Golf gear isn’t exactly cheap; a set of clubs can easily cost as much as a family getaway. Add in the cost of golf bags, GPS rangefinders, and other accessories, and you’re looking at a significant investment. That’s why it’s important to make sure your gear is properly insured. Here’s what you need to know about insuring your golf clubs and equipment.
What cover do you need when you own golf clubs?
❑ Theft and accidental loss cover
Here’s a more conversational version with a friendlier tone:
❑ Theft and accidental loss cover
Golf clubs are most vulnerable when left unattended at key moments, like when you’re in the halfway house grabbing a bite after nine holes or in the clubhouse having a post-round shower or drink. While it’s less common for an entire golf bag to be stolen, individual high-value items – like a Scotty Cameron putter or a rangefinder – can be tempting targets for someone looking for a quick score. (If you remember that infamous incident at Stellenbosch Golf Club involving a certain ex-Springbok rugby player, you’ll know exactly what we mean!)
This brings us to the idea of reasonable care. Leaving your bag outside for 10–15 minutes while you grab a sandwich? That’s understandable. Leaving it for hours while you’re at the bar? Probably not. Insurers generally expect you to take steps to protect your gear, so it’s worth being mindful of where you leave it and for how long.
Another tricky spot is leaving your clubs in the car. If they’re locked in the boot and out of sight, you’re showing reasonable care — but if they’re left in plain view, your claim might be denied. Some insurers may still exclude theft from a car altogether, so it’s worth double-checking your policy if this is a scenario you’re worried about.
And what about leaving your clubs overnight at the course? Many golfers do this during a tour or if they’re playing the same course multiple days in a row. If you hand your clubs directly to a staff member and ensure they’re securely stored in the club’s locked facility, you should be covered. But if you leave them outside or trust your caddy to take care of it, that might not fly with your insurer. When in doubt, it’s always best to check how your cover applies in these situations.
❑ Accidental damage cover
Your golf clubs are tools, but they’re also precision instruments that can be damaged. Accidental damage could happen if your bag falls off the cart during a bumpy ride or if a clubhead snaps while you’re practising. These incidents are sudden and unforeseen, which is exactly what insurance is there for.
HEADS-UP: Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or damage from the normal course of use is generally not covered by insurance. For example, if the shaft or club head has a preexisting flaw or has simply aged over time, that wouldn’t be considered accidental damage.
Insurance is there to cover sudden, unforeseen events—not things you could reasonably expect to happen. So, if you spot a rock near your ball or realise your backswing might hit a tree trunk but decide to take the shot anyway, any resulting damage to your club wouldn’t be covered. Taking reasonable care of your gear and avoiding unnecessary risks is key to keeping it in good shape (and your game on point).
❑ Liability cover
Accidents can happen. If a stray shot from your driver injures someone or damages property (like a car parked near the course), you could be held liable. Personal liability cover protects you in these scenarios. Many home or contents insurance policies automatically include this cover, which extends to specified items like your golf clubs.
❑ In-transit cover
Golfing holidays are great until something happens to your clubs en route. Whether you’re flying overseas for a golfing weekend or sending your gear ahead of you to a golf tour, make sure your insurance policy includes in-transit cover.
TIP: Some airlines offer specific insurance for sports equipment, but this usually comes at an extra cost. Check whether your insurer’s policy already includes transit cover to avoid paying double.
What about other golf gear?
It’s not just the clubs themselves that matter. Accessories like golf bags, GPS devices, rangefinders, and even golf shoes are part of the package. If you have home contents insurance, these items may already be covered at home—just ensure their value is included in the insured amount.
If you want them covered when you’re away from home, specify these items as “portable possessions” or “all risk” items with your insurer. For example, at Naked, you’d need to specify any portable items in the app to make sure they’re covered for their full replacement value if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged.
How much should you insure your golf gear for?
The golden rule is to insure your clubs and gear for what it would cost to replace them today. If your specific model is no longer sold, insure it for the cost of a similar set. If your clubs are custom-built, include the cost of the customisation in the insured value.
TIP: Keep receipts for your clubs and gear. They make life much easier when it comes to claiming.
Should you insure your golf gear as part of your home contents or standalone?
If you already have home contents insurance, adding your golf clubs and gear to your policy can be an affordable way to get comprehensive cover. This route often includes liability cover, which standalone policies might not.
If you don’t have home contents insurance or prefer separate cover, standalone insurance could be a good option. Just note that it may be pricier, especially if you own a lot of gear since you’ll need to insure each item individually.
What about my excess?
Your excess is the amount you’ll pay if you claim. Choosing a higher excess reduces your premium but means you’ll need to pay more out-of-pocket if something happens. Make sure your chosen excess is an amount you’re comfortable covering at any time.
Golf is a rewarding sport, but protecting your gear is just as important as maintaining your swing. With the right insurance, you can focus on your game, knowing that your clubs and gear are covered.
Ready to protect your golf equipment? Getting insurance with Naked takes less than 90 seconds. Whether it’s standalone cover or part of your home contents insurance, we’ve got you covered.
