Insurance and the track

[DrD]

I know most riders here have dedicated track bikes. My track ride is also a bike for the street, so I have it registered and insured.

I used to have motorcycle insurance with State Farm. In the list of exclusions from coverage was a statement along the lines of, "Incidents occuring on a closed course are not covered." OK, no help from SF if you total the bike at the track.

This year I changed to Progressive. In their policy, the relevant exclusion is, "Incidents occuring during racing, or a timed event, are not covered." I needed to talk to a Progressive rep anyway, so I asked her about that exclusion and what it meant for a track day. I had to explain what a "track day" was and she had to talk to a manager a couple of times. What it came down to was that as long as there was no competition, or timing, then the bike was covered.

Maybe I should get that in writing......

 

[griffonrider]

I was told a looong time ago, "If ya can't wad it up and throw it in that dumpster over there, don't bring it out here." Just sayin'

 

[rdecae]

that was my feelings as well. I tracked my 07 tuono factory bike, and after 3 track days, I realized I was hesitant to really ride it hard. (I am a novice rider) so I got a cheap 2,800.00 track bike. If I wade it up, I sell what I can and get another. During the off season you can get lots of older 05 - 07 track bikes for 3K.

 

[HondaGalToo]

State Farm used to have similar language about the timing and used to cover trackdays. Seemed like it was a regional thing, but it seems in recent years more regions have discontinued coverage for any closed course event. Just because Progressive is covering it today, doesn't mean they won't change their minds in the future. I was always surprised any of them covered it.

While you're checking insurance coverage, also check with your health insurance company to ensure their are no exclusions for closed course riding that is not racing.

 

[mike574]

griffonrider;n592660 wrote: , "If ya can't wad it up and throw it in that dumpster over there, don't bring it out here." Just sayin'

:agree:

 

[Sideshow Bob]

I have Rider and they said the same thing; as long as it's not a race or timed event, I'm covered.

 

[miker1]

I'm no lawyer but i believe insurance is State-specific so you need to ask the company or broker about coverage they offer that's applicable to where you live. I live in New Jersey and have been told by State Farm that they do NOT cover Track event damage, even if it is not a timed event. I switched to Foremost Insurance that does cover Track Days; cost was about $50 higher per year than State Farm but worth it IMO. Also includes "Roadside assistance" - an 800 number and free-tow if ever needed.

 

[Mikey75702]

If you really want insurance that will cover the track, call Brandon with Ridersurance http://ridersurance.com/

 

[DrD]

miker1: The policy (not the coverage statement) is for VA. You are right; state regulations and other factors can make exclusions vary by state.

 

[sv650]

My progressive contract explicitly excludes [list type=decimal][*]resulting from, or sustained during practice or preparation for:

1. any pre-arranged or organized:
   (i) racing;
   (ii) stunting;
   (iii) speed,or demolition contest or activity;orany riding activity conducted on a permanent or temporary racetrack, race- course, or during any closed course event.[/list type=decimal] This exclusion does not apply to use of a motorcycle for escorting participants in
   charitable racing events;

#2 kinda seals the deal for track days. I don't know if their contract varies at all state to state, I'm in NJ.

 

[thesnowgod]

As mentioned, policies and their coverages vary a lot state to state. In NY I used to be licensed to sell insurance and worked for State Farm. Long story short and legal insurance-speak set aside.....you wreck it on the track they aren't gonna pay. I suppose if ya wrecked it on a track, loaded it up, took it home and somehow explained to the insurance people that you wrecked it on the road and you got it home with some assitance from friends and a trailer......then they might cover it. However (this is the insurance guy still in me as well as someone who hates high premiums), keep in mind insurance fraud costs everyone in the long run. As claims rise, and people wrongly collect on a claim they shouldnt have, we ALL pay for it in the long run with ever increasing premiums. I will add though that many people could add comprehensive coverage to their policies inexpensively too. This will cover your bike at the track against fire, theft or vandalism. For those of you who travel or keep your pride and joy on a trailer, this is a huge asset.

 

[DrD]

This is what the VA policy exclusion states (don't worry about the word 'auto' as it applies to motorcycles, too):
. . Loss to “your covered auto” or any “non-owned auto”, located inside a facility designed for racing, for the purpose of:
a. Competing in; or
b. Practicing or preparing for;
any prearranged or organized racing or speed contest.

 

[noobinacan]

Insurance is a 'paranoia' based industry that's based on 'what if'
The $$ you will pay up front will add up over a year and you get none of it back.
vs you may wreck your bike, and the fix may just be a rear set and a clip-on.

unless you're on a 1199, which you may break in half. so I'd definitely get full coverage on that one...opcorn:

your mistake is calling it a 'trackday'. you should have called it 'rider ed'
Race is a timed event/competition.

 

[Luggageboy]

Even if your insurance would cover the bike at the track, would you really want to use it? Probably going to raise your rate after you make a claim, which would be even higher if you you needed to make another.

 

[dbakerpa]

My buddy crashed his and they covered everything including helmet and leathers. He has State Farm. Erie has a closed circuit exclusion -thats what I have.

 

[scotman623]

If you know how to word it right they will cover it in N.Y, You just have to think before you speak!

 

[brianspeed3]

I will also say that I had a buddy with StateFarm and he totaled out a RSV4 at Barber doing a track day, They covered it. As long s there is no "prize" they considered it rider improvement. But would still talk to your own company to double check.