golf sport injury of £87,000 when a declared provisional ball was hooked, hitting a fellow golfer and inflicting a serious head injury. Golf insurance can also protect you such legal liability as well as other benefits such as Hole-in-One bar tabs, damaged clubs, replacement golf club hire costs, replacement trophy costs, dental and hospital coverage and much more.
Can you afford to be without it?
Will I be covered by my household insurance?
Possibly up to a certain limit and in certain circumstances. However in many cases, household insurance policies will not cover for the loss, damage or theft of your clubs outside of your home.
Another concern for many people is that thought that if their clubs were to be stolen, and covered by their household insurance, their policy cost or excess would likely increase for all future household claims.
The majority of golf equipment theft occurs when equipment is stolen from the owner's car. Household policies may not cover theft from a car, or simply offer coverage when a car is park at your home.
Ultimately, golf-specific insurance offers coverage far beyond that of most household insurance policies and if you have equipment worth over £1000 it may be cheaper to have a specific golf insurance policy instead of adding your golf equipment as as specified item on your home insurance.
Will I have cover through my golf club?
No. Some golf clubs offer golf insurance for an extra fee on membership or green fees, some even make it mandatory, this cover is often limited to public liability on that course on that day only and does not cover equipment.
Do I have to be a member of a golf club to take out a policy?
No. Cover can be taken out direct with golf insurance providers.
Am I insured whilst playing abroad?
Depending on which policy you select, you will be covered for a specific region such as UK, Europe or Worldwide. Most companies either various geographical coverage in their policy or include it as an add-on, at a small cost. Again, the best way to find out about travel coverage restrictions is to read the small print.
Is there anything that will not be covered on a golf insurance policy?
Typically insurance policies do not cover balls, tees and golf buggies. Electric trolleys can usually be covered. Most insurance companies offer basic policies and also policies that have options for greater amounts of cover.
If I have a claim, is it paid in full?
No. Companies will charge an excess for any claim, ranging from around £20 to £100 or more so check the policy details before you sign as it could affect your premium.