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Track day insurance.

6K views 46 replies 25 participants last post by  Shamrock 
#1 ·
Hey gang,

As some of you know, I totaled my 675R this last weekend on the track. It's repairable, but "totaled" in the sense that any insurance company would just total and pay out.

I called Progressive, and lo and behold, they will not cover one cent of the damage. Because it is a track only bike, I couldn't just drive it to a parking lot and call them. They would really want to know where all of the DOT bits went I'm sure...

Mad as hell at paying a premium for a bike that was in not actually insured, I started to call around to all the major insurance companies wanting to move every insurable thing I owned. No one would cover a bike on the track though. That was until I found Einhorn Insurance (no, I do not work for them).

I called and told her exactly what I do with the bike. I told her that it does not ever ride on the street, and that I travel at speeds in excesses of 140 MPH. Donna didn't care in the least and gave me a reasonable quote. I have a fully insured motorcycle, not only that, I got to pick the full value of the bike. They are more than willing to cover every thing I have done to my motorcycle AWESOME!

The insurance I have also covers me if I were to ride on the street too. Not that I will, but if you are looking to have insured track days, live in California, and may also want to ride on the street, give Donna a call.

Donna Power
Ph: 619.908.1112 Ext. 2
Fx: 866.887.4644
www.einhorninsurance.com
License # 0F74625

She said they also work with a company in Texas too. So if you live there and are interested, call and she will point you in the right direction.
 
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#2 ·
I have Progressive and was assured that they would cover track days as long as they were non-timed. Not surprised that's not the case though.

As I was reading through I thought I had found a new insurance company but then saw it's CA only, damn. Guess I'll have to do some searching for IL.
 
#7 ·
Hey gang,

As some of you know, I totaled my 675R this last weekend on the track. It's repairable, but "totaled" in the sense that any insurance company would just total and pay out.

I called Progressive, and lo and behold, they will not cover one cent of the damage. Because it is a track only bike, I couldn't just drive it to a parking lot and call them. They would really want to know where all of the DOT bits went I'm sure...

Mad as hell at paying a premium for a bike that was in not actually insured, I started to call around to all the major insurance companies wanting to move every insurable thing I owned. No one would cover a bike on the track though. That was until I found Einhorn Insurance (no, I do not work for them).

I called and told her exactly what I do with the bike. I told her that it does not ever ride on the street, and that I travel at speeds in excesses of 140 MPH. Donna didn't care in the least and gave me a reasonable quote. I have a fully insured motorcycle, not only that, I got to pick the full value of the bike. They are more than willing to cover every thing I have done to my motorcycle AWESOME!

The insurance I have also covers me if I were to ride on the street too. Not that I will, but if you are looking to have insured track days, live in California, and may also want to ride on the street, give Donna a call.

Donna Power
Ph: 619.908.1112 Ext. 2
Fx: 866.887.4644
www.einhorninsurance.com
License # 0F74625

She said they also work with a company in Texas too. So if you live there and are interested, call and she will point you in the right direction.
Check your policy, my buddy liquified his CBR1000 at a track day and since it was NOT a timed event (ie race) it was considered rider training and was covered.
 
#8 ·
I went back and forth for two days with them. They were not going to budge on it so I figure I would have to sue to get paid on this. The damage is not so bad that this would be worth pursuing it anymore. If it was worse, and I had other damages that needed to be covered, I would go all the way with this.

As it stands now I'm just going to handle this on my own, and not ever give them a penny of my money again.
 
#10 ·
I'm more interested in the circumstances of how you totalled your bike.

As an owner of a brand new 12R who will be doing trackdays on it, I will FREAK if I ever drop the bike or crash.

So I guess that means not very aggressive trackdays for me. At least I am installing a slipper clutch
 
#14 ·
I'm more interested in the circumstances of how you totalled your bike.

As an owner of a brand new 12R who will be doing trackdays on it, I will FREAK if I ever drop the bike or crash.

