Originally posted by lauraq:
I dont think any event that you are driving your own personal car in will be covered by your insurance unless you can obtain a special type of coverage
Not entirely correct - if the event is set up as a "school" then your insurance is in effect. I don't know all the "ins" and "outs" of how an event can qualify as a school, but I do know that there has to be a classroom component and there must be an instructor in the car with you on the track. The BMW track weekends are certainly set up this way, and I've been told that the SAAB events are also (actually Porsche too, but they only allow "their own kind" to take part
) I have attended 3 BMW schools - of the approx. 100 cars that attend each weekend there is generally one person who does enough damage to warrant a claim. And the conventional wisdom is that no one has ever had a claim refused (of course expect your insurance to go through the roof after a claim!!!). I was always a little wary of this claim, but last year one of my local enthsiast friends had a sway bar bracket fail that sent him into the guardrail with enough ensuing damage to warrant a write off on the car - and indeed his insurance paid up knowing full well where he was and what he was doing. This wasn't meant to be attack on any particular club's track events, just a bit of info that some might appreciate knowing in advance.
P.S. my experience at the BMW schools has been a very very positive one - I came away with a much higher appreciation for the skill required in making a car go around a road track like Mosport quickly, consistently, and smoothley. And with controlled passing (and assuming that you as a participant have a healthy respect for the track) I see the biggest danger being due to something breaking on your car.
Eric
