Golf Insurance
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What is Golf Insurance?
An estimated 1.7 million people in the UK play golf regularly, and every one of them, regardless of their ability, risks causing injury to another person or damage to property whilst playing. Since 1988, the law was amended so that, these days, “golfers are liable for shots that cause injury, no matter how slight the risk”. So, before you take your next swing, get yourself some specialist golf insurance.
Every year, over 12,000 golf injuries requiring hospital treatment are sustained and golfing equipment worth millions of pounds is stolen. Unbelievably, independent research reveals that 90% of golfers have inadequate golf insurance, many relying purely on their household insurance policies. With some claims for golfing injuries reaching over £80,000 in courts today, it’s really not worth the anxiety of not having adequate insurance.
Almost one third of claims processed by insurance specialists tend to be for golf equipment thefts, ranging from vehicle break-ins to forced club-house lockers. A sport that is increasing in popularity and becoming more fashion-conscious, especially with film stars and DJs as well as keen golfers investing in designer brands and high spec equipment. As always, increased interest and increased investment is leading to an marked increase in thefts. A full set of clubs, bag and trolley today can cost around £2000, although designer brands such as J Lindeburg and Ralph Lauren will require a much higher investment.
The most comprehensive and reputable golf insurance policies provide reliable cover against theft, loss or damage to your golfing equipment, damage to property, personal injury and personal liability.
Golf can be a very expensive past-time if adequate insurance is not purchased, and so the more often you play, the greater you are at risk. Most home insurance policies exclude sports injury cover and offer restricted equipment cover, whilst many golf club policies do not protect equipment, or provide very restricted cover. Beware that the cheaper the insurance policy, the less benefit you will derive.
The best policies will offer great benefits such as 24-hour equipment cover even if stolen from a locked car boot anywhere; equipment is replaced with brand new regardless of age, high public liability and accidental damage to property maximums, worldwide cover for the travelling golfers, and new for old policies.
Common golfing accidents encountered by those who play include being hit in the eye or mouth, (and losing teeth), losing or damaging your clubs, or having them stolen, hitting a window, car or another player or spectator, or having to fork out for drinks for every one at the clubhouse after a hole in one has been officially witnessed. These incidents can occur on the fairway or at the driving range so check your policy covers either location. Your clubs and other equipment can be stolen from the locked boot of your car or top box, garage or lock-up, so again, do check that your policy covers these locations, as you cannot predict where you will fall victim to opportunistic thieves.
Generally, golf equipment included in reliable policies includes golf clubs, golf bag, travel bags, waterproof clothing, golf shoes, umbrella, pull/electric golf trolley and petrol driven/electric golf buggies. Clubs should be protected for the full 24 hours a day for theft of equipment from a locked car boot, no matter where your vehicle is parked. Your equipment should also be covered whilst in transit overseas.
Check your policy covers injury to yourself as well as to third parties. Injury from being struck by a ball or club is far rarer than injury sustained to the lower back, torso and limbs due to over-zealous swinging or incorrect golf actions and techniques. If you fall ill or have an accident that prevents you from playing golf and fulfilling a golfing membership, tournament or holiday, your policy should cover re-imbursement of fees incurred. Professional touring players suffer injuries, on average two a year, and this often results in approximately five weeks of playing time lost.
Finally, don’t forget a Hole-In-One Policy. If you manage to achieve this and it’s witnessed by your playing partner, it is customary to purchase a round of drinks at the golfing venue immediately after a game of golf (in an official competition). Your insurance policy can cover for this eventuality so your pocket should not be too much lighter (although your head might be!).
Discounts on policies may be offered to junior players and those over the age of 60. You will also find attractive incentives if you arrange and pay for a policy online, but remember to check the online policy schedules first before you complete the purchase.
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