Speedraser

Matt,
That's truly pathetic. It also makes no sense whatsoever. I also have USAA, and was about to call and ask the same question -- perhaps now I won't.

Now what???

swftiii

Matt,

Thanks for keeping us informed. Yes, now that you have asked, they have included it in the notes section in the system. I know this because I left USAA for that reason a while back, but when moving to Chicago that carrier was almost 2x as expensive so I went back to USAA. When getting the policy setup they asked if I was still taking the car to the track and of course I wasn't (that day or weekend). If I'm self insuring at the track, they don't need to know!

I'm going to move to State Farm in a couple months as they don't have any exclusionary clauses and I would be covered.

-Skip

st. smytherie

This is bad news. Last year, when I asked about "driver education" events, USAA said I would be covered. Now it looks like I won't be covered, so I'm going to have to cancel my DE plans for the year.

I don't even want to bring it up with USAA, for fear of having my record "tagged". Maybe time to find new insurance for the car, house, etc.

Ironically, now you're more likely to be covered for spirited driving or racing on public roads than on a closed course at an organized event.

Has anyone contacted the SCCA for advice on this matter?

Rich W

I'm not a 993 owner, but thought my 2 cents might help.

I called USAA to inquire about insurance for track events, DEs in particular. Shortly thereafter, I received a Notice of Cancellation in the mail. Apparently, they misconstrued my query for a statement and thought I was already running the car on the track. I told them I wasn't, and before they would agree to revoke the cancellation notice I had to send them a letter stating I would not track the car while insured through USAA, under penalty of having ALL automobile insurance through USAA cancelled (i.e., wife's car, my truck, and my car).

The USAA policy IS nationwide, so if you're planning on putting your car on the track, or autocrossing, you would be well advised to look into another carrier for your Porsche.

Finally, for Matt Vaughan - understand your feelings, but how will you explain it to USAA if something happens at the track? They won't pay the claim, and they'll drop you. If you are willing and financially able to absorb those risks, then good for you and keep on tracking!

TT Gasman

Matt & Rich, is this for real
As a USAA member this could bring my DE days to a screeching halt, especially with a DE in a few weeks. This is contrary to what I have heard in the past.I actually called them 2 or 3 years ago and they told me as long as it wasn't a timed event, it would be ok. I also looked at my policy, and there is no mention anywhere about racing...But this new anti-track campaign is out of control. I use USAA for all of our insurance needs, including auto, homeowners, flood etc... It's just not gonna be worth it if true. Geez, everything fun gets ruined. <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />

Rich W

Doug,

Unfortunately, it's very real. Like you, I use USAA for all insurance needs. Needless to say, I'm looking for A) a dedicated track car, not street legal, that I won't have to insure or B) a new insurance carrier for the Porsche.

As much as it pains me to spread this word, I feel it falls under the guise of better safe than sorry, especially if something happens at the track.

MJBird993

Hey guys - be careful. Every state has different laws. Insurance companies must comform to the regulations of the state where the named insured resides and garages said vehicle. Therefore, what is covered (or not) in Texas may not be (or is) in Florida. And, on top of that, each company is different. I will add that I've also heard good things about State Farm.

On a side note, I've been insured through USAA for something like 20 years, and before that, on my parent's USAA policy... I was generally pleased with their rates and claim payments, but for the past few years I have noticed a decline in their customer service. As has some friends of mine. Anyone else noticed this? Case in point - tried to add a motorcycle. They said that it would have to be approved by underwriting even though I've already had 4+ motorcycles insured through these guys. It would take a week. It has been 3 months now; I never heard back from them. Oh, I bought the bike, I just got insurance elsewhere.

And for the record, I did once hit the wall at Road Atlanta (in 1996) and they (USAA) paid the claim, although they did ask an awful lot of questions. And told me not to do it again. And I didn't.

I no longer do any DEs. Too many walls... my last school had my student taking us into the wall sideways in one of those BMW things. So, when you think about this stuff, think not just about the car insurance, but also about your medical. My physical therapist told me that your primary medical insurance will not cover you in an automobile accident, expecting you to go after the auto carrier. However, if you have no medical payments (i.e. self-insured or claim denied due to .... whatever) then you could be in a world of hurt, from many perspectives. And don't count on the event insurance here either (ask me how I know).

Now, with all that in mind, go have some fun!

Michael <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" />

Matt Vaughan

Doug, I've been talking with several of the regional guys here about the insurance debate. They both agree that the policy varies from state to state, and in Texas there is no exclusion with regards to DE's. So, in saying this, USAA would have to honor any claims, but would more than likely drop you thereafter.

FWIW...

Rich W

Matt,

Make sure you read the fine print. My policy didn't specifically say anything about DE's, but it refers to any type of driving on a track, or driving against time.