I was at a High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) event at Road Atlanta. I wasn’t racing; I was in the intermediate group with an instructor. I put a wheel off at Turn 5 and hit the tire wall. My street insurance denied the claim instantly. “We don’t cover racing,” they said. I argued it was “education.” They didn’t care.
Key Takeaways
- The “Surface” Exclusion: Modern policies exclude coverage on “any surface designed for racing,” regardless of whether you are racing, parking, or learning.
- HPDE Insurance is Separate: You typically need a standalone policy (e.g., Lockton, OpenTrack, Hagerty) for the event.
- Liability Gap: If you hit another car on track, NO insurance pays. Track days are “assume your own risk.” You pay for your car; they pay for theirs.
- Timing Gear: If you have a lap timer running, you are “racing” or “practicing for a contest.” Automatic denial.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Facility Definition
Old policies excluded “Racing.”
New policies (2026) exclude “Use of the vehicle at a facility designed for racing.”
This covers the track, the pits, and sometimes the parking lot.
Even a “Parade Lap” can be denied under this strict wording.
[IMAGE: Map of a racetrack showing the “Excluded Zone” covering the entire property]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked about HPDE coverage.
1. Hagerty (Street Policy)
- Coverage: Includes “Track Day” coverage if you buy the add-on.
- Condition: Not timed. No wheel-to-wheel competition.
- Verdict: Convenient if you already have Hagerty.
2. OpenTrack
- Coverage: Standalone policy.
- Cost: ~$300 for a weekend.
- Benefit: Covers the car on track and in the paddock. Covers damage to track barriers (Liability).
- Verdict: Essential.
3. State Farm / Geico
- Coverage: Zero.
- Warning: If you file a claim, they might drop you just for being a “racer,” even if they deny the payout.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Street Policy | HPDE Policy (OpenTrack) |
| Crash on Track | Denied | Covered |
| Crash in Paddock | Denied (Usually) | Covered |
| Hit another car | Denied | Covered (Your car only) |
| Damage to Wall | Denied | Covered (Track Liability) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Read Your Street Policy: Search for “Racing,” “Speed Contest,” and “Facility.” If it mentions “Facility,” you have zero coverage at the track.
- Buy the Day Policy: Go to Lockton Motorsports or OpenTrack. Buy the policy 2 days before the event.
- Agreed Value: Set the value correctly. If you totaled it, what does it cost to replace?
- Remove the Timer: Do not use Harry’s Lap Timer or a transponder. If the adjuster sees it, they can argue it was a “Speed Contest.”
FAQ Section
Does HPDE insurance cover me blowing my engine?
No. Mechanical breakdown is never covered. Only impact (Collision/Fire).
What if I crash instructing a student?
You need an Instructor Policy. Your student’s insurance does not cover you.
Can I claim it if I tow the car to the street?
That is Insurance Fraud. Investigators check track logs, cameras, and towing records. You will go to jail.