You tossed the keys to your instructor, thinking, “He’s a pro, he can show me what this car can do.” Two laps later, he puts your BMW M2 into the gravel trap, ripping off the front splitter and cracking the oil pan. He climbs out, apologizes, and walks away. Who pays for the damage? You do.
Key Takeaways
- Instructors are not liable: The waiver you signed likely indemnifies the instructor. You cannot sue them for crashing your car.
- “Permissive Use” is key: Your track insurance policy must explicitly allow other drivers.
- Named vs. Unnamed: Some policies require you to list the instructor’s name before the event. Others allow any instructor assigned by the event.
- The Deductible increases: Some policies double the deductible if someone other than the policyholder is driving.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Driver Definition
In standard auto insurance, “permissive use” generally covers anyone you lend your car to. In track insurance, the policy is often tied specifically to You.
The Clause:
“Coverage applies only when the vehicle is operated by a Named Insured.”
If your policy has this clause and you let “Instructor Bob” drive, coverage is void the moment he touches the steering wheel.
The Investigation: Policy Wording
I looked at how the big three handle instructors.
OpenTrack
- Policy: Generally allows instructors provided they are recognized by the event organizer.
- The Catch: You must check if they require the instructor to be 25+ years old or have specific credentials.
Lockton Motorsports
- Policy: Usually covers instructors automatically for HPDE events. They understand that instructors driving is a core part of the curriculum.
- The Catch: Verify if the deductible changes.
Hagerty
- Policy: Allows for “additional drivers,” but you often need to list them if they are friends. For event-assigned instructors, coverage usually applies, but I always recommend adding a note to the file or calling to confirm.
Comparison Table: Instructor Coverage
| Scenario | Coverage Status | Deductible Impact |
| You Driving | Covered | Standard (e.g., 10%) |
| Event Instructor Driving | Covered (Check Policy) | Standard or Double |
| Friend Driving (Unlisted) | DENIED | N/A |
| Pro Racer Driving | Varies (High Risk) | Often Excluded |
[IMAGE: Graphic showing a checklist: “1. Check Waiver 2. Check Policy 3. Ask Instructor’s Comfort Level”]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Ask the Instructor: Before you swap seats, ask: “Are you comfortable driving my car? If you crash it, my insurance deductible is $5,000. Are you willing to split that?” Most will say no and decline to drive. That is fine.
- Add “Additional Drivers”: If you want a friend to drive, add their name to the policy when you buy it. It is usually free or very cheap.
- Check the “Instructor” Definition: Ensure the policy covers “Any instructor assigned by the organizer” so you don’t need their specific name in advance.
- Don’t Let Them Drive: The safest option in 2026 is to keep your hands on the wheel. Let the instructor drive their car to show you the line, or have them talk you through it from the passenger seat.
FAQ
Can I sue the instructor?
You can try, but the waiver you signed almost certainly blocks it. Unless you can prove “gross negligence” (like he was drunk), you will lose.
What if the instructor has their own insurance?
Rare. Very few instructors carry “Non-Owned Auto” policies for track use because they are prohibitively expensive.
Does it count if I am in the passenger seat?
Yes. If the instructor is driving, the “Driver” clauses apply, even if you are in the car.