I was just notified by my broker that in NY State, at least, there has been what looks like a global update on policies to exclude coverage for cars that have ANY involvement at a track related events. It even goes as far as excluding having your car involved in a "parade" around the track. It seems the Trackmaster events at Watkin's Glenn and similar events were targeted and it doesn't matter whether you are racing or not.

Just a warning to everyone that uses their cars at the track. If you have an incident while there, you may not be covered. I recommend everyone involved call their brokers or insurance companies and get a statement in writing if you are covered. This may mean having to shell our huge bucks for separate policies or "day of" policies in order to have fun at such events.

Sorry for the bad news but I think I owe it to everyone here to make mention of it since most people never closely examine those policy updates we so often get in the mail.

Pass this info around. I only posted it here because this is where I browse and post most often.

T


[Modified by GruvyTune, 5:29 PM 3/25/2003]

 

**** NYS... i was concerned about this as i wanna start taking my m3 to the track...

 

this will not be limited to NY from what I was told. There is apparently a major shift in insurance companies given that many drive their modified street cars at high speeds on tracks and they don't want that risk (despite the fact that it is probably safer than driving down your own street given the crappy *** drivers on the roads)

 

I wouldn't expect insurance to cover an accident at a track event....

...that isn't their responsibility.

 

This is pretty much universal within most states Family Auto Contracts for Auto Insurance, I am an Agent and the way most states Insurance policies are written if you are at a track and racing you will not be covered at all, if youre there spectating you're OK, but NY I was unaware of that, my Insurance company does not cover any vehicles used for racing at all. Most Insurance contracts are written by state Regulations and are pretty set then each Insurance company can add, exclude and endorse the policies. Some big Insurers are dropping you even if you have an Autometer monster tach even if it wasn't race related, a friend whi is an adjuster at my old Insurance company confirmed this. You need to be up front with your Insurance company because if you have a heavily modified car and have a claim they may and can deny claims depending on how your contract was written. You have to read your Insurance paperwork and to be honest not all Local Agents are up front because remember they make a commision but when it comes down to a claim it's the adjusters who make the final decisions or the underwriters to continue your coverage. Most of the Specialty insurance companies that cover Hot Rods and Pro Mod cars have stipulations and mileage restrictions like less than 2000 a year and also cannot use your vehicle ever to drive to work or school even as back up. READ YOUR CONTRACTS AND POLICIES! It is the only way to protect yourself

 

Now the way my company works is if I am at the track for racing, I am not covered but if it is a "high performance drivin school" I am covered. I assume that others might have a clause to this effect.

 

It's my understanding that if it's a "driver education" course, ie not timed event, insurance will cover it.

Atleast this is why a lot of track events down here are all driver education events with no timing.

-S

 

What Insurance company do you have? Blanket statements like this make it even more difficult to understand the convuluted policies of gay gay insurance companies. In the end I know its up to us to call a representative and ask on an individual basis, but knowing some info up front helps. My company, USAA has told me in the past 'driving schools' are ok, and has covered all my 'modifications' as long as I had some documentation.

 

Do you race your car at all? If so you may be dropped from your policy. Ask how I know. Driving school is one thing but race driving school is different, USAA covers Military personnel for a once a year race they have on the bases this is the onky acceptable race usage.

 

The last time I spoke with a represenative they considered any event in which two cars are on a track simultaneously and engaged in 'competitive' behaviour that was considered racing. I didnt inquire as to whether autox was covered, I figure thats my fault anyway. However making a claim in a HPDE is wrong IMO but dropping someone who participates in them or any sanctioned event (drag etc) is complete BS in my opinion. And yes I 'race' (its my last name I have to ).

And can you go into details on this 'Once a year military only race'?

 

What race?

 

you think its all good to wreck at a track??

damn this board is going down hill!!!!!

 

No the board goes downhill because people do not read before they post
. No where in my post did I decree anything of the sort, in fact my statement was "However making a claim in a HPDE is wrong". The original subject of the thread was that insurance companies 'are' (quotes because I question the validity of the poster) dropping people who engage in organized motorsports activities.

The posted then goes on to claim that it is ok, however, for persons in the military to engage in a anual event that is 'military only'. That is where i call BS and proceed to go look at ****

 

I inquired with my insurance company before attending a "track day" I was informed that I would be covered under these conditions:

I wasn't racing another vehicle
I wasn't racing against a clock
I wasn't being paid as an instructor

Drag racing - not covered
autocrossing - not covered
HPDE track day - covered

I do not do this, but I asked a theoretical question:

This also means that if I had an accident while street racing and was convicted of street racing the insurance company would not pay a cent, but that also meant that if it was pleaded to a lesser charge, i.e. exhibition of speed, I would be covered.

I even had the insurance company send me a copy of the exclusions so that I could read them for myself. I told them that I wanted to learn to be a better driver and I was taking a driver's instructional event.

Austin

 

What I told was true and here is the info Steve:
Vehicles used in a race or speed contest are not covered:
EXCEPTION: Vehicles owned by Cadets at the Air Force Academy who use their vehicle for the following events are acceptable:
* "One Car" Acceleration Strip at the Academy.
* Driver Training Program at the Continental Divide Raceway.





[Modified by Boostfed, 10:12 PM 3/27/2003]

 

I wouldnt lie to you only looking out, the worst thing is you don't know the guidelines or your rights and your claim is DENIED! Just fyi.

[Modified by Boostfed, 10:15 PM 3/27/2003]


[Modified by Boostfed, 10:28 PM 3/27/2003]

 

Thanks for the post. As stated in detail in my post I understand my coverage limits, and know they do not cover , nor condone , and sanctioned contest of speed. I was more than a bit inquisitive when it came to this single military exception, and still am. Thanks for clearing up the 'military exemption'.