Haris Ashley
If you're planning to drive the Nürburgring, it's important to know that your standard car insurance likely won't cover you. The infamous race track is known for being excluded from most insurers' coverage, and even if you're driving carefully, accidents can happen. While some rental companies offer third-party insurance, it's always better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to be liable for the high costs of fixing a supercar in the event of a crash. So, before hitting the Nürburgring, it's worth looking into additional track insurance to ensure you're covered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance requirements for non-German cars | Not insured |
| Insurance requirements for German-registered cars | Must carry proof of insurance |
| Rental car insurance | May not be covered |
| Track insurance | Available for purchase |
| Excess | Depends on the car chosen; ranges from €15,000 to €200,000 |
| Deposits | Range from €1,000 to €20,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Non-German cars are not insured
Non-German cars are generally not insured on the Nurburgring. This is because insurers from countries other than Germany have explicitly excluded coverage on the Nurburgring. If they do not mention the Nurburgring by name, they will exclude one-way toll roads, racing circuits, or prepared courses, which the Nurburgring falls under. This means that your standard road insurance policy does not cover you for damage to your own car or third-party liability. As a result, if you crash into another car or cause an accident through leaking fluids, you will be liable for the damages to the other cars. With many expensive cars on the Nurburgring, the costs of fixing a car that you damage can be very high.
Due to high accident rates and negative news reports, German insurance companies have also started to exclude coverage on the Nurburgring. Therefore, it is important to carefully check the exclusions in your policy if you are driving a German-registered car.
If you are renting a car to drive on the Nurburgring, it is recommended to rent from a local company that specializes in providing cars for the track. These cars are set up specifically for the Nurburgring and are insured for it. This way, you can avoid the risk of a hefty fine for taking a rental car from a standard car rental company on the track.
In addition, there are insurance packages available specifically for the Nurburgring, such as Trackday Insurance, TouristFahren insurance, and Third-Party Insurance. These can be purchased directly from some car rental companies or through a specialized insurance provider. However, it is important to note that these insurance packages may not cover all types of damages, so careful review of the policy is necessary.
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Excess and liability
Driving on the Nürburgring is risky, and accidents can be costly. While some rental companies offer third-party insurance, excess and liability are important considerations.
Excess is the maximum amount you would have to pay in the event of an accident. For example, RSRNurburg's standard excess is €25,000 for a Hyundai i30N, meaning you are liable to pay damages up to that amount in the event of a total loss. However, you can reduce your excess by purchasing additional insurance. With extra insurance from RACEINC, for instance, your liability for damages on the Hyundai is reduced to a maximum of €7,000, plus an additional premium of €685.
Liability refers to your responsibility for damages caused to other cars or property. While third-party insurance can cover the costs of damages to other people's cars, it's important to note that your insurer may seek to reclaim from you all monies they have paid out. Furthermore, standard road insurance policies typically exclude coverage on the Nürburgring, deeming it a racing circuit or prepared course. As a result, your policy may not cover damages to your own car or third-party liability.
When renting a car for the Nürburgring, it's essential to understand the rental company's insurance coverage. Some companies, like Hertz, impose hefty fines if their vehicles are taken on the track. On the other hand, dedicated rental companies like RSRNurburg and Rent4Ring offer trackday insurance and can help organise additional insurance to reduce your excess and liability.
It's worth noting that driving skills and experience play a crucial role in risk management. Instructors can provide valuable guidance and help you navigate the circuit safely. Additionally, starting with slower cars and working your way up can reduce the risk of accidents.
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Instructors and safety
The Nürburgring is considered one of the most challenging tracks in the world. As such, it is important to prioritise safety and follow the guidance of instructors.
Rental cars are typically not permitted on the track, and doing so may result in a hefty fine. Instead, it is recommended to rent a car from a local company that provides cars specifically for the track, as these will be insured and better equipped for the course.
If you are renting a car, it is important to carefully review the rental agreement, as some companies may have restrictions on the use of their vehicles for racing or time trials. In addition, be sure to clarify insurance coverage, as some companies may offer optional insurance packages per driver.
When driving on the Nürburgring, it is crucial to follow safety regulations. All drivers must wear a helmet, and motorcyclists are required to wear full protective gear. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and drive within your limits, especially when driving a faster car.
