You are planning a trip to Germany to drive the Nurburgring Nordschleife. You read online that it is technically a “Public Toll Road” (Kraftfahrbundesamt). You assume your rental car or European travel insurance covers you. You are wrong. The ‘Ring is the most specifically excluded piece of asphalt on Earth.
Key Takeaways
- The “Nurburgring Clause”: Almost every UK and European auto policy has a specific line excluding “The Nurburgring Nordschleife,” even during public sessions.
- Public Road Status is for Police, not Insurers: Yes, German road laws apply (passing on left), but insurance contracts override this by excluding the specific location.
- Barrier Costs are Insane: If you hit the Armco at the ‘Ring, you pay for the barrier, the posts, the closure of the track, and the safety car. A simple crash can cost €15,000 in track fees alone.
- Rent a “Ring Car”: Do not take a standard Hertz/Sixt rental there. They will ban you for life and charge you full damage. Rent from RSRNurburg or Apex.
The “Why” (The Trap): Touristenfahrten vs. Track Day
“Touristenfahrten” (Tourist Drives) are legally public toll roads.
The Trap: Drivers think, “My policy covers public roads.”
The Reality: Insurers got tired of paying for crashes there 20 years ago. Now, the exclusion is explicit.
The Clause:
“We do not cover loss or damage occurring on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, or any road used for time trials or race practice, regardless of public status.”
The Investigation: Getting Covered
I looked into how to survive a trip to the Green Hell in 2026.
Rental Car (Hertz/Avis)
- Result: Strictly forbidden. They have “Ring Spotters” who photograph rental cars in the parking lot. You will be blacklisted.
RSRNurburg / Apex Nurburg (Track Rentals)
- Result: You rent a prepped car (e.g., BMW M2). The rental includes entry and basic support.
- Insurance: They offer high-deductible coverage.
- Deductible: Often €5,000 – €10,000.
- Liability: Included for the track damage (usually).
Third-Party Insurance (Insurance4Carhire)
- Result: Specialized UK brokers sell specific ‘Ring cover for your personal car, but it is expensive (~€300/day).
Comparison Table: ‘Ring Options
| Vehicle | Insurance Status | Financial Risk |
| Standard Rental (Sixt) | Void / Prohibited | Total Car Value + Ban |
| Personal Car (UK Policy) | Excluded | Total Car Value + Barriers |
| ‘Ring Rental (RSR) | Included (High Deductible) | Limited to Deductible (€5k+) |
[IMAGE: Photo of a rental car being loaded onto a tow truck at the Nurburgring entrance]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Rent from a Specialist: Use RSR, Apex, or similar. Do not bring a street rental.
- Budget for the Excess: Have €5,000 available on a credit card for the deductible.
- Third-Party Liability: Ensure your coverage pays for Armco barriers. The bill for closing the track for 1 hour is astronomical.
- Drive at 70%: It is the hardest track in the world. Treating it like a video game will bankrupt you.
FAQ
Can I drive my US car there?
If you ship your US car, your US insurance absolutely stops at the port. You need a “Green Card” insurance policy for Europe, plus a specific Nurburgring extension.
What if I just watch?
Watching is safe. But don’t park your rental car in the “Devil’s Diner” lot if the contract forbids being at the facility.