Got this from a friend on Audiworld. Insurance companies are starting to change policies. Looks like Allstate was the first big one.

Warren

This was posted at the TQ board and confirmed by another person who has
Allstate. Can the other companies be far behind?

"...My point here is to let folks know that I just got a fax from my insurance
agent and Allstate has just added language to their policies excluding
liability, medical payment, uninsured motorist and protection against loss or
theft coverage:
-- "for bodily injury or property damage arising out of the participation in
any racing or speed contest,
-- when using the insured vehicle at a track or course designed for racing,
-- or in practice or preparation for any use of this type."

It looks like Allstate is closing any loophole which may have existed. Thought
folks might want to know. "

 

i saw that over at corner-carvers:
http://corner-carvers.com/forums/sho...&threadid=2314

i haven't received anything from my agent yet.

-jeff, who's not sure what he'll do

 

There are alternate insurers that will provide coverage for on-track events. I don't have the name with me here at work (kinda ironic that I work at Allstate) but I'll post it as soon as I find out the name of the insurer that I use.

 

Yeah, but the last time I read about one of these "specialty" policies, it was about 1/6 th the value of the car!

 

Hell, its allstate!!!! when you spend all day long fighting w/ them like me, you're not suprised. Ask me to tell horror stories about them at the track some time.

(ps. don't forget "any ambiguity in the contract language is construed against the drafter"

 

Does this apply to HPDEs as well since it's on a "track or course designed for racing"? I'm glad I have 21st Century, although I hope they don't adopt the same policy.

 

I'm curious as to how far this creeps down the level of DE events. For instance, Danny McKeever's Fast Lane school, and also the Mid-Ohio Honda school conduct teenage driving programs which are not intended to be race-preparation, but are instead aimed at improving general car-control and driver safety. However, these are conducted on a "course designed for racing". I have never attended such a school so I do not know exactly how these operate (if all supply cars, or if you use your own car for any of them), but would this fall under that rule for the insurance companies? Pity, since such an activity is more directly labeled as a "driver safety improvement".

 

Well, some of the tracks we go to never have races. VIR-south never has races. Jefferson Circuit never has races. Those track were definitely designed with drivers ed in mind.

Just trying to find a loophole in their loophole-closing statements.....

 

Allstate took a bad hit last year in P&C. From Ed Liddy's (big boss's) last conference, he was pushing for Allstate to have a growth year. I'm not suprised that they are looking at all areas of the insurance business to close any of the loop-holes, especially after the major hit we took with mold issues last year.

 

back up to the tizzop

first, i just wanted to see if speedfreek24 got the list of insurers that cover hpde's.

Also, i've really been dwelling on this for a few days and maybe i'm over-reacting to this, but i'm kinda concerned if other insurers follow suit. up until now, i always figured insurance coverage wouldn't be too big of a hassle if there was any HPDE incident. If insurance co's stop covering hpde's will that make anyone else more reluctant to do these kind of events? Even though nothing has happened to me so far that a car wash couldn't fix i don't think i'd be comfortable taking my not paid off daily driver on track without insurance because you never know what can happen.

anyone?

-jeff

 

MaddMatt...

No races at VIR South? Do you suppose a Time Trial is considered a race?

Scott

 

Doesn't matter, the course is obviously designed for racing.
Simple solution, if you ball up your car at the track, just have it towed deep into the woods and report it stolen! Just kidding


[Modified by Track rat, 2:02 PM 5/10/2002]


[Modified by Track rat, 2:03 PM 5/10/2002]

 

I have CHUBB insurance on all my cars, and they even came to the track and sponsered an HPDE with the Ferrari club...they even give discounts to Ferrari owners!!!!

Check them out!

Ciao'

 

Anyone have any experiences with State Farm? Going to my first track event (not race) soon, I'd like to have an idea in case I total my car

 

You should be fine. Dont ask me how I know.

 

VIR Turn 10 say whaat?

 

I actually know a handful of people who have insurance with State Farm, and have balled up cars at HPDEs, and have been fine. Apparently, State Farm kicks ***.

--Karl, who is glad the track car is uninsured/unlicensed

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I have State Farm and that put many of my worries to rest.

 

wow, this is good info - i was actually gonna go check them out to replace progressive...

 

see my earlier post about allstate, the same applies for state farm...., read your policy when you get it every 6 months to see if you are covered.

 

The other day I was curious how my policy reads. I have GEICO and in the terms there are no exceptions anywhere regarding HPDE's, time trials, etc. Anyone else look at a geico policy?

 

Fine print and red tape aside, do y'all feel insurance companies should be obligated to pay for damages incurred in a HPDE and/or wheel-to-wheel race?

 

Insurance co. should not cover wheel to wheel. HPDEs; absolutely! I believe HPDE improves street driving safety by:
Developing one's understanding of vehicle dynamics
Learning and practicing car control
Improving vision and awareness
Quells the speed urge, keeps it on the track where it belongs

Insurance companies sould wake and recognize that 99% of traffic crashes are due to driver error, and encourage drivers to improve their skills by getting some specialized training. Rather than give us a discount for ABS and Airbags, they should be proactive and give a discount for those who attend decisive driving clinics and HPDEs. I wish there were some statistics on the street driving habits of HPDE regulars...ie frequency of crashes and citations. SCCA did a study on the relative safety of club racing compared to street driving. In terms of deaths per vehicle mile traveled, racing was much safer than street.

"The safest car is the one well driven"

 

I have USAA insurance. Does anyone know their policy on HPDE's or have personal experience? This is a great thread!

 

I used to have USAA. I calle dthem once and inquired about a HPDE. They indicated if no timing equipment is used, and if an instructor is in the car, then you are covered.

They also indicated that it likely to be a one time only deal. Something like "Yes, we would cover this ONE school." Of course, if you do it regularly without incident, then they don't know. Once you stuff your car and file a claim, they will probably cover you and drop you.

Notice I say that I *used* to have USAA. We banged up our Celica at an autocross and I called to see IF they would cover it. After a bunch of BS, they said yes, then paid the repair bill and dropped comprehensive and collision on ALL our cars, with no option to get it. Now I'm with Progressive.

BS equals:

1) We can't tell you if we would cover it until you initiate a claim.
2) You are obligated by law to tell us of any damages, even if you don't plan to file a claim (yes, that includes parking lot door dings).
3) Even if you don't file a claim, if we think you are not a safe driver, we can raise your rates bcause of the incident.

We don't miss them any. So far, service with Progressive is like USAA was 10 years ago, lately, it seemed to have fallen off some.

Scott