STR Hosts w/ Golf Carts. Insurance, Pros, Cons, Etc?

Question

We've recently started a new STR in a small coastal town. The town allows golf carts with a permit. We've been thinking about adding one as a perk to our guests but wanted to get some opinions.

How does Insurance work? Assuming your guests have to sign a waiver? Do you handle this through the platform (AirBNB or VRBO) or outside? Other Pros/Cons?

Thanks in advance.

Michael Baum · Answer

Yeah, I agree, once again, with @John Underwood.

I think there is too much risk having one available to guests. Yes it will most likely bring in a few more bookings as a cool amenity. Until someone drinks too much and crashes it into a group of people or rolls it breaking their back.

Then any and all profits are gone in an instant.

I strongly believe that no waiver, no matter how it is worded will protect you from a major lawsuit. I just don't trust people to take responsibility for their mistakes.

Plus if someone hits a group of people, they might not be covered under the waiver.

I would get with an attorney and run all scenarios to see what they say.

John Underwood · Answer

Just put them in touch with a golf cart rental company. Maybe you can negotiate a discount for advertising their business?

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Hey Josh - I manage 2 properties with Golf Carts.  The way we have it set up is:

1. Owner insures the cart.

2. We market that there is a golf cart available with signed waiver and copy of ID/insurance.

3. If guest after booking confirmation confirms interest we send waiver they sign and send a copy of their Drivers License and insurance.

4. We send them the lockbox code containing keys upon confirmation.

* The waiver was prepared by an attorney FYI

Andrew Steffens · Answer

We just started it this year but yes people are using it.  I think just offering it brings in more bookings as well.

Collin Hays · Answer

I wouldn't touch one due to liability reasons, waivers or not. Golf carts kill and injure people. They are only somewhat less risky than providing motorcycles and ATVs.

Jaime Levv · Answer

We have a golf cart in our Tampa property and charge $50 per day to rent it while the tenants are staying at our property. It's an easy way to make more money on the tenants who are already staying at the property, but you'll target families and higher end clients who really need a golf cart, giving you higher yields and potentially better clients. Especially if your rental is next to the beach or near the strip. Cons is obviously liability, so you need a good rental agreement, higher electricity bill and maintenance cost. Trade off is worth it to be able to charge more for your rental.

Andrew Street · Answer

Hey Josh! That sounds like a great idea, especially for a coastal town! Many hosts who offer golf carts require guests to sign a waiver and provide a valid driver’s license. Since Airbnb and Vrbo don’t cover motorized vehicles, it’s usually handled outside the platform with a separate insurance policy.

Would love to hear how it works out—happy to connect! 😊

Josh Ball · Answer

Thanks Andrew.

Do you find a lot of people take advantage of it or isn't worth the headache?

STR Hosts w/ Golf Carts. Insurance, Pros, Cons, Etc?

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