Track Day Auto Insurance

Car enthusiasts may run into trouble when trying to find track day auto insurance. While most auto insurance companies don’t include motorsports insurance on their policies, others make no guarantee that they will pay a claim in the event of an accident.

Although you could expect to pay more for track day coverage, not having coverage at all is a risk some drivers don’t want to take.

If you have a track event coming up and you need auto insurance, it’s better to start shopping for a policy sooner rather than later to ensure you get the best track day auto insurance coverage possible.

Get track day auto insurance quotes now just by entering your zip.

What is Track Day Auto Insurance?

Let’s look at how track day insurance works.  

The first question is: what is a track day or HPDE? A High-Performance Driving Event (HPDE) is not a race. Rather, it offers an opportunity for drivers to take their cars on a performance track at race speeds.

Therefore, track day insurance is a type of coverage that can be purchased for a one-time event that will protect your vehicle in case of damage. While it is not legally required, it is recommended that you make sure you and your vehicle are covered.

What does track day auto insurance cover?

With normal insurance, comprehensive insurance covers damages to your vehicle that don’t stem from an accident. This coverage will differ for track day car insurance.

Besides accidental damage, other items that insurance companies may compensate you for include vehicle modifications, damaged engines (excluding a mechanical breakdown), or fires that may begin after a crash. However, most providers won’t offer liability coverage for track day.

On the other hand, if your vehicle is damaged due to an accident with another driver, your policy should cover repairs or replacements regardless of who is at fault.

Since few insurance companies offer coverage for track day events on a driver’s personal policy while others offer independent coverage, it’s important to compare quotes from different providers to obtain the services you need most.

When comparison shopping, understand that some companies may not cover damage to the brake pads, the engine, or to the fluids within the vehicle. Others do not reimburse you for towing fees or any deviations from your track day policy.

Depending on the provider, you may also be able to gain track day coverage for your equipment, riding gear, and other items used for your event.

Other types of policies only cover the vehicle and not the driver or his or her passengers. Therefore, when you’re shopping for a policy, make sure to ask whether the insurance company covers liability as well as the limits for this coverage. 

Also, just like with normal auto insurance, coverage will vary based on country. Track day auto insurance in Australia and the UK will be different than the insurance offered in the US.

The insurance company assumes you are purchasing track day auto insurance solely for the time that your vehicle is on the track.

Therefore, if you require supplemental auto insurance coverage either before or after the event, let your provider know ahead of time. Failing to do so means you risk having a claim denied should something happen off of the course.

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Track Day Auto Insurance Rates

In most cases, you will be charged more for a track day insurance policy than your regular auto insurance. However, by comparison shopping, you may be able to find a more affordable rate with a different company.

How does the insurance company determine your coverage?

Before the race, you might be required to participate in a “drivers’ education” event. Here, you will answer questions from an adjuster that will help to determine whether you will be repaid for accidents or damage that occurs during the event.

Some factors that will determine your track day insurance cost and coverage include:

• Timing – Most providers do not cover a crash if the drivers are timed for the event.
• Car modifications – You might find it difficult to obtain coverage if you have heavy modifications made to your vehicle. However, depending on the company, your provider may include an Agreed Valuation clause which will offer coverage for your custom vehicle.
• Racing event – You might not be entitled to coverage on your vehicle if your event is described as “racing” or a “competition.”
• Insurance terms – Some policies outright refuse to compensate drivers for any damages or incidents that happen on a raceway. Read your policy closely to determine the terms of your specific company.
• Instructor presence – Some instructors teach safe-driving courses with speeds less than 62 miles per hour. Having an instructor with you could increase the likelihood that you’re approved for track day insurance.

Keep in mind that cost and coverage will vary by company, so getting multiple quotes is a must.

 

What rates can you expect to pay for track day insurance?

Obtain quotes from various providers or seek assistance from an experienced broker who can help determine which rates are best suited for your needs and your budget.

In some cases, a provider will charge 0.6 percent to 1 percent of your car’s total value when calculating your premium. Depending on your car, race car insurance coverage rates will vary.

Other factors that an insurance company may take into consideration when determining your race track insurance cost are:

• The model of your vehicle – If you drive an expensive, fast, or exotic car, be prepared to pay more for your auto insurance than a “normal” car.  For example, track day auto insurance for exotic cars may be higher than normal.
• Your age – Much like other types of insurance coverage, your insurance company will take your age into consideration when determining the best track day car insurance coverage for you during the event.
• Track day experience – If you have participated in other track day events and have experience as a high performance driver, your rates are likely to be lower than those of someone without experience.
• Additional drivers – If you have a poor driving record that includes previous accidents, adding additional drivers on your policy may cause an increase in your coverage rates.
• The circuit – If the event in which you’re participating has a history of low accidents during previous track days, then you may benefit from a lower premium.

Also, ask whether the provider has any requirements in terms of the condition or mileage of the car.

 

How to Get Track Day Auto Insurance

For standard cars, it’s relatively easy to purchase track day auto insurance. However, you may need to apply with an auto insurance provider that specializes in track day coverage.

Can you get auto insurance on the same day? Yes. However, it may be in your best interest to apply for a policy two to three days before the event so that you’re prepared for any inconveniences that may come your way and to allow the insurance company to finalize the paperwork in time.

Before you fill out the application, you’ll need to inform the provider of the day the event is happening. You can get auto insurance for a day or weekend for the event.

After you submit the application, you’ll be required to make a payment, and you’ll then receive the policy through your email.

If you have more exceptions added to your coverage or you need to make changes on track day, consider calling the insurance company directly for a quicker response time.

Where can you get track day auto insurance?

Your off-track insurance company may not be able to provide track day insurance. However, keep in mind that insurance policies, coverage, and pricing vary from one provider to another.

For example, USAA track day insurance is different than OpenTrack insurance. And some companies offer specialized insurance such as Hagerty Insurance that deals with classic car insurance.

When picking auto insurance, it is important to know all you can about the company. Reading reviews, such as USAA or OpenTrack insurance reviews, gives you a good idea about the coverage and customer service each company offers.

You may also contact the company who is hosting the track day event. They may offer coverage to drivers through an insurance provider they already work with.

Ultimately, shop for a policy that provides the coverage you need at the best rate, and remember that insurance is not a free pass to operate your car without caution. Enter your zip to start getting track day auto insurance quotes today.