[Trish Crocker]

I have a dumb question. What prevents someone from hotwiring a golf cart and just driving it away...a coat of paint and it's unrecognizable. When you buy a cart that isn't street legal is it just done with a bill of sale? I know I'll find out when we actually get out to get ours..just taking a break from unpacking and decided to share the random questions that go thru my befuddled mind.

[Wiserbud47]

Hot-wiring a golf cart? This is The Villages! We did pay a little extra to get a unique key. Even in The Villages you do not want to think that "things" can't happen.

[memason]

Stealing a golf cart would be very easy... There are no doors or locks and someone could simply put the transmission in neutral and load it on a truck and drive away with it. ..and as you said, repaint it and sell it.

Thankfully, we don't hear much about stolen golf carts. But, that's another reason to have good insurance on your cart.

Enjoy your unpacking....

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Like you say, Trish - there's not much to prevent someone hot wiring a cart......if they want to take the time to do it. The "unique key" helps but a diligent person can bypass the key.

Yamaha carts have VIN/serial numbers on them but those are on a plate or sticker that could be removed. Not sure if those numbers are stamped anywhere on the frame. Obviously, that won't prevent the cart from being stolen but it would aid in the identification of your cart should it be recovered after a theft.

Bill

[jimbo2012]

good point, I'm surprised there R not reported thefts of carts here, the ignition (key) switch can be yanked out and jumped easy for any amateur thief.

Next time someone see a community watch or local police officer it would be an interesting ? to ask.

[buggyone]

Golf carts, like cars, have an ID number on them. You will need this for your cart insurance. If the golf cart does not have the ID number, do not buy it.

While golf cart insurance is not mandatory, it is just plain foolish not to have it. Imagine having an accident without the liability insurance and causing massive injury to someone. You could be sued for everything you worked all your life to have.

Think about that also if your under age 14 grandchild wants to drive the cart. The insurance company probably would not pay off a claim.

[jimbo2012]

Mine has a peel-able sticker not exactly theft proof

[TVMayor]

Originally Posted by Trish Crocker

I have a dumb question. What prevents someone from hotwiring a golf cart and just driving it away...a coat of paint and it's unrecognizable. When you buy a cart that isn't street legal is it just done with a bill of sale? I know I'll find out when we actually get out to get ours..just taking a break from unpacking and decided to share the random questions that go thru my befuddled mind.

To prevent a cart from being driven away by evildoers a person could install a hidden “kill switch” and to discourage theft by loading in trailer a boot on a wheel. Maybe a “Club Steering Wheel Lock” would suggest the evildoer take the cart next to yours.

And most important Welcome Oakland County People.

[justjim]

I've got insurance on everything of value that we own and have never given much thought about thieves/burglars. On the other hand, we have always lived in relative low crime areas. I know "it" happens everywhere but I think you are more sensitive to crime if "it" has happen to you or if you have lived in a crime prone area. Those of us of us that grew up in a small Midwest town in the 50's are probably too naive regarding crime. Somebody took a chair off our front porch one time and I can still remember what my mom said, "well, I guess they needed it worse than we did.". It was my uncle Bill----he had borrowed it! Things are different today----we live in a violent world. It pays to be vigilant----I don't leave my key in my golf cart ---- but if someone needs it worse than I do----they can have it. We are lucky to live in TV where overall there is little crime.

[3puttharry]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Golf carts, like cars, have an ID number on them. You will need this for your cart insurance. If the golf cart does not have the ID number, do not buy it.

While golf cart insurance is not mandatory, it is just plain foolish not to have it. Imagine having an accident without the liability insurance and causing massive injury to someone. You could be sued for everything you worked all your life to have.

Think about that also if your under age 14 grandchild wants to drive the cart. The insurance company probably would not pay off a claim.

good point. how much liability insurance should you have? i think I hv 200K if that doesn't cover a "massive injury" to someone do I still get sued for the balance? thanks

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Originally Posted by 3puttharry

good point. how much liability insurance should you have? i think I hv 200K if that doesn't cover a "massive injury" to someone do I still get sued for the balance? thanks

Sure if someone sues and wins $500,000 and your insured for $200,000 you cover the short fall.

[memason]

Originally Posted by 3puttharry

good point. how much liability insurance should you have? i think I hv 200K if that doesn't cover a "massive injury" to someone do I still get sued for the balance? thanks

I think it best to talk to your insurance agent about this. Insurance is all about the risk you are willing to assume .vs the premium you pay. Coverage levels and deductibles can only be addressed by your carrier.

Cheers....

[Trish Crocker]

Thanks for the answers..now I'll have to think of another question to ask...it's a lot easier than trying to figure out why I felt I needed to bring three sets of silverware and two sofa tables...uurrrrg

[l2ridehd]

I have a remote detonate switch for mine so I can always find it.

[mrfixit]

.
We use LOJACK Vehicle Recovery Systems on ALL our vehicles.
.
If someone steals our items.......
.................. they should prepare for 3 Hots and a Cot in the County lockup.

....We are also using a "special" felt tip pen to write ownership data
on hidden and easily visible locations on ALL Vehicles.
This pen is $8. Written data can ONLY be seen using an Ultraviolet light.

We use LOJACK Laptop for computers. ( $69./yr.)
This allows you to REMOTELY Erase files...
..............and..........
............... track Current and past locations.

If all fails......Insurance Companies write the checks.