Insurance for track days?

[The End]

I currently have my insurance with Swann, where my full coverage policy provides insurance for selected track days, provided they are affiliated or licensed by Motorcycle NZ.

My current premium is $57 per month with a $750 excess.

I've had a look at Protecta which seem more flexible and cover any track days (apparently; I haven't phoned to confirm) and the same policy monthly premium would drop to $45 however I would have a $1000 excess (ridiculous if you ask me).

I'm keen on going to the Honda Trackday at Hampton Downs, however as it is not licensed by Motorcycle NZ my current policy with Swann would not provide me with cover for the track day...

What do people think my chances of ringing Swann are and trying to convince them to give me cover for the day?

Or, would I be better off switching to Protecta (or another, I'm open to suggestions) to get the track day coverage but a much higher excess? I'm only really looking at attending 2-3 trackdays per year so I'm not sure which insurer to go with...

[The End]

I would think that your track day claims history would be a factor on your ability to get cover. It is odd that cover is provided depending on who is running it rather than the experience of the other riders you will be competing against as from previous posts on here the mixture of rider abilities is the real danger.

The exact policy wording is:

Club events/Track Days
Our Full Cover policy provides coverage when you’re riding in a club event that’s officially licensed by Motorcycle New Zealand Inc.

[Gremlin]

It is odd that cover is provided depending on who is running it rather than the experience of the other riders you will be competing against as from previous posts on here the mixture of rider abilities is the real danger.

The structure of the event plays a large part on who it attracts, the kind of behaviour that is displayed, how the rules are enforced etc. Basically, the organisation plays a very large part in how safe the event is.

I'd suggest calling Swann, explaining the circumstances, how it works. It's all risk based analysis to them. What's the worst that could happen? You'd be in the exact position you are now.

[AllanB]

Best to fall off on public raods - then you are covered

[Marmoot]

Before signing anything, check what the excess for trackday cover is.
Often it is different from normal excess (i.e., public road).

Last time I checked with my insurer, they quoted $10k excess for Playday @ Hampton cover (vs. $750 normal excess).

[haydes55]

I had great dealings with protects. I rang them up and said I had a new bike, Z1000, full insurance please. They said sweet, same premiums as your 250. I said sweet, by the way I've booked a track day with playday at hamptons, will you cover that? She put me on hold, talked to the manager and said yes.

There was no mention of higher excess on track days, but I didn't know that was a thing, so worth asking.

I just like plugging protects because they have been my favourite insurance company to deal with ever. When I binned my hyosung on Xmas day they organised a tow truck within a couple hours and paid out what it was insured for. Their premiums were very reasonable, I think I'm paying $500+ ish premium and $750 excess.

[Sushi Bandit]

I'm with Protecta. They insured me (an 18 year old) on a 1200 Bandit with very reasonable premiums and excess. I think you have to inform them before you go to a track day in writing though? I'd have to look at my policy to be sure.

[haydes55]

I'm with Protecta. They insured me (an 18 year old) on a 1200 Bandit with very reasonable premiums and excess. I think you have to inform them before you go to a track day in writing though? I'd have to look at my policy to be sure.

Yea send them a letter saying where, when and who is organising it etc.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The Honda Riders Club ones I attended (Levels and Ruapuna) were very well organised. At least as well as the Motorcycling Canterbury ones.

[The End]

Ended up emailing Swann with a link to the event details and they've come back offering me coverage for the day! $750 excess and no other fees for the day which all things considered is pretty good!

[f2dz]

Ended up emailing Swann with a link to the event details and they've come back offering me coverage for the day! $750 excess and no other fees for the day which all things considered is pretty good!

Yea I was gonna suggest doing that. I'm with Swann too and just called and they told me the same. They should probably update their policy wording..

[Gremlin]

I'm with Swann via Kiwibike. In general, for anything unusual, you need to make contact, give them details, then they come back with a decision.

I do event riding, stuff like marathon and bicycle events. I send through the date, event, typical role on the day etc. So far, they've included them all under my regular policy, but it's also noted on my policy.

[duckaddict]

Good thread.

I have been with Star (via broker) for many years now and not long ago they changed their policy on trackdays requiring $2500 min (or 25% of gross loss) excess. Previously they allow a $50 buy down to reduce the excess to $1000 but that's no longer an option.

Am definitely switching. I have heard Swann is good, but may check out Protecta too.