You finished your session and parked in the paddock. You walk away to grab water. Five minutes later, someone yells “FIRE!” Your car is engulfed in flames. You didn’t crash. You weren’t on track. So, does your standard Geico “Comprehensive” policy cover it, or does your Track policy cover it?
Key Takeaways
- The “Facility” Trap returns: Standard comprehensive usually excludes any damage at a racing facility, even if parked.
- Track Policies cover “Paddock”: Most track policies cover the car while parked in the paddock, but you must check if “Fire” is a covered peril if no crash occurred.
- The “Thermal Event” investigation: Insurers will investigate why it caught fire. If it was a fuel line you installed incorrectly, they might argue negligence (though usually fire is covered regardless of stupidity).
- Double Jeopardy: You might find both insurers pointing the finger at the other.
The “Why” (The Trap): Overlapping Exclusions
- Standard Auto: “We deny because it happened at a racetrack facility.”
- Track Insurance: “We generally cover it, provided the policy was active for that day.”
The danger is if you bought a policy that only covers “On Track” driving and excludes the paddock (rare, but possible with cheap policies).
The Investigation: Stationary Fire Claims
I looked at the definition of “Covered Auto” in the paddock.
OpenTrack / Lockton
- Verdict: They cover the car from the moment it enters the facility. If it burns to the ground in the paddock, it is a total loss payout (Agreed Value).
- Condition: The fire cannot be “intentional” (obviously).
Standard Auto (State Farm/Progressive)
- Verdict: I called a State Farm agent. He said, “If the car is at a racetrack, our system will likely flag and deny it.” Even if it was just a wiring short that could have happened at Walmart, the location poisons the claim.
Comparison Table: Fire Scenarios
| Scenario | Standard Auto | Track Insurance |
| Fire on Hot Track | Denied | Covered |
| Fire in Paddock | Denied (Likely) | Covered |
| Fire on Trailer (Highway) | Covered | Covered (if “Trailer/Transit” added) |
| Fire in Garage (Home) | Covered | N/A (unless annual policy) |
[IMAGE: Photo of a burnt-out car shell in a race paddock]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy Track Insurance: Reliance on standard “Comprehensive” coverage while at the track facility is a gamble you will lose in 2026.
- carry Fire Extinguishers: Not an insurance tip, but a life tip. A $50 extinguisher saves a $50,000 claim.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not let the track drag the carcass away and crush it. The insurance adjuster needs to see the car to rule out arson.
- Report to Track Insurance First: Do not call your standard auto carrier. If you alert them to a track incident, they might drop you even if they don’t pay.
FAQ
What if the car burns down on the trailer on the way there?
This is usually covered by your standard auto policy (Comprehensive). However, annual track policies (like OpenTrack) also cover this.
Does the track pay if their safety crew was slow?
No. You cannot sue the fire marshals for not being fast enough.