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Does motorcycle insurance cover track days?
Zip around the track with insurance coverage designed for track day.
Most standard insurers steer clear of coverage for track riding, but a few companies make exceptions in special cases. However, if you find yourself on the track, consider track day insurance offered by specialty providers to protect you and your motorcycle.
How can I get track day insurance?
To be sure you’re covered for track day, you’ll most likely need to find specialty track insurance. However, you might get coverage with other companies under special circumstances.
- Standard bike insurers. Some companies allow track riding in an educational setting with an instructor or if it isn’t a speed or timed event. But you should see track coverage listed specifically on your policy since most motorcycle policies exclude racing or track days.
- Motocross or motorsport policies. A general motorsports insurer like American Specialty is more likely to offer track day insurance. But if you’re in speed or timed events, make sure that your policy covers those.
Do I need track day insurance?
You’re not legally required to have motorcycle insurance for track day since you’re not riding on the streets. However, some events require riders to prove that they have insurance, especially for bodily injuries.
What track day insurance coverage can I get?
Get the protection you need so that you can focus on the thrill of track day alone. Coverage a track-day insurer typically offers:
- Excess liability. Protect yourself from liability claims or court cases if expenses add up to more than your general policy’s limits.
- General liability. Pay for bike damage and medical expenses to other riders if you cause an accident.
- Inland marine. Keep your bike safe while you’re transporting it to and from the track.
- International events. Some motorsports companies cover racing abroad, but make sure that international events are covered specifically.
- Personal injuries. Get protection from accident injuries if your health or life insurance doesn’t offer the coverage you need.
- Physical damage. Covers physical damage to your bike during a track event.
- Professional liability. Pays if you’re a coach and you make a call that leads to damage or a rider’s injuries.
- Property damage. Covers damage to other tools and equipment you use on track day.
- Transport trailer. Protects your trailer in case an accident happens en route to an event.
- Theft. Prepares you in case your bike is stolen. Standard insurers may cover racing bikes for comprehensive-only policies.
- Towing and cleanup. Specialty insurers may offer towing services if your bike is out of commission, including debris cleanup as a free benefit or add-on.
Compare motorcycle insurance companies
What to watch out for
While you might be itching to ride at the track, cover all your bases for bike insurance before you go. Situations to watch for:
- Standard exclusions. Standard bike insurers often exclude track day events in the fine print of your policy. If not, they may have specifics, such as offering coverage for events with instructors. You should review your policy carefully and make sure you understand coverage ahead of time.
- Track day exclusions. Even specialty insurers have exclusions, including covering instructed events only or protecting your bike in the paddock but not on the track.
- Event requirements. Keep in mind that some events have their own requirements to protect participants, even though insurance isn’t legally required.
- Changes to personal or bike information. This policy type needs speedy communication if changes occur that could affect coverage, such as your contact information, new modifications or damage that could affect your bike’s value.
- High deductibles. Track day insurers may have a minimum deductible requirement that costs several thousand dollars, and some make that deductible fluctuate based on a percentage of the damage costs.
- Low maximums. Your dressed-up racer and its customizations might have a high value. So watch out for policies with a maximum amount that doesn’t cover your needs.
- Canceled events. You’ll need to talk with a representative about getting a refund or transferring to a different event if your plans change last minute.
What to do if I get in a motorcycle accident on track day
If you get in an accident while racing, you’ll want to address the most urgent needs first before assessing the damage. What to do right after a track crash:
- Attend to medical needs. Get medical treatment for you or other riders involved.
- Remove your bike. The race may continue on without you. So you’ll need to get you and your bike to a safe location.
- Exchange information. If your crash caused damage and injuries to another rider or bike, exchange names, phone numbers and insurance policy details.
- Document the damage. Take photos of the marred bike and write down details about the incident for insurance purposes.
- File a claim with your track day insurance. Follow your insurer’s process for filing claims, ensuring that you report the accident within the company’s time frame for claims filing. You can review your policy or contact customer service if you’re unsure.
- Get a damage estimate. Your claims adjuster will coordinate with your schedule to view your bike’s damage and estimate repair costs.
- Receive your settlement. You should receive a settlement letter that proposes the amount your insurance company will pay. Once you agree, the insurer may send payment directly to the repair shop, by mail or directly to your bank account.
How do I file a claim with track day insurance?
It depends on your insurer. Specialty insurers don’t always offer online claims and may require you to talk with a representative. Whether you’re filing online or by phone, take the fast track to settling your claim with these steps:
- Call a representative or go to the claims section of your insurer’s website.
- Enter details about the accident, such as the date, how it happened and damage incurred. You’ll also need your policy number.
- Send photos, damage estimates from a repair shop and any other documentation requested by your insurer.
- Speak with an adjuster in one to two business days. The adjuster may need further information or need to schedule an in-person visit to assess the damage, even if you already have estimates.
- Agree to an offer from your insurer to settle your claim, sign the paperwork and receive your payment.
The cost of repairing your bike after a track accident
A track-day accident could land you with high expenses if you’re paying out of pocket. Tires, engine repairs and medical bills are costly — and your chances of an accident increase on the track.
Here are a few parts you might have to replace or repair, not including the cost of labor:
| Type of damage | Replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Brake system | $150 – $300 |
| Rear shocks | $80 – $300 |
| Front fork | $50 |
| Tires | $100 each |
| Chain | $40 – $100 |
| Carburetor | $50 – $200 |
| Ignition system | $50 – $200 |
| Battery | $50 – $75 |
| Muffler | $50 – $300 |
| Full engine rebuild | $3,000 – $7,000 |
Bottom line
While your standard bike policy probably won’t cover speed racing, you can compare multiple insurers who cover motorcycle track events. Plus, keep in mind that specialty insurers can include added benefits and coverage options to better fit your needs.
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