So I guess that means not very aggressive trackdays for me. At least I am installing a slipper clutch
See post #3894 http://www.triumph675.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43336

It happens, but do not worry about it. Crashing is all part of the game we play. Either on the street, or the track. I have never seen anyone talking on their cell phone on the track. I'm only trying to make the statement that the track is more safe than the street.

Speed only depends on skill level either on the street, or the track. Even the best at this game will, and have wrecked. Don't ever fear it, just respect it, and you will have a hell of a time no matter what the outcome.

Do I regret the mistake I made? Sure, but I don't regret being on the track. I learned a few very valuable lessons every time I make a mistake like this, and I won't repeat it thus making me a faster and also stronger rider.

Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com Free App
 
#13 ·
Most insurance companies, cars or motorcycles, do not cover track use or racing. In some cases things can pass for 'rider education' or 'driver education'. It's not just progressive - its that way with just about every carrier.

From the Progressive policy
Coverage under this part IV will not apply for loss:
to any vehicle resulting from, or sustained during practice or preparation for:
a. any pre-arranged or organized:
(i)
racing;
(ii)
stunting;
(
iii) speed or demolition contest or activity; or
16
b. any riding activity conducted on a permanent or temporary racetrack, racecourse, or during any closed course event.
This
exclusion does not apply to use of a motorcycle for escorting participants in charitable racing events;
And according to how it reads, anything on a racetrack is excluded (at least with my Oklahoma Progressive policy). Even if your agent tells you he thinks its covered, READ YOUR POLICY. Agents often don't know what the policy does or doesn't cover and they just want to sell you a policy.
 
#17 ·
READ YOUR POLICY. Agents often don't know what the policy does or doesn't cover and they just want to sell you a policy.
^ This. My wife is an insurance adjustor. She gets people in the office EVERYDAY who say "my agent said it would be covered!" well..... go ask him to write you a check because your policy says right here that it is not covered.
 
#19 ·
I pay $250 more a year than Progressive, but they value the motorcycle at $22,000 instead of market rate. Full coverage on the bike up to $22K and full coverage for property damage to $100k, personal injury (including life flight) to $100k, and bodily harm to $100k.

More importantly, my bike is now insured on the track as it wasn't before.

I can't say your rate will be the same because I don't know if our age and driving record are the same, but a phone call doesn't hurt especially if you ever track your bike.
 
#20 ·
Shopped around for new insurance a few months ago. I sat there with the agent and had her call underwriters from every insurance company I was looking at to see if they covered track days, aka "closed circuit training", aka non timed events, etc...

Bottom line, if you live in NY Foremost is the only one that covers track days, and their rates for me are pretty high.




"slow is smooth, smooth is fast"
 
#22 ·
Shopped around for new insurance a few months ago. I sat there with the agent and had her call underwriters from every insurance company I was looking at to see if they covered track days, aka "closed circuit training", aka non timed events, etc...

Bottom line, if you live in NY Foremost is the only one that covers track days, and their rates for me are pretty high.

"slow is smooth, smooth is fast"
Could you get a mailbox at a UPS store in New Jersey? Then you could get Riders insurance. They cover the track, and have great rates I hear.

http://www.rider.com/
 
#21 ·
My wife and I switched insurance companies to AAA a while back and I asked about trackday coverage for the bike. Each time I called back and they checked the notes they thought it was odd that coverage for the bike was not covered. I pretty much had to explain the track to them and why it wasn't covered each time. Underwriters ended up looking into it and they are the ones who denied it.

The Long Beach Motorcycle Show is coming up next weekend and I'm going to be asking about insurance from all the vendors there.
 
#23 ·
i wished i knew someone who lived in a RIDER insurance state. i'd definitely do that. they seem to be the only ones. SF used to but they got really vague when i asked them about it.
 
