Like most things in life, some risks are associated with playing golf. There’s the potential to break a bone, strain a muscle or even twist an ankle. And that’s on top of the risk of losing your ball in thick undergrowth, in a water hazard, or somewhere else unhelpful.
Once you add up all the expenses involved with playing this game – purchasing clubs, new shoes, and other equipment, and paying for memberships at various courses – it’s not cheap.
So it stands to reason that if you have already put so much money into it, then adding some insurance to protect against potential injury and loss of personal possessions might be a good idea.
Read on for more information about why golf insurance is good value.
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Why golf insurance is good value & Why you need one
Golf insurance protects one of the most expensive sports in the world. It can cover the cost of new clubs if damaged or stolen, and it also provides liability protection in case you accidentally injure someone while playing. Golf insurance is a great value because it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Golfers are more vulnerable to accidents
Golfers are more vulnerable to accidents than other athletes. This is because they are constantly twisting and turning their bodies, which puts a lot of strain on their muscles and joints.
They are also more likely to suffer back injuries due to how they swing their clubs. Furthermore, golfers who do not warm up properly before playing are more likely to injure themselves.
Golfers often travel to play
Golfers often travel to play, making them more likely to need medical treatment while away from home. This is especially true for professional golfers who may spend more than six hours per week in competitive play. While most kids who get sick this season will recover quickly with home care, some will need medical attention.
Parents should watch for signs of tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or other overuse injuries. Anyone can get tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), not just athletes. The more frequently a person plays one of these sports, the more likely they will develop the condition.
If you don’t play sports, you can still develop a tennis elbow from repetitive motions at work or during leisure activities. Golfer’s elbow is usually diagnosed based on your medical history and can help the doctor rule out other causes of elbow pain, such as bursitis or arthritis.
Golf equipment is expensive
Golf equipment is expensive and can be easily damaged or lost. As such, it is important to have insurance in case of accidents. Golf insurance will cover the cost of replacing your equipment if it is damaged or stolen. Statistics show that golf can be a dangerous and expensive game, so it is important to protect your investment.
Golfing injuries require prolonged recovery times
Golf injuries can be serious and require prolonged recovery times. Many golfers suffer from shoulder injuries, which can be caused by repetitive motions or poor technique. A golfer’s elbow is another common injury caused by extended time spent swinging a golf club. If not treated properly, these conditions can worsen and cause significant pain.
Private clubs or resorts may not have adequate insurance coverage
Many golfers play on courses owned by private clubs or resorts, which may not have adequate insurance coverage. This can be a problem if the golfer is injured while playing. The club or resort may not have enough insurance to cover the medical expenses of the golfer. Additionally, the golfer may not be able to sue the club or resort for damages. This could leave the golfer with significant medical bills and no way to recover them.
Competitions with prize money are significant enough
Some golfers participate in competitions where the prize money is significant enough to warrant insurance protection. In these competitions, a hole-in-one can result in a big payout for the lucky golfer.
However, the golfer may be out of luck if the tournament sponsor does not have insurance to cover the prize. This is why golfers need to check with the tournament sponsor before participating to see if they are properly insured.
If you own a golf cart
Golf insurance is not required by law, but golf cart insurance often is. Golf insurance provides much-needed cover against injuries, theft, and damage to golf equipment.
If you have an injury on the course, knowing that your insurance will cover any medical costs and maybe even loss of income resulting from the injury would be assuring.
Golf insurance is usually very affordable
There are many reasons to purchase golf insurance. For one, it is usually very affordable. It can be purchased as a standalone policy or as an add-on to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Secondly, golf insurance protects your equipment and belongings while on the course. Finally, golf insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of an accident or injury.
Golf insurance can provide peace of mind
Golf insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for those who enjoy the game. It covers equipment loss or damage and provides liability coverage in case of accidents. For a small fee, golfers can purchase a policy allowing them to play and practice without worry.
Golfers Liability Cover- Factors To Consider When Seeking A Quote
Golf insurance is cheap compared to other insurable events, such as health insurance or auto insurance.
For a small cost, golfers can insure themselves against injuring another player during a round, having their golf equipment stolen, damaging property with a poorly hit shot, and even ensure the cost of having to pay for a round of drinks, the traditional “reward” for achieving a hole in one.
Golf insurance is available from most auto insurance companies or health insurance specialists.
Advantages of Golf Insurance
Golf insurance may be obtained for just a few dollars per month. To put this in perspective, it is about the same price as one good golf ball.
Insurance discount rates may be reduced even more, unlike auto insurance, if groups of individuals all buy cover from the same insurance company.
“No win, no fee” cases expose uninsured golfers since the claimant has nothing to lose. Golfers’ liability coverage is easily available, and insurance companies often advertise on the internet and at golf clubs.
Some golf clubs organize insurance coverage, which makes it easier for the golfer. It is also useful for the club to ensure that its members have insurance to pay for any accidental damage they cause.
Disadvantages of Golf Insurance
There is a fee to pay, even though it is a small amount, and this is the only disadvantage. Other disadvantages are related to the cost and include:
- Often a claim is not made, even though it is valid, due to a lack of knowledge of what the policy covers
- There is often no claim made on the insurance policy
- Renewing the policy may not be automatic with some insurance companies, meaning the policy must be agreed upon yearly.
- Renewing the policy may not be automatic with some insurance companies, which means the policy expires, so the golfer believes they are covered when they are not.
- There may be an “overlap” with other insurance policies. For example, auto or home insurance may already cover stolen golf clubs.
What Golf Insurance Covers
The liability insurance level and extent depend on the insurance company and the actual policy is taken out. Some items to inquire about before asking for an insurance quote are:
- Personal injury liability on the third party (This is the most important)
- Personal injury liability (medical bills) for self
- Insurance against stolen golf equipment – clubs, bag, trolley, etc
- Insurance against damaging property – clubhouse windows, cars in club car-park
- Insure against travel problems / lost equipment on golfing vacation
- Does the policy include family members and children?
- Is there a discount for making no claims in the previous year(s)?
Golf Insurance Summary
The “No win, no fee” lawyer’s approach often means that golfers can be sued at no cost to the claimant, which makes it more likely that a person injured by a golf ball will sue.
It is very easy to get a cheap golfers insurance quote that includes third-party liability, and typical monthly rates are about the price of a good golf ball.
Golfers’ insurance quotes are available on many internet sites and often in the golf clubhouse, although golfers should shop around to get the best deal.
The level of cover is usually very comprehensive and often includes $100 – $200 to cover the cost of buying drinks if the golfer gets a hole-in-one.