Instructors can be extremely valuable, providing a second pair of eyes and helping you navigate the track. They can guide you through parts of the circuit you are unfamiliar with and ensure you drive within safe limits.
Before driving on the track, it is important to receive a safety briefing to understand the rules and regulations. This will help you know what to expect and how to respond in different situations. Additionally, an AIM data logging system and camera can be used to investigate any damage to the vehicle, helping to determine responsibility and associated costs.
By following the guidance of instructors, prioritising safety, and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience driving on the Nürburgring.
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Deposits and refunds
When it comes to driving on the Nürburgring, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding deposits and refunds. Firstly, it is important to understand that rental cars are typically not permitted on the track, and doing so may result in a hefty fine or other penalties from the rental company. Therefore, it is recommended to rent a car from a local company that specialises in providing cars for the Nürburgring.
These specialised car rental companies typically offer various insurance packages, including Trackday Insurance, TouristFahren insurance, and Third-Party Insurance. While these insurance options provide coverage for accidents and third-party liabilities, they usually come with an excess that you are liable for before the insurance takes over. In other words, you will be responsible for paying for the damage you cause to the car up to a certain maximum amount. To mitigate this risk, you may be required to pay a deposit before renting the car, which will be returned upon the safe return of the vehicle. The deposit amount can vary, with some companies charging approximately 10% of the car's value.
In the event of an accident, it is important to follow the proper procedures. Contact the relevant authorities and provide them with the necessary information. If you are not at fault for the damage, you will typically be dismissed from any charges, including towing fees. However, if you are found to be responsible for the damage, you will be obliged to cover the repair costs and any other associated expenses. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement and insurance policy to understand your specific liabilities and coverage.
Regarding refunds, some companies offer flexible booking options that allow you to change or cancel your reservation before your scheduled arrival time. For example, RingFlex provides the option to cancel your booking and receive a full refund, excluding certain costs. On the other hand, if the track is closed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as accidents, weather conditions, or other force majeure events, you may have the option to reschedule your remaining laps for another date or receive a refund for unused services. However, it is important to note that refunds are generally not provided if the track is open and operational, even in rainy conditions.
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Rental car options
There are a few options for renting a car to drive the Nurburgring. Firstly, it is important to note that regular rental cars are typically not permitted on the track, as per Nurburgring policy and rental policy. Some rental companies may allow it, but there is a high risk of incurring a hefty fine if you are caught. Therefore, it is strongly advised to rent a car from a specialist company that provides insurance specifically for the Nurburgring.
One option is to rent a car from a local company near the circuit, such as RSRNurburg or Rent4Ring, which offer a range of purpose-built Nurburgring rental cars. These companies provide insurance for the road and track, but there is usually an excess that you are liable for before the insurance takes over. This means that you will have to pay for any damage you cause to the car up to a certain maximum amount. You can also opt for additional insurance to reduce your excess liability in case of an accident.
Another option is to rent a car from a specialist company that provides all-inclusive packages, such as Rent4Ring. These packages typically include fuel, lap tickets, and onboard video footage. They also offer professional coaching to enhance your driving skills and ensure safety. The prices for these packages vary, but they can be a convenient and hassle-free way to experience the Nurburgring.
It is worth noting that multiple drivers are usually included in the normal rental price, but each driver is expected to do a minimum of two laps. Additionally, optional insurances are typically charged per driver. It is also common for deposits to be requested upfront, covering the total damage excess.
When renting a car for the Nurburgring, it is important to carefully read the rental agreement and understand the insurance coverage and any exclusions. It is also advisable to have a responsible attitude and drive within your means to minimize the risk of accidents and keep yourself safe on the circuit.
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Frequently asked questions
Standard road insurance policies do not cover the Nürburgring, or any race track. If you are driving your own car, you will need to organise additional insurance through an external insurance company. Most Nürburgring car rental companies will have full third-party insurance.
If you do not have insurance and you are at fault for an accident, you will be liable for the damages of other people's cars. You will also have to pay for the damages to the Nürburgring track, as well as the cost of getting your car towed.
If you are renting a car, you can organise additional insurance through the rental company or directly with a track day insurer. If you are taking your own car onto the track, you can get in touch with an insurance company to discuss your options.
