Insurance Company Spies Monitoring Track Events !

[350HP930]

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.

I was just informed by Geico yesterday that they will be dropping me from my car insurance plan in 30 days. They have photographic proof and a copy of the waiver I signed while racing my car at Capitol raceway back in september. They're sending copies of both in the mail to prove it. I still have 2 more years of payments on this car, so I have to carry full coverage year round since I don't "officially" own it. I have a 6 year good standing record with them and also have my 99 sable (daily driver) covered by Geico. So now I'm pretty much ****ed. I was paying 370 a month for both cars and now it looks like it's gonna run me over 450+. Just a word to the wise, take ur tag off ur car after u go through tech or u might be recieving some pics of your car u don't wanna look at.

[pwd72s]

ouch!

[dd74]

So wrong...

[DonDavis]

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.

[Z-man]

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.

[John Brandt]

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

Don't buy insurance from GEICO!!

[gaijinda]

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.

[Neilk]

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.

[Z-man]

Originally posted by Neilk
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.

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.

[cowtown]

Originally posted by John Brandt
GEICO has been waging war against car enthusiasts since the '70s.

Don't buy insurance from GEICO!!

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

[Dantilla]

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.

[Z-man]

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

[Dantilla]

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

[pwd72s]

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.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally posted by cowtown
Also keep in mind that GEICO gives away radar guns to local law enforcement.

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