Nurburgring - Insurance

[polar964]

Going on a planned PCGB trip to Germany, with a visit to the Nurburgring.
Would be very interested to know whether you have been and with whom you arranged insurance cover.
The company I'm current insured with, unfortunately no longer provided's cover for the Nurburgring.
I have contacted a company called 'Competition Car insurance' (recommended by PCGB) who will provide one day cover, but will not cover the car as a result of a blow out, as the car is not fitted with track specific tyres. (even though the car is fitted with Porsche 'N' recommended tyres)
Would value your thoughts

Cheers
Paul

 

[mcgc0]

Used CCI for rally stages etc... They seem to be the staple diet for competitors. Personally, I'd be surprised if you suffered a blow out from 'normal' track use on those tyres - i.e. not as a cause of leaving the track. Are they terming punctures as blowouts?

 

[polar964]

ORIGINAL: mcgc0

Used CCI for rally stages etc... They seem to be the staple diet for competitors. Personally, I'd be surprised if you suffered a blow out from 'normal' track use on those tyres - i.e. not as a cause of leaving the track. Are they terming punctures as blowouts?

Thanks for your reply.

Good question. It's highly unlikely that I would get a puncture or have a blow out, however in the unlikely event that I did and it caused damage I would want cover.

To be honest, its a bit bizarre. I would be covered for impact caused either by myself or another driver, yet if I experience a deflation and this causes me to impact, then I'm not covered. To me it's all a bit woolly.

I wouldn't be covered for fire either ;( only if it was caused by impact!!

The dilemma for me is if I pay the premium I want to know that I'm covered. Fully covered, no grey area, no should have read the small print. I won't take the risk.

As it will be an open day, there is no telling what the standard of driving will be

 

[Steve Brookes]

Paul, my advice having been there once is drive it like Miss Daisy so that you keep yourself out of trouble. The consequences of getting it wrong at the Nurburgring can be life changing. I don't think there is an affordable insurance policy out there that can cover you for all eventualities on a tourist day. You'll see a lot of heroes out there. Watch your mirrors like a hawk and let them pass. I'm glad I've ticked the 'I've driven the Nurburgring' box (albeit slowly) but I've no desire to go back.

 

[Nick_USA]

I did have a very small chuckle at our just renewed 3 Porsche motor insurance polices. Two (Boxster S) didn't specifically exclude the ring albeit probably would if it was a track day or timed event. The 3rd for our Cayenne S did this year where last years policy did not. []

 

[polar964]

Hi Steve,
I have no desire to do anything stupid. Its evaluating the consequences if the worse were to happen. It would be good to have driven round and as you say tick the box, but hey, if I don't I won't loose any sleep.
Just hope there is a tame racing driver to take me round

Hi Nick,
Would appear that insurance companies are becoming more restrictive on what they are prepared to cover. Based on the difficult of trying to obtain cover, perhaps this is an indication of the level of risk!

 

[colin129]

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes

Paul, my advice having been there once is drive it like Miss Daisy so that you keep yourself out of trouble. The consequences of getting it wrong at the Nurburgring can be life changing. I don't think there is an affordable insurance policy out there that can cover you for all eventualities on a tourist day. You'll see a lot of heroes out there. Watch your mirrors like a hawk and let them pass. I'm glad I've ticked the 'I've driven the Nurburgring' box (albeit slowly) but I've no desire to go back.

The only place where it's actually safe to open the taps, right at the end of the lap on the start finish straight, apparently it's rather poor etiquette to do so [&:]

 

[MarkK]

I have been there and done track days and open days,I drive it like a country lane not a race track ,drive what you can see and have margins for error,check your car before you leave make sure nothing is dripping out of it if someone slips on it you are responsible.
Been in a bar and heard a young bloke poor his heart out after crashing his M3,it does worry me that place,do your lap/laps and park it is my advice,hunting round for some cover is wise.

 

[mcgc0]

Better still use someone else's car..!

Seriously though, there are plenty of on-site/nearby track day rentals (and instruction). Something I would do. One thing I remember is being told by an ex BTTC driver years ago to forget taking the 911 and instead grab a diesel Golf and give it a go - at least the car limits will be reached long before before your (perceived) own. Nothing to stop you renting a car (Avis) and then having a laugh - as I lad I used to that when following the Lombard RAC Rally between stages. Often lost our deposit - but split between four it was worth it []

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Most car rental companies now exclude the Ring, and I understand they have systems in place to check if you have been there! (Numberplate recognition maybe?)

The point abouve about driving within your visibility is a good one - twice I've come around a corner to find a biker laying in the road... Not nice.
If you see someone with a yellow flag - or notice people waving (or looking down the road!) slow down!

 

[lauris]

Why not just stick some track tyres on for the trip then.

I have done many laps on the ring in lots of different cars, its just a road and you can go as fast or slow as you like, There is always a slim chance of someone fast hitting you but its rare, most crashes are people losing it and bouncing of the amocco, mainly going to fast and not knowing the circuit or trying to keep up with a faster car/driver.

My only tip would be dont go out in the wet or damp, it is very slippery. Other than that if its just for a couple of laps, just go out and drive round and enjoy it.

You can hire cars for a lap but its extremely expensive,


regards
Scott.

 

[TJW964]

If you put slicks on, you wil not be road legal, so you will be uninsured.
If you use an Avis type rental, you will be breaking the law, so only rent from one of the local specialists.

Why not go on a Destination Nurburgring day and talk to Darren about insurance providers.

As for how to drive it. My first laps in the 964 were VERY slow. Eventually I learnt the track, but it takes time. Crashes are expensive and if you damage your car you will not be happy. I bought a track car and stopped using the 964. Yes, i crashed it. I also had a lot of fun and got my time down. Stopped going when the insurance stopped covering it. Not been since.

Did a few hundred laps, spent a few pounds and still wasn't as good as many and nowhere near the speed of racers in similar motors.

Take care. Do some passenger laps with a regular BEFORE you do your first lap. Have fun and good luck!

 

[polar964]

ORIGINAL: colin129

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes

Paul, my advice having been there once is drive it like Miss Daisy so that you keep yourself out of trouble. The consequences of getting it wrong at the Nurburgring can be life changing. I don't think there is an affordable insurance policy out there that can cover you for all eventualities on a tourist day. You'll see a lot of heroes out there. Watch your mirrors like a hawk and let them pass. I'm glad I've ticked the 'I've driven the Nurburgring' box (albeit slowly) but I've no desire to go back.

The only place where it's actually safe to open the taps, right at the end of the lap on the start finish straight, apparently it's rather poor etiquette to do so [&:]

Thanks for the advice all.
Returned safe and sound. Bit the bullet and survived the Ring and Spa!! We had an absolute awesome trip.
Can't wait till next year

 

[mcgc0]

GoPro Paul? Any vids?