Race insurance - rough estimate?

Race insurance - rough estimate?

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ChevronB19

Original Poster:

5,778 posts

163 months

Tuesday 31st August 2021
quotequote all
Has anyone ever insured their car for racing?

Both my dad and I have raced for years in our own cars and took any damage on the chin, but my dad (82!) has been offered a one-off drive on a ‘you bend it, you mend it’ basis. All other expenses apart from the entry fee would be paid for by the owner.

As mentioned, he’s 82, and this is likely to be his only chance to drive what is his ultimate dream race car. He’s got years of experience racing cars in the same series, but hasn’t raced in that particular series for 30 years, transferring from historic single seaters to saloons. We couldn’t afford the ‘worst case scenario’, so given his age and the fact it’s his dream car, I’m looking at paying for insurance for him (single event). Next year is likely to be his last season.

Before I approach the various companies advertising in the blue book, roughly how much would I be looking at for single event insurance? Any experience of making a claim?

The car is a single seater Cooper, and at a guess is worth 90k, but like an old house, bits can be difficult to find. A possible alternative would be to drive it on a test day, but that is likely to have significantly faster cars present, increasing risk and decreasing enjoyment.

He’s a very successful club driver and I have no concerns whatsoever as to his ability (speaking both as his son, co-driver and an ex ARDS instructor).

My guess is about a grand?

Thanks in advance.

CharlesElliott

2,008 posts

282 months

Tuesday 31st August 2021
quotequote all
I have insured race cars, although much cheaper ones.

I would guess it would be 3 or 4 times your estimate, come with a large excess (£5K or more) and be limited to a maximum claim of £50K or something.

Kickstart

1,062 posts

237 months

Tuesday 31st August 2021
quotequote all
Cannot remember which insurer I used a few years ago, but they had a max age limit and I recall there was a huge variation in premiums so worth shopping around
Good luck

Dynion Araf Uchaf

4,454 posts

223 months

Tuesday 31st August 2021
quotequote all
I have a feeling that if the car is valued at 90K the insurance quote will be something around the 45k mark. With a large excess.

ChevronB19

Original Poster:

5,778 posts

163 months

Tuesday 31st August 2021
quotequote all
Yeah, that was my fear.

andrewcliffe

959 posts

224 months

Wednesday 1st September 2021
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Last time I purchased racing insurance, was for a one-off event at Brands Hatch. Car was a Dallara F3, valued at approx £ 30,000, driver was 45 years old and experienced GT race. Premium was £ 1500 including tax.

Dynion Araf Uchaf

4,454 posts

223 months

Saturday 11th September 2021
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OP did you get an answer to this?

HustleRussell

24,691 posts

160 months

Sunday 12th September 2021
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I hope you can make it work ChevronB19. If you do then I expect my Dad will see him on the grid.

Don’t forget to agree what you would do in the event of mechanical failure. Engine and gearbox repairs to these cars can also run to five figures.

ChevronB19

Original Poster:

5,778 posts

163 months

Sunday 12th September 2021
quotequote all
Hi folks - unfortunately, no, insurance cost plus risk of bend/mend too great I’m afraid.