Insurance Company Spies Monitoring Track Events !
 

Well, even though this was at a drag strip how much do you want to bet that they are doing the same thing at other types of automotive events?

http://www.racersden.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24837&page=1&pp=20

And possibly monitoring BBS's as well.

http://www.racersden.net/forum/showthread.php?t=25577

I guess they have a point that it might be good to cover or remove one's tag at such events.

ouch!

So wrong...:mad:

I don't see a problem with it. If a person goes to the track, trashes their car then puts in a claim but does not tell them where the damage really took place, that's insurance fraud.

That is, of course, if their insurance does not cover track events.

If one can't afford to lose their car, pay for track damage out of their pocket or get track insurance then they are being a bit irresponsible.

Typically, there are two types of track events: competitions and Driver's Ed events.

Most, if not all insurance companies will NOT cover a car that was damaged at a track where the function was a competition or a timed event.

The story is a bit more complicated for DE's (non-timed, non-competitive events):
Some insurance companies will cover you no problem, again and again.
Other insurance companies will only cover the FIRST offense, and either state you are on your own for the next accidents, or raise your rates, or drop you.
Still other insurance companies will NOT cover you at DE events.

As DE's grow in popularity, and more people are involved with it, I have seen the trend for insurance companies to adopt that latter (no covereage) stance, which is a shame: DE's help make people better drivers, and as such, they shouldn't be penalized for participating in them.

You should check your policy to see what your coverage is.

-Z-man.

GEICO has been waging war against car enthusiasts since the '70s.

Don't buy insurance from GEICO!!

You get what your pay for in this life. With GEICO, I imagine you get "15% less".

Before anyone starts getting all paranoid - insurance works on the law of large numbers. The few folks going to DE events are few indeed. Even within the P-car community.

And think of the cost to an insurance company to send someone to far flung tracks to find, what, one or two of their own insureds? Just not worth it.

That's harsh. I have no problem with Geico dropping someone after they make a claim, but to drop their street coverage for participating in a track event is ridiculous.

What about the proposal to put black boxes in all new cars? They already are in many GM cars and trucks.

I suppose if it is stated in their policy ("Your car CANNOT be driven on the track") then they can do so. However, I guess these days they can drop anyone at will, and use the "He's a greater risk for us" clause.

Then again, maybe we're not seeing the whole story - perhaps that guy had gotten speeding tickets or incurred some accidents on the track and had his insurance company pay for it. Perhaps them spotting him at the local track was the last straw.

-Z.

Also keep in mind that GEICO gives away radar guns to local law enforcement.

My 944 is a race car now, but still has license plates and basic liability insurance. I am covered with no problems. My agent knows if I stuff the car on the track, I will call him to cancel the policy, as it won't be on public roads anymore.

I have been very up front with him about both the 944 and the 911, and how I use them. I don't want there to be any suprises if the unfortunate happens. And I sure don't want to be accused of fraud. I will be up front when getting coverage, and if it costs more, that's cheaper than paying premiums for coverage that won't be there.

Dantilla: do you participate in DE's or racing with your 944?
-Z.

The 944 is now prepped to SCCA ITS specs. I race it.

My thought is that coverage for a car that is tracked shouldn't be cancelled, but that coverage should only include street driving. In other words, turn a wheel in competition, and you're on your own unless coverage specifically permits it.

Also keep in mind that GEICO stands for (or started out as): Government Employees Insurance COmpany.