Car Insurance Cover for track days

"Track days can be costly if you are unprepared"

More people are electing to enjoy their cars to the maximum in the relatively safe environment of the track.

Many clubs and companies organise track days. Everything from the supercars like Porsche and Lamborghini and Ferrari right down to the home built kit cars and every day types of hot hatch and sports car in between.

When you start reading the small print you will realise that there is a lot of risk involved in this. For example damage caused to the track itself may be charged to the driver involved. With the high cost of armco barriers and the risk of a major oil spill the liability can quickly add up.

Do not assume that your current policy will cover you for trackdays as most specifically exclude this. At the start of the trackday you will generally be given a disclaimer to sign which prevents you from claiming against the operators of the track and indeed pretty much making you personally responsible for damage caused to your car by youself or others.

If you have taken out a policy with a modified car specialist then you may well find that they can offer additional cover for each track day you do. If this is not an option or the cost is prohibitive then there are a number of specialist insurers our there who will offer cover whilst you are on circuit.

Please check this cover carefully and make sure you understand what it does and does not cover. You should check to see how much cover there is for personal injury. If the worst should happen you might find yourself unable to work for at least a short time.

Then you will note any exclusions on the policy for damage to your car. Typically the engine, transmission wheels and tyres are excluded. Fire is another very real risk. Engine temperatures and even brake temperatures get much much higher on a track day run than in normal driving and all it takes is for a split hose from the fuel or oil lines and you have a nasty fire to deal with.

It is also worth asking about recovery costs and charges made by the circuit operators. Does the track you are attending charge you for recovery of your car? What about if the attendance of a fire or other emergency crew are required.

Does the policy stipulate any other requirements such as a recent full service and that the car is kept in good condition.

Liability cover is also included but you should check the limits offered. What if your accident closes the track for a while and the circuit is unable to host a major event? If you were negligent or reckless and you injured a spectator or a member of the public? 

The more cover you have the more it will cost you so you need to do your own risk assesment and see what cover you really need. Going on a track is not a licence to drive like a nutter, there are some very real and expensive risks and a mistake can cost you dearly.

Take out track day cover to minimize your financial outlay and drive within your limit whilst learning to explore your cars performance.