If you're a drag racer, it's important to know that your standard auto insurance policy won't cover liability or damage while racing. This includes street racing and organised racing events like drag racing, autocross, rallies, and track days. In other words, the minute you start racing your car, it becomes uninsured.
However, there are specialty insurance companies that cater to amateur racers, offering coverage for competition vehicles on and off the track, as well as trailers and spare parts. These policies can be purchased as a supplement to your regular auto insurance.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Does auto insurance cover drag racing? | No, a standard auto insurance policy will not cover liability or damage while racing. |
What counts as "organized racing"? | Driving in a timed event, a competitive event, or an event that takes place in a competition-oriented location (e.g. a race track). |
Where can drivers purchase auto racing insurance? | Through race tracks (often referred to as "track day insurance") or specialty auto insurance providers. |
What is the cost of drag racing insurance? | There is no fixed cost; it depends on factors such as the value of the vehicle. However, it is not uncommon for professional drag racers to pay upwards of $5,000 a year for coverage. |
What are the risks of drag racing without insurance? | Financial risk in the event of damage to the vehicle or injury to oneself or others. |
What You'll Learn
- Racing insurance is available for drag racers
- Basic car insurance policies do not cover drag racing
- Drag racing voids your auto insurance coverage
- Supplemental insurance policies are available for drag racing
- Drag racing insurance can be purchased through race tracks and specialty auto insurance providers
Racing insurance is available for drag racers
Standard auto insurance policies do not cover liability or damage while racing. This includes common forms of amateur motorsports such as drag racing, autocross, rallies, and track days. Therefore, it is important to purchase racing insurance if you plan to participate in drag racing events.
Racing insurance is a type of auto insurance that specifically covers drivers during organized racing competitions. You can purchase racing insurance as an event organizer or a driver, as these typically require distinct types of racing coverage.
The following acts are typically considered "racing":
- Driving in a timed event
- Driving in a competitive event
- Driving in an event that takes place at a competition-oriented location, such as a race track
Where Can Drag Racers Purchase Auto Racing Insurance?
There are two primary ways that drag racers can purchase racing coverage: through race tracks and specialty auto insurance providers.
Most race tracks in Canada offer racing coverage, often referred to as track day insurance. This type of insurance usually covers specialty auto insurance providers, and it is recommended to look for one that specializes in motorsport-related coverage. These providers will be able to offer professional opinions and share their experiences.
The cost of drag racing insurance varies depending on several factors, including the value of the vehicle. It is not uncommon for professional drag racers to pay upwards of $5,000 per year for coverage, which provides peace of mind and financial protection.
In conclusion, racing insurance is available for drag racers and it is important to purchase this coverage if you plan to participate in drag racing events. By understanding the risks associated with drag racing and the options for insurance coverage, you can make informed decisions to protect yourself financially and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Basic car insurance policies do not cover drag racing
For example, here is some fine print from a standard auto insurance policy:
> "Liability arising from the sponsoring or taking part in any organized or agreed-upon racing or speed contest or demonstration in which your insured car has active participation, or in practice or preparation for any such contest."
This exclusion also applies if you are not responsible for the incident. Therefore, it is crucial to review your insurance policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered before participating in any drag racing activities.
If you wish to engage in drag racing, it is recommended to purchase a supplemental insurance policy specifically for this purpose. Some companies that offer such coverage include Heacock Classic, Lockton Motorsports, and Hagerty. These policies can cover competition vehicles on and off the track, as well as trailers and spare parts. The cost of this additional coverage will depend on various factors, such as the value of the vehicle and the level of coverage desired.
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Drag racing voids your auto insurance coverage
If you are thinking of taking your vehicle to a drag strip, you should be aware that your standard auto insurance policy will not cover you for any damage or liability. This includes any injuries you may sustain, or cause to others, as well as damage to your vehicle or any other property.
Insurance providers have a broad definition of "racing", which includes driving in a timed event, a competitive event, or an event that takes place at a race track.
As well as the obvious physical dangers of drag racing, there are also financial risks. If you are deemed at fault for an accident, you could be sued for injuries caused to others. You may also be liable for damage to other vehicles or property.
If you are planning on drag racing, it is important to purchase a supplemental insurance policy that covers you for racing. This can be bought through race tracks, which often refer to it as "track day insurance", or through specialty auto insurance providers. This type of insurance is not cheap, with professional drag racers often paying upwards of $5,000 a year for coverage. However, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind and financial protection.
Be Honest with Your Insurer
It is important to be upfront with your insurance provider about your intentions to race. Don't try to sneak a fast one on them, as they will probably catch you out. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to insurance.
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Supplemental insurance policies are available for drag racing
Specialty insurance companies offer policies for amateur drivers at sanctioned events. These policies are typically "agreed value", meaning you and the insurance company agree on the value of your car upfront, and you pay a premium based on that amount. These policies usually only cover damage to the car, not any injuries the driver suffers or inflicts on others. The cost of these policies can be high, but many feel it is worth it for the peace of mind.
In addition to coverage for the racing car itself, you can also purchase insurance for your race car trailer, tools, support equipment, and spare parts. This type of insurance is especially important if you have a lot of valuable equipment and parts that you transport to and from racing events. Some insurance companies, like Chizmark Larson, also offer liability coverage and personal medical coverage for racers. This can be crucial, as many health insurance companies will deny claims for injuries sustained in a racing accident, and you may be sued for injuries to spectators or other participants.
When shopping for supplemental insurance for drag racing, it is important to read the fine print and understand exactly what is and is not covered. It is also a good idea to work with an insurance provider that specializes in motorsport-related coverage. While this type of insurance can be expensive, it can provide valuable protection in the event of an accident or other mishap.
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Drag racing insurance can be purchased through race tracks and specialty auto insurance providers
If you're considering taking up drag racing, it's important to know that your standard auto insurance policy will not cover you in the event of damage or injury resulting from a race. This includes street and strip cars that are insured under a traditional automotive policy—once you enter a competition, your coverage is null and void.
Specialty auto insurance providers will offer various types of car insurance for race track usage. These providers will be able to offer professional opinions and share their experiences with you. Some providers require drivers to race their vehicle on a track at least once a year, but if you don't plan on using your vehicle this often, you can find a provider that offers single-day track coverage.
It's worth noting that drag racing insurance can be expensive. It's not uncommon for professional drag racers to pay upwards of $5,000 a year for coverage. However, this is a small price to pay for peace of mind and financial protection.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a standard auto insurance policy will not cover liability or damage while drag racing.
Your homeowner's policy doesn't cover your race car or its parts, equipment and tools, even when it's stored in your garage.
If you're a business owner, most business policies won't cover your race car or trailer either.
You can purchase a supplemental insurance policy that covers you where conventional insurance leaves off, i.e. when you enter a race.