You are sitting at your computer with two tabs open. OpenTrack and Hagerty. Both promise to save your wallet if you crash. Which one is better for you? I used both systems for a 2026 BMW M4 Competition to see the real differences.
Key Takeaways
- Hagerty: Best for the “Occasional” driver (1-3 events). Great brand, slick app, backed by big underwriters.
- OpenTrack: Best for the “Track Rat” (5+ events) or high-value cars. Their annual policy is the industry standard for frequent flyers.
- Coverage Differences: OpenTrack includes liability automatically. Hagerty often makes it an option.
- Tech: Both use instant online quoting. No fax machines required.
The Investigation: Head-to-Head
1. Cost (Single Event)
- Scenario: 1 Day at Watkins Glen, $80k Value.
- Hagerty: ~$550.
- OpenTrack: OpenTrack has moved almost exclusively to annual/subscription models in recent years, but their daily partners (often RLI/Lockton under the hood) price similarly.
- Winner: Tie for single events.
2. Liability Coverage
- Hagerty: You often have to check a box to add it. If you forget, you have $0 liability.
- OpenTrack: Includes $1M – $5M liability standard in their annual pack.
- Winner: OpenTrack (Safety net).
3. Modifications
- Hagerty: Very friendly to classics and vintage racers.
- OpenTrack: Very friendly to modern supercars and extensive mods.
- Winner: Tie.
4. Claims Experience
- Hagerty: Legendary service. They handle claims in-house and are “car people.”
- OpenTrack: Specialized focus. They understand that a scratch on a Ferrari wheel is $4,000.
- Winner: Hagerty (slightly, due to scale).
Comparison Table: Feature List
| Feature | Hagerty | OpenTrack |
| Primary Model | Single Event | Annual Subscription |
| Liability | Optional Add-on | Included |
| Track Damage | Covered | Covered |
| Time Trials | Stricter Exclusions | More Permissive |
| Street Driving | No | Limited (Transit) |
[IMAGE: Split screen graphic showing the Hagerty logo vs OpenTrack logo]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Count Your Days: If < 4 days, go Hagerty/Lockton. If > 4 days, go OpenTrack Annual.
- Check Liability: If you choose Hagerty, ensure you click “Add Liability.”
- Read the “Time Trial” definition: If you are doing SCCA TT, OpenTrack is usually the safer bet (verify specific policy year terms).
FAQ
Are there other companies?
Yes. Lockton Motorsports, RLI, OnTrack. But Hagerty and OpenTrack are the market leaders in 2026.
Does Hagerty cover my trailer too?
They have excellent trailer insurance, but it’s usually a separate policy from the track day coverage.