roll bars?

[JackG]

Originally Posted by z12358

And, yes, no one has ever claimed that track driving is cheap by any measure. Add to that the possibility of a total loss of your car, as insurance will not cover it. You definitely pay to play in that game.
Z.

If I'm not mistaken, insurance does cover DE (driver's ed) events, since you're not racing. I know of one person who spun and bent some sheet metal at a DE, and his insurance company fixed it.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Some insurance policies do and some don't cover HPDEs.


They also have some helmets for around 400. That's not as bad, but still. WTF.



So how about the street or racing harnesses? side and front air bags won't be needed anymore, right?

[z12358]

Originally Posted by JackG

If I'm not mistaken, insurance does cover DE (driver's ed) events, since you're not racing. I know of one person who spun and bent some sheet metal at a DE, and his insurance company fixed it.

This question has been raised many times in many forums. It's probably company and case dependent. Though the answer is not absolutely clear, I have concluded that it is more likely than not that it will NOT be covered. I just had a friend bang up his 968 on the last DE of the last season. I don't think he got anything from insurance.

One should check with their own ins company, though merely asking about that may raise some flags on the other side.

Z.

[JackG]

Originally Posted by z12358

One should check with their own ins company, though merely asking about that may raise some flags on the other side.
Z.

Good thought. Every insurance company and state is different.

I wouldn't hesistate to ask, however. If they say you're covered, then you're covered. If they say you're not, then at least you know. They can't raise your rates or drop you for just asking.

[racer_d]

Lots of questions going on here, but here's my $.02

1) Yes, the 986 and 987 have an integrated "roll bar". It's what makes the Boxster a very safe and stiff "open" car.

2) Track driving DOES cost money ( both car prep, driver prep, hotels, gas, lodging.. tires, brake pads/fluid etc) - It's not unrealistic to budget $500-?? for a "weekend" at the track)

3) Got a $10 head, get a $10 helment. Good helmets can be $300-$1000. Try one on. Try another. Make sure it fits snugly and with comfort. Too loose = no good. Too snug = headaches. Also make sure you can fit your glasses on (if you wear them) and maybe have room for an earpiece, as most instrutors use helmet to helmet communicators rather than screaming at you all day.

4a) As of yet, Brey Krause does NOT make an extension for the 987, only the 986 cars.

4b) Some tracks, like VIR, REQUIRE a Boxster to have a BK bar, even if you are well under the "broomstick" level.

4c) Some clubs/tracks waive the broomstick requirement IF you run with the optional hardtop in place

4d) Some don't even know what a broomstick test is

5) Insurance... Case by case. Get a copy of your policies EXCLUSIONS first. It may already be spelled out. Yes DE is not racing, but with DE's popularity, it has come under fire from Ins. Co.s Oh, and even if the cover it the first time, it won't mean they won't drop you come renewal time

6) harnesses - when used in PCA events, will require a seat MADE for harnesses. Your stock seat will not pass this test. So, add special seats if you want to run harnesses.

7) If you car is street registered, you will need to maintain all factory equipment to pass your state's inspection programs. Don't bother removing them.

Hope this helps!

[djomlas]

well if you do damage ur car during a DE event, do u really have to tell the insurance company that you damaged it that way?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by djomlas

well if you do damage ur car during a DE event, do u really have to tell the insurance company that you damaged it that way?

Hi,

Well, they may well ask for a Police Report depending upon the extent of the damage. Another point - Do you really want to commit Insurance Fraud for just a few thousand bucks? Get caught, and I bet you wish you hadn't...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Bavarian Motorist]

Unless it's MAJOR damage, I would pay out of pocket. No sense in alarming your insurance company for little 500-2000 dollar damages, especially w/ my record.


I guess I just need to speak to an official in person. I read all these things on sites and it's overwhelming. Can I just go to a track official or does each organization dictate the rules?



I would remove my air bags but put them back in when needed. The car is a lease anyways. I can't do anything that isn't reversible, but I helped my friend remove his air bags off of his salvage title miata and put in new ones.



I guess the problem is I just hate spending $$ on myself. I always feel guilty.

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by djomlas

well if you do damage ur car during a DE event, do u really have to tell the insurance company that you damaged it that way?

1) Insurance fraud

2) How exactly, will you tell them what happened? They will investigate. Doesn't take much. You tell them a lie like it happened alone, late at night, on a wet road. Hmm... the road doesn't look damaged. Weather forcast said no rain, No trees damaged etc.. Where's the car now? a shop? how did it get there? Tow company? hmm lets pull their dispatch records...

3) It is often best, when DE'ing (and especially racing), to treat your car as "self insured" meaning, if you can't afford to personally write it off the damage, maybe its not the right car to be using.

It should also be noted that there ARE companies that offer DE and Race insurance. It may not "be cheap" and well, it may not be available in ALL states (in NJ, for instance, is very hard to find it)