Track Day Accident Questions

I can only answer #4 for you (although I DO have State Farm.)

Here in NY, the only way a vehical is put onto a salvage title is if the auto is 7 years or younger, and is totalled (ie 70% of the car's value to fix it). My '86 944 Turbo took over $8000 in body damage from a Neon and was totalled, being that they valued it at $7200. The title however stayed "normal" and I repaired it with lightweight Fiberglass parts. I hope I answered your question.

-Mike

[Edit] I believe the 70% is a NY thing, though it MAY be a State Farm thing.

 

Actually, this is a great question and I would also love to know. I have always assumed that damage at a DE event/track day was solely your responsibility???

This is one of the reasons I haven't gone on a track - I fear some idiot in a 3000$ miata will hit my car and total it. If I f*ck up, then cest la vie (sp)...my bad. But I am not sure I can live with someone else hitting my car and bearing no responsibility.

Anyone make any claims??? And if you did, did your carrier than cancel your policy? I know state farm strictly prohibits any modifications that increase the speed of the car or are intended for racing. I believe they will cancel your policy if they so much as see rollcage supports...

 

I only know one guy over on the Viper board that totaled his car on the top of the corkscrew at Laguna Seca. Since it is not a timed competition event it is considered a driver training day and it is covered. This is what his insurance told him and they bought him another Viper and this is what my State Farm agent told me when I told him what I was doing with my car, totally covered. However, I am not an agent nor have I ever had a claim so this is just what I have been told. Good luck to your friend. I was going to go to the Ferrari event on Monday be just couldn't get the time. Looks like I missed some action.

 

My policy with Haggerty was great... until reading all the addendums.
NOTHING on the track is covered. They have very broad statements that includes driver education school. I track at my own risk.

 

Undoubtedly, one would initially be asked to sign a document which is most likely a general disclaimer as well as a waiver of rights.

The language of such document would govern in all circumstances.

So, it is critically important for anyone presented with such a document to read it through very thoroughly. Anything not understood should not be overlooked or dismissed, and in place of anxiousness to get out on the track one should make certain that any language not understand should be reviewed by counsel prior to signing the document.

Failure to do so could be an expensive lesson.

In addition, car manufacturers now pay program sponsors handsomely for the names and VIN's of those registered for the events. The manufacturers do this to enable them to exclude owners from any warranty coverage!

Word to the wise is to be be very, very careful, because in some cases the language of those disclaimers also makes the entrant an insurer. That means one could be liable for damages beyond which the entrant would expect or beyond the amount of insurance the entrant carries!

Don't rely on hearsay or uncertainties. Be well advised.