You and your buddy split the entry fee. You drive the morning, he drives the afternoon. You bought the insurance policy in your name. He goes out and puts the car into the wall. You call the insurer. They ask, “Who was driving?” You say his name. They say, “Who?”
Key Takeaways
- Named Insured Only: Most policies cover you and instructors. They do not cover “whoever you give the keys to.”
- Adding a driver is cheap/free: Most carriers allow you to add a driver for
0oranominalfee(0oranominalfee(20). - Material Misrepresentation: If you say you are the only driver to save $10, and someone else drives, the claim is denied.
- Experience Matters: If your friend has zero track experience and you are an expert, the insurer might deny adding them or charge more.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Permissive Use” Gap
On the street, insurance follows the car. On the track, insurance follows the Risk Profile of the driver stated on the policy.
The Clause:
“Coverage is void if the vehicle is operated by anyone other than the Named Insured or a paid instructor.”
The Investigation: How to Add a Friend
I went into the portals for OpenTrack and Hagerty to see the process.
Hagerty
- Process: During checkout, there is a section “Additional Drivers.”
- Cost: often Free.
- Requirement: Name, Age, sometimes License number.
Lockton
- Process: Similar. Must be done before the policy starts.
- Warning: You cannot call after the crash and say “Oh, I meant to add him.” Timestamps matter.
Comparison Table: Driver Coverage
| Driver | Standard Policy Status | With “Additional Driver” Added |
| You | Covered | Covered |
| Instructor | Covered | Covered |
| Friend | Denied | Covered |
| Spouse | Check Policy (Often Automatic) | Covered |
[IMAGE: Screenshot of the “Add Driver” button on an insurance app]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get Their Info: Before buying the policy, get your friend’s full name and date of birth.
- Add Them Officially: Do not skip this step. Put their name on the document.
- Agree on the Deductible: If the deductible is $5,000, agree in writing (text message is fine) that if they crash, they pay the deductible.
- Verify Experience: If your friend lies about their experience to get on the policy, and the insurer finds out, it could be fraud. Ensure they are honest.
FAQ
What if my friend pays me for the seat time?
Be careful. If you accept money, you might be considered “Renting” the car, which is a commercial activity and excluded. Sharing expenses (gas/entry) is usually fine. Making a profit is not.
Can I add a driver the morning of the event?
Yes, usually via the app or a phone call. But do it before they drive.