Does Classic Car Insurance Cover Racing or Track Use?

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving your classic car on a racetrack. However, before you experience the thrills that await you, it’s worth asking: does your classic car insurance cover racing or track use? Whether you’re a seasoned racer or looking to try out the track for the first time, this question could make all the difference if something goes wrong.

In this guide, we’ll explore what’s covered under a standard classic car insurance policy, what the limits are, and how to arrange the right type of cover if you’re planning to take part in motorsport or track day events.

Does standard classic car insurance cover racing or track use?

Typically, standard classic car insurance policies do not cover any form of racing, track driving or timed competition. This means you won’t be covered for: 

• Timed racing events, both circuit races and sprints
• Track or test days, both competitive and non-competitive 
• Hill climbs and stage rallies
• Any speed tests or performance-based driving

Classic car insurance is built around the idea of careful, low-risk use, like weekend drives, club meets and shows. By its nature, motorsport has higher risks of collision and mechanical strain, which is why activities like track driving or racing need their own form of specialist cover.

If your car is damaged while taