Whether you need insurance on a golf cart in California depends on your golf cart’s specifications and how it is used.
Under California golf cart laws, which are found in the California Vehicle Code, a “golf cart” is a motor vehicle that weighs less than 1,300 pounds unloaded, is designed to be and is operated at no more than 15 miles per hour, and is used to carry golf equipment and not more than two people total. You do not need to register your golf cart or obtain insurance on it if it meets these requirements, but you may still want to do both to help protect the cart and yourself in case of theft or an accident.
Today, however, not all golf carts fall under California’s definition of a golf cart. Some motor vehicles that are called “golf carts” are actually low-speed vehicles. Owners of golf carts that do not meet the legal definition of a golf cart must generally follow all of the requirements of having a motor vehicle including registration and insurance.