Arizona Golf Course Insurance

Golf courses are a hub of activity, with golfers of all skill levels enjoying the sport, groundskeepers maintaining the course, and events held throughout the year. With so many moving parts, it's important for golf course owners to have the right business insurance in place to protect themselves from potential financial losses.

Coverages for Arizona Golf Course Insurance

“Golf course insurance” is actually a bundle of several policies intended to protect the company's grounds, employees, equipment and bottom line. Below we cover the various insurance policies golf courses in Arizona should consider and what they cover.

Golf courses face some unique risks, like a combination of indoor and outdoor guest spaces, risk of sports-related injuries and property damage, and a large number of visitors.

Location also likely impacts business risks and insurance needs. For example, unlike courses in the midwest or northeast U.S., Arizona boasts relatively temperate weather — which means AZ golf courses can be open year-round. This may remove risks like snow or ice damage (which may fall under the golf course’s property insurance), it increases the amount of foot traffic, customers and likelihood for a injury-related claim (whether a customer, covered under a general liability policy, or an employee, covered under a workers compensation policy).

Arizona Golf Course Liability Insurance

Golf course owners can protect themselves from lawsuits by third parties with general liability insurance. This type of insurance covers incidents such as a golfer being injured by a stray golf ball or a guest slipping and falling on the course.

Without liability insurance, golf courses could face significant financial losses in the event of a lawsuit. Liability insurance can cover legal fees, settlements or judgments, and medical expenses for the injured party.

Arizona Golf Course Property Insurance

Property insurance is designed to protect the physical property of the golf course. This includes the clubhouse, carts, equipment and the course itself. The policy can cover losses due to natural disasters such as fires, floods or severe weather, as well as theft or vandalism.

Without property insurance, golf course owners would be responsible for repairing or replacing damaged property out of their own pockets, which could be a significant financial burden. Property insurance can help Arizona golf course owners after a loss.

Arizona Golf Course Workers' Compensation Insurance

Golf course owners must be aware of Arizona’s workers’ compensation insurance requirements. As an employer, you are required to have workers’ comp insurance for your employees. This insurance provides medical and compensation benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who caused the accident.

Workers’ comp policies are priced based on employee payroll and the type of work employees do. Some golf course jobs are very physically demanding, involving heavy lifting or pulling and putting workers at higher risk for strains, sprains and repetitive stress injuries. This can mean higher work comp insurance rates, or prices, for these employees. That said, Arizona has relatively low workers’ comp insurance rates compared to the national average.

Workers' compensation insurance is required by law in nearly all U.S. states, and failure to have this coverage in place can result in hefty fines and penalties. This type of insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits for injured employees.

It’s important to note that workers’ comp is mandatory for all employees, including part-time, full-time, minors, family members, seasonal workers, and even those who are in the country illegally.

Independent contractors are not required to have coverage, but the state courts will determine their employee or contractor status on a case-by-case basis in the event of a claim. If you have employees, you must comply with the state where they work, regardless of where your business is based. You can get coverage from any insurance carrier or agency that is licensed to write in Arizona.

Arizona Golf Course Business Owner's Policy (BOP)

A business owner's policy (BOP) is a package policy that combines general liability and property insurance into one policy. This can help Arizona golf course owners save money on their insurance premiums while still maintaining comprehensive coverage.

A BOP typically includes general liability insurance, property insurance and business interruption insurance. This type of insurance can cover incidents such as slip and fall accidents on the course, damage to the clubhouse, and lost income due to other unexpected events.

Arizona Golf Course Umbrella Policy

An umbrella policy is designed to provide additional liability coverage beyond the limits of a primary insurance policy. This type of policy can be especially beneficial for Arizona golf course owners who may be at a higher risk for liability claims due to the nature of their business.

Umbrella policies can provide additional coverage for bodily injury, property damage and personal injury claims. This type of policy can help owners protect their assets and avoid potentially devastating financial losses in the event of a lawsuit.