Track day insurance

[dbewley]

I know somebody must have asked this one a million and one times. Can you get insurance for a track day as my insurance company doesn't want to know? I watched the clip on here of the E7 doing cartwheels and was a little bit put off. Does this sort of thing happen often, bumps etc.?

[AndyS]

My normal insurance policy (Norwich Union ) covers me for trackdays (since they're noncompetitive and untimed) - and yes, I DO have this in writing :D

MLR & Trackstar days usually have a "buy on the day" insurance facility available.

As to whether it happens often, it really does depend on the driver - as long as you drive within the limits of both yourself and your car, and keep an eye on what others around you are doing, then you'll be fine. You're probably more likely to come to grief on the road than on a trackday - since at least on a trackday everyone's headed in the same direction, and most people aren't on the phone. There are some morons that think that "Trackday=Race", but the easy solution to that problem is to stay off track whilst they're out there (yet another reason that open pit lane days are better than session days). I've done a fair few trackdays, and not come to grief.

[DrBob]

Originally posted by dbewley
I know somebody must have asked this one a million and one times. Can you get insurance for a track day as my insurance company doesn't want to know?If you do a search for trackday insurance you'll find plenty of threads.

Main place to go is Eggar Lawson Insurance Brokers - Richard Eggar or Nik Kersham - 0115 941 5255. Basically you choose how much to insure - for an indicative range have a look here (http://www.bookatrack.com) - you'll need to select 'Insurance' down near the bottom left (they use session based URLs so I can't link you to the page direct).

Another option is to switch to a company which will include trackday cover in the basic policy (I gather Norwich Union now charge extra, Tesco and Egg both say they include it when you ask the call centre drone to check with the underwriters).
I watched the clip on here of the E7 doing cartwheels and was a little bit put off. Does this sort of thing happen often, bumps etc.? No! There was one Subaru badly damaged at the MLR day at Castle Combe, but it was an inexperienced driver who went out after a shower and went off at Quarry corner where we'd all been warned to be careful in the driver briefing.

I've done 2 trackdays in p***ing rain and seen no injuries. Quite a few spins, but no cars damaged.

If you're sensible like me :angel: you'll do as advised in the briefings - start slow and build up gradually. It's easy enough to tell when you're approaching your limits IMHO. I'd rather peeps think I'm a girlie than bend my car ... going into armco etc. would certainly spoil your whole day!

[dbewley]

Thanks guys for the help!

Dr Bob - I have checked out the site 'book a track' for insurance. It aint cheap, but then you have to appreciate the risk etc. Once you add the cost of the track day itself you are up and over £500.

Andy S & Dr Bob - In your experience have you met many people who have taken out the insurance and do you know of any track days coming up that are good for virgins such as myself?

Cheers :)

Darren B

[AndyS]

Originally posted by dbewley
Once you add the cost of the track day itself you are up and over £500.
Don't forget the cost of fuel (I get 5-6mpg at Cadwell), tyres and brakes. Trackdays aren't a cheap hobby - but then again, nor are Evo VIs :D
In your experience have you met many people who have taken out the insuranceIn truth, I honestly don't know how many people do take out the insurance, sorry.
do you know of any track days coming up that are good for virgins such as myself?
There's an MLR/Trackstar day at Rockingham on 20th September - well organised, open pit lane, unlimited track time, free professional instruction and a generally friendly atmosphere. It's also (relatively) inexpensive at £169 for MLR members, £179 for anyone else. (And, of course, if you're an MLR member then you have an extra £10 off a trackday voucher, which brings it down to £159 :D).

I normally suggest that people come along to a day to see what goes on, and maybe grab a few passenger rides (most people are more than happy to take passengers out), to see if you'll enjoy it. (Although I'm pretty sure you will :D)

Alternatively, check out http://www.uktrackdays.co.uk for details of upcoming events.

[DrBob]

I don't know how many take out insurance either.

As you say, it does get a bit expensive!

The MLR day at Rockingham should be good, you may prefer to spectate one before taking your own car out, as Andy says you should get plenty of opportunities to get passendger rides. I have to say going out as a passenger scares the cr*p out of me, much nicer having that wheel to hold on to! :D

Open pit lane means you go out on track as you please, which is better for several reasons. You generally get more track time, you tend to stay out for shorter sessions which is better for you and for the car and you can avoid anyone whose driving concerns you (although this shouldn't be a concern with good organisers like Trackstar/MLR).
One minor disadvantage to the MLR day is that there will be some very quick cars and drivers there, and despite their best efforts to not intimidate it does take a bit of getting used to.

[ShinyAndy]

Originally posted by AndyS
There are some morons that think that "Trackday=Race", but the easy solution to that problem is to stay off track whilst they're out there

Or better still.. come straight in and complain to the organiser and then we can do something about them. Nothing worse than assuming everyone is happy about the day as there's been no complaints then to go online the following day and read on a forum about "so and so was driving like a prat, etc, etc"