Car Insurance for Track Use
 

Hi Guys,

I bought a 2010 Nismo a few months ago. I plan on taking this car to the track and auto-cross events several times during the year.
I was hoping someone here could give me advice on how you insure your vehicle when it is used on the track. I heard a horror story the other day about a co-worker who crashed his car at the track and his insurance company would no pay for the damages (>$30K). Do insurance companies offer specific coverage for this type of use? Are there special insurance companies that only offer track use coverage (if there is such a thing)? Again I was hoping to get some ideas from those of you who track your car before I call my insurance company.
Thank you in advance for your comments!
Jim

There are special 'track day' insurance policies offered by small companies. They are typically expensive and have high deductibles. One quote I received was $3,000 for 4 events and a $3,000 deductible. If you're a hardcore trackday guru, perhaps that's worthwhile.

When I had the same worries you're sharing, I called my insurance company. I told them I had signed up for a HPDE (High Performance Driver's Education course). She asked if it was timed or a race which an HPDE is neither. So, given its educational content and lack of competition, she said I was fully covered and eligible for a safe driving discount for taking an educational driving course. Boo ya!

As for autoX, it would be very difficult to destroy your car. I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Spearfish, what insurance company do you have? I know this thing can vary from state to state, but I'm just interested. I have Allstate and I'm pretty sure they don't cover it.

Also here are a couple HPDE specific insurance policies:
WSIB Insurance Agency, LLC
HPDE Insurance Program

Be careful what you say to your company. I think most people just take the risk, and if something happens they lie about where it happen. I remember I went to an Auto X event back when I had my Altima, and I noticed a bunch of guys had tape over there plates. I asked them why they where doing this and they told me last time they where here there was an investigator from a big insurance company taking peoples plate numbers. I hate insurance companies.

This is all hypothetical....but...

Don't you usually need a police report when filing an accident claim with the insurance company? Or would you just get the car towed to a local shop and then call your insurance company? Wouldn't they inquire about where the accident happened?

No, I have had accidents without police reports before when I was younger and still got the car fixed.

As for the track, when I had my off, I just sucked it up and paid for the damages (about 5000, and thats with my parts at wholesale).

Lockton Affinity is a bit cheaper but it requires approved clubs and events. HPDE Insurance Program

every insurance company is different. My fiancee had an issue that wasn't covered due to the fact that no police report was filed.

Well, police reports don't demand calling the police when an accident happens. You just go to a police station, file a report, and tell them whatever you want.

I was under the impression that insurance does not cover your car for track use.
Have seen a good amount of guys loose control out there, and tow it somewhere esle then report it. lols

The only way you can be certain of anything is to find out from your insurance. Read your insurance policy, most people don't but that is the details of what is covered under your policy. If you still have questions, which seems likely considering how clearly lawyers usually word things, or you are to lazy to read the damn thing you will have to call them. Anything else is speculation, the downside of course is even just asking questions can send up a red flag :facepalm: but that's the chance you take.

I hadn't thought about this though so I guess I'll have to go dig my policy out and see what it says but your probably better off just paying for any damages incured yourself. Even if it's expensive, it will be cheaper for you to pay it out of pocket in the long run then after they raise your rates and you are stuck paying for it for the foreseeable future.

usaa

:iagree:

You have to read the fine print. Some insurance companies will cover untimed driver education track days (HPDE) but most are starting to change their policies such that you aren't covered anytime you are a track. This past August at an event I was at a guy crashed his Subaru into the wall at 100 mph and totaled it. He told his insurance company the honest truth (after having his lawyer review the policy) and they covered it.

At SCDA, NASA and BMW CCA events you can apply for event insurance, it is roughly $200 per event (1, 2 or 3 days) per $30K declared value.
HPDE Insurance Program