#28 ·
Replacing your bike is cheaper than insurance fraud, either get a track bike, or spares to fix it if you do crash, if you aren't prepared to take your bike home in a pile, then don't take it to the track. Track riding is great fun and improves your skill set, but there are consequences you need to prepare for like crashing and getting hurt, does your health insurance cover injuries if you get hurt and lost wages if you can't work all things to consider before ever going.
 
#29 ·
Def glad I live in a state with Rider but I am still paranoid and every year for renewal I make sure to call them, talk to an underwriter, and ensure we are on same page with track riding. Then I make them put a note on my policy about our convo and will call back about 2 weeks later to ensure note is on there. Yes paranoid and a bit crazy. LOL

I really wish someone woudl come up with track only insurance. I will ride the GSXr on the street and the 675 will be track only so why should I have to pay for liability and such when that is not applicable at the track. Every rider assumes risk stepping foot on the track. Either you ball up your own bike or someone takes you down. unlike street you can't go after that other person for insurance payout. So liability and is a moot point.
 
#31 ·
Def glad I live in a state with Rider but I am still paranoid and every year for renewal I make sure to call them, talk to an underwriter, and ensure we are on same page with track riding. Then I make them put a note on my policy about our convo and will call back about 2 weeks later to ensure note is on there. Yes paranoid and a bit crazy. LOL

I really wish someone woudl come up with track only insurance. I will ride the GSXr on the street and the 675 will be track only so why should I have to pay for liability and such when that is not applicable at the track. Every rider assumes risk stepping foot on the track. Either you ball up your own bike or someone takes you down. unlike street you can't go after that other person for insurance payout. So liability and is a moot point.
nothing wrong with the first paragraph! if only i had a buck for everyone that says "my agent said it was covered" ha. those guys/gals lie all day long to get the sale and arent held accountable.

probably not offered because of price/need. a new track day rider that is riding their everyday bike has a higher likelihood of wrecking and also needs insurance because they have a loan on the bike. a serious track guy/gal has a dedicated track bike and doesnt need insurance since it isnt for the street and likely doesnt have a loan.
 
#30 ·
One of my friends crashed his bike at the track and he said that State Farm paid to get it fix. He said the secret is in what you say on the claim. He told me that he emphasized that he was at a track with a motorcycle SCHOOL ( ride smart) in a learning environment, it was not a competition nor a lap timed event. He was there to learn how to ride better on the street. Surprisingly he said that State Farm covered his claim.

Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com Free App
 
#45 · (Edited)
One of my friends crashed his bike at the track and he said that State Farm paid to get it fix. He said the secret is in what you say on the claim. He told me that he emphasized that he was at a track with a motorcycle SCHOOL ( ride smart) in a learning environment, it was not a competition nor a lap timed event. He was there to learn how to ride better on the street. Surprisingly he said that State Farm covered his claim.
Same thing happened to me. I crashed my bike at the track and they not only covered the bike but all the aftermarket parts that I had put on it. But I did have to show them documentation that I was in a class and not racing etc.
They did not even increase my insurance rate afterwards ...
 
#33 ·
Web to the motorcycle show. Geico pretty much said no.
State Farm is looking into it and will call me back.
Foremost aka Farmers is looking into it also. The guy mentioned coverage for cars on the track and is familiar with it, but isn't sure. I told him if Pegram is sporting Foremost on the track then they should cover it just based on that! Lol. He chuckled

Sent from my DROID2 using Motorcycle.com Free App
 
#34 ·
I am all about getting your money worth out of your insurance company because we pay for the insurance. However the part I disagree with is people lying about what the event was and suckering the insurance company into paying for your bike. This does nothing but raise rates for people that actually file claims for what the policy covers.

If there is an insurance that knows you will be racing and can pay the insurance rate for that, then so be it. I would actually like having that myself and it's probably worth every penny if you plan to push and reach a certain level.

Also everyone signs a waiver at the track, no reason to go after another rider for a claim even if an accident happens on track with another rider colliding with you then tough it out and accept it for what it is.

