19 replies to this topic

[James.Hoff02]

Good evening fellas. I'm new to this forum, and the scene as a whole. I was curious about HPDE insurance, its costs, if its a requirement, and its coverage. My concern is getting my $4k Miata sideways into the F430's and Lambos that frequent Homestead Speedway. Being a member of the military I'm not exactly rolling in the dough. Any guidance you guys can offer would be greatly appriciated.

[Rob Gibson]

Everyone signs waivers before they can get on the track. It usually covers everything except intentional acts and gross negligence (which is basically extreme stupidity just short of intent). I've heard of insurance that's available but it always seems cost prohibitive.

[john mueller]

My concern is getting my $4k Miata sideways into the F430's and Lambos that frequent Homestead Speedway.

Don't worry, those cars usually can't keep up with Miata's

[James.Hoff02]

thanks guys. my wife is happy to hear it.

[FTodaro]

If your doing an HPD in some states some insurance companys will still cover your PD if you crash. Don't ask me how I know. The trend however is to exclude it. For injuries you and the others sign an assumption of the risk waiver, but the club and track carry insurance if they screw up.

[john mueller]

[Doug007]

Don't get sideways when passing F430s and Lambos... ;-)

In general, you sign everything away at the gate. The rule of thumb is don't bring it to the track if you can't afford to push it over a cliff.

Contact between cars is exceptionally rare at DEs (as it should be!). The biggest risk at a DE is going off and doing some body work or suspension damage to your own car. With a $4k miata you shouldn't worry too much :-)

I'd be more worried about an idiot in a lambo hitting YOU. At the track these things are usually handled personally but rarely does someone pay for someone elses bodywork.

[G-Man]

Call a few insurance providers and ask detailed questions. Many advertise in Grassroots Motorsports. Hagerty and similar typically provide only off-track coverage - garage, transport, paddock, and cold pits. No track or hot pits.

Most importantly, most coverages only provide physical damage (collision) coverage for your vehicle. There is zero liability coverage for damage or injury to other people or things.

The track and sanctioning body waivers primarily protect them. In my inexpert opinion, their wording provides you some protection from other people potentially seeking relief from you, but not much.

[Keith Novak]

Be carefull about talking to your existing insurance company. After a year or so of racing I talked to my insurance company (USAA) about insuring my car for theft, falling off the trailer, etc. since it's worth a lot more than a typical '95 miata. When I mentioned "race car" I went from $9 per month comprehensive coverage to uninsured. They dropped it from my policy and the agent I spoke with was sympathetic. Her husband races too. Some insurance companies won't let you insure a car that's raced under any circumstances.

[Gary Norris]

Be carefull about talking to your existing insurance company. After a year or so of racing I talked to my insurance company (USAA) about insuring my car for theft, falling off the trailer, etc. since it's worth a lot more than a typical '95 miata. When I mentioned "race car" I went from $9 per month comprehensive coverage to uninsured. They dropped it from my policy and the agent I spoke with was sympathetic. Her husband races too. Some insurance companies won't let you insure a car that's raced under any circumstances.

Most insurance carriers will also exclude HPDE's as well....but better to find out there is no coverage before you need it rather than after!

[Keith Novak]

True. At Audi club track events I've attended many drivers cover their license plates with painters tape in case the wrong person gets hold of the pictures. Some companies do offer one day event coverage for stuff like that though.

[Blake Thompson]

my understanding is that a number of insurance companies in my state (WI) will cover your car if its a non-timed event. I have no such delusions in getting a car covered that is stickered from head to toe, but several of my friends take their daily drivers to lap days and have confirmed this with their liability coverage company. I would not expect that to extend to another vehicle you hit on track, but that's really not your responsibility. Risk avoidance is a skill you must hone to play

I have paddock insurance and trailer insurance, it's separate from my normal liability for my daily drivers and tow vehicle. I think I have more policies than I do vehicles :-

[RacerX]

...I have paddock insurance ...

This is a first hear for me, what does it cover and if you don't mind me asking, what is the cost? Lastly, have you ever had to use it?

Apprecate in advance your reply.

[Jerry Cabe]

If you have a street legal vehicle (licensed and insured), and use it for non-timed Driver Education event at a track (like an SCCA PDX), I would recommend you carefully read your policy coverage. Some are OK with the non-timed events and your insurance coverage would be in force. However, many companies have very specific exclusions for any participation at a race track. If you have doubts after reading your policy, ask your agent or company. It is better to know up front.

There are insurance companies that offer single-day or multiple-day coverage for street-legal vehicles that are participating in non-timed driver educational events. SCCA can provide info on contacting these companies. This coverage is rather expensive (in my opinion) but might be justified depending on what you are driving. Generally there is a sizable deductable, and it is not offered in all states so you might have to shop around.

There are insurance companies that offer STP coverage for race cars. STP stands for Storage/Transport/Paddock (or something like that). It covers your car and equipment where it is stored (assuming it is secure), while it is being transported to/from the track, and in the paddock. It does not cover anything once the car is on track. Pricing is modest and depends on the value you declare.

The Waiver you sign at SCCA events is a "standard" release of liability, but it also gets you under the event's insurance coverage for personal injury. It is secondary coverage that will cover your broken shoulder when you trip over your trailer ramp and fall down (yes, idiots do things like this). Don't under-estimate the value of this coverage.

Disclaimer: All of the above is my opinion/understanding based on my research. I put my street Miata on track knowing my insurance company will not cover vehicle damage. My SM can be pushed off the cliff, but I want to watch.

[Qik Nip]

Jerry's right.
Increasingly insurance companies are addressing performance driving and are inserting language that effectively eliminates coverage. It might go along the lines of, "if the insured venicle is OPERATED on a surface designed primarily for racing (read PDX/HPDE), or is used in any COMPETITION on a surface not intended for racing (read AX), coverage is void."
Rick
P.S. My bride wadded up a Corvette at an AX test and tune about five years ago. She's probably partly to blame for the trend!

[LarryKing]

My SM can be pushed off the cliff, but I want to watch.

I think I can help. Just down the road from NL:
http://www.dnr.state...75/Default.aspx

[RacerX]

...My SM can be pushed off the cliff, but I want to watch....

Thanks, well said and now I know how to describe my view too

Rich

[Jim Boemler]

My SM can be pushed off the cliff, but I want to watch.

Hopefully not from the drivers seat.

[Jerry Cabe]

As an update to my earlier post, one of the companies that offers HPDE coverage, and I believe also STP coverage is Lockton Affinity, http://hpdeins.locktonaffinity.com . I have no personal experience, nor am I endorsing this company, it is just one that you can go to to get better educated on what types of coverage are out there and a relative cost.

[Mike Lliteras]

I have insurance for my son's race this weekend in Utah for World Challenge B-Spec. $900 with a $5000 deductable