Illinois 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 Illinois golf course owners to have the right insurance coverages in place to protect their business from potential financial losses.

Types of Insurance Coverage for Illinois Golf Courses

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 available for Illinois golf courses and what they cover.

Illinois Golf Course General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance covers the golf course owner in the event of a lawsuit brought against them by a third party for bodily injury or property damage. 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, owners 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.

Illinois Golf Course Property Insurance

A property insurance policy is designed to protect the physical property of the golf course. This includes the clubhouse, carts, equipment and the course itself. Property insurance 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. Property insurance can help golf course owners avoid this financial burden, and recover after a loss.

Illinois Golf Course Workers' Compensation Insurance

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.

Workers' compensation insurance is required by law in nearly all U.S. states, and covers medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits for employees injured on the job.

It's mandatory for nearly all Illinois employers to carry work comp coverage: Any with one or more employees. This includes full-time, part-time, and even most family members working for the business.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. Sole proprietors, business partners, corporate officers, and members of a limited liability company are not typically required to be covered, but they may choose to include themselves to be eligible for benefits.

Independent contractors are a bit more complicated. The state, not the employer, ultimately determines whether a worker was acting as an employee or an independent contractor. So, if you're unsure, speak with an insurance rep familiar with the Illinois workers’ comp system to make sure your business is compliant with state law.

Keep in mind that compliance is strictly enforced. Work comp negligence is classified as a misdemeanor. However, if an employer knowingly fails to provide their employees with workers' compensation insurance coverage, it’s a felony.

Illinois has a private market for work comp insurance, so you have the option to purchase coverage from any provider licensed in the state. Some larger employers can even get permission to self-insure. If you're having trouble finding coverage, contact the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and ask for the Illinois assigned risk plan. NCCI also administers the state’s assigned risk pool and will place you with a carrier.

Illinois 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 Illinois 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 golf course, damage to the clubhouse, and lost income due to other unexpected events.

Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois golf course owners protect their assets and avoid potentially devastating financial losses in the event of a lawsuit.