Bottom line if you are afraid to wreck your brand new bike then you might as well not take it to the track....get something else you don't mind totaling if it so happens. You have to pay to play! It's no different then a guy buying a brand new sports car, taking it to the local street legal drags and after the 60ft mark crashing into the wall.....I have seen it happen, it's the risk we all take.
 
#35 ·
I have State Farm and depending who you talk to, they may or may not cover you...

I contacted my agent and he put me in contact with their underwriter and after going back and forth several times, I never really got a clear answer... it's a gray area...

Racing he flat out said no... "training", "schools", "non-timed events" (i used those buzz words based on "web knowledge") it all depends on the circumstances of the accident... it's not exactly a no, but it's not exactly a "we'll cover it"...

I'll probably switch next track season based on this thread...
 
#36 · (Edited)
Racing he flat out said no... "training", "schools", "non-timed events" (i used those buzz words based on "web knowledge") it all depends on the circumstances of the accident... it's not exactly a no, but it's not exactly a "we'll cover it"...
that is the answer i got from them as well. They said if there were other riders on the track it would probably not be covered.
 
#37 ·
Good thread and glad I read through it. Anyone know if this Riders Insurance is available in Ohio? Gonna google it but just wondering.

I have a track/race bike and I'd love to get some kind of coverage on it. It is constantly in a trailer, at race tracks aross the midwest, hotel parking lots, campgrounds, etc. I'd really like it to be covered in the event it was stolen. If I wad it up on the track, that's on me. If Joe Blow steals it out of my trailer/garage etc, I'd like it to be covered. Will a normal auto policy work for that? It'd be even better if they would cover it on trackdays as well, so I'll check into Riders. Racedays...I'm not even gonna try. I know that is a risk I take on my own and even if it was available, insurance for that would be outrageous.
 
#40 ·
Good thread and glad I read through it. Anyone know if this Riders Insurance is available in Ohio? Gonna google it but just wondering.
yup You're in one of the lucky states.

I have a track/race bike and I'd love to get some kind of coverage on it. It is constantly in a trailer, at race tracks aross the midwest, hotel parking lots, campgrounds, etc. I'd really like it to be covered in the event it was stolen. If I wad it up on the track, that's on me. If Joe Blow steals it out of my trailer/garage etc, I'd like it to be covered. Will a normal auto policy work for that? It'd be even better if they would cover it on trackdays as well, so I'll check into Riders. Racedays...I'm not even gonna try. I know that is a risk I take on my own and even if it was available, insurance for that would be outrageous.
Rider will not cover races but track days are good to go. That said if the bike was parked at your house and stolen I know of some who have used homeowners to cover that though normally much higher deductible on those policies. I pay less then 400 a year for full coverage on my bike and it is covered at the track.

That said Marin has Riders as well I believe and they gave him a lower amount for the worth of his bike due to the race plastics and such which is understandable in a way since track plastics cost a fraction of what stock cost...
 
#39 ·
I don't have seperate trailer insurance. My truck policy had trailer coverage up to $3K which would cover my 6x14 enclosed trailer.

Not sure about trailer contents though, kinda doubt it? The contents could be quite valuable when it's loaded with 4 track bikes and gear for 4 riders, plus generators, tools, camping gear, etc. Probably should look into that.
 
#41 ·
I don't have seperate trailer insurance. My truck policy had trailer coverage up to $3K which would cover my 6x14 enclosed trailer.

Not sure about trailer contents though, kinda doubt it? The contents could be quite valuable when it's loaded with 4 track bikes and gear for 4 riders, plus generators, tools, camping gear, etc. Probably should look into that.
I do believe most homeowners will cover the difference. I had to use it before to cover some goalie gear stolen out of my car. Since it was not attached to the car like speakers or such it was not covered by the auto insurance. Homeowners covered it though
 
#43 ·
Mine was similar where my truck would cover the trailer itself if it was attached to the truck. But I wanted more in case of storage theft, fire, ect. Mines like $60/year for that. I've only got 5k for contents but I still have coverage on my bike too.
 
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