The worst has happened. You crashed. You have a dedicated track policy (e.g., Hagerty/Lockton). Now you are terrified to file the claim because you think your daily driver rates (Geico/State Farm) will explode. Here is the reality of the “Firewall” between specialty and standard insurance.
Key Takeaways
- The “Silo” Effect: Specialty track insurers often handle claims in-house or via specialized underwriters. They do not always report repair claims to the CLUE database (unlike standard auto).
- Total Losses Leak: If you total the car, the VIN status changes to “Salvage.” This leaks to the DMV and eventually to all insurers.
- Don’t Cross the Streams: Never, ever call your daily insurer to “ask” about the track crash. That creates a record. Call only your track insurer.
- Renewal Questions: Your daily insurer might ask “Have you had any accidents?” You must answer truthfully, or it is fraud.
The “Why” (The Trap): CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange)
CLUE is the “credit report” for insurance claims.
- Standard Auto: Reports every inquiry and claim.
- Specialty Auto: Often keeps data internal to keep premiums competitive for enthusiasts, unless there is a total loss or liability lawsuit.
The Investigation: Filing the Claim
I walked through the process with a Hagerty agent.
- The Call: “I am safe, but the car is damaged at Lime Rock.”
- The Adjuster: A specialist contacts you. They ask for photos and the event organizer name (to verify it was HPDE, not racing).
- The Estimate: You send photos or they send an appraiser.
- The Check: They pay you or the shop directly.
- The Record: I asked, “Does this go to CLUE?” The agent said, “Generally, for physical damage repairs under a specialty policy, we do not report to standard exchanges, but we cannot guarantee it won’t appear if a VIN search is done.”
Comparison Table: Reporting Flows
| Action | Reported to Daily Insurer? |
| Calling Daily Insurer to “Ask” | YES (Internal Flag) |
| Filing Track Repair Claim | Unlikely (check specific carrier) |
| Filing Track Total Loss | YES (via DMV/Title) |
| Police Report at Track | YES (Public Record) |
[IMAGE: Flowchart showing “Track Incident” -> “Specialty Insurer” -> “Check Issued” (No line connecting to “Daily Insurer”)]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Find the Policy Number: Have your track policy number ready.
- Call the Track Insurer: Report the claim ASAP. Delay looks suspicious.
- Silence is Golden: Do not post the crash video on Instagram or Facebook until the claim is settled. Adjusters watch social media.
- Truth on Renewal: If your Geico renewal asks “Accidents in last 3 years?”, you technically had an accident. Consult an insurance broker on how to answer this legally based on your state’s definition of “chargeable accident.”
FAQ
Will my track premium go up?
Likely, yes. Or they might decline to insure you next time. But that is better than your daily rates doubling for 3 years.
What if I don’t file a claim?
If you pay out of pocket, no one knows. This is the “Ghost Repair.” Just remember you must disclose damage when selling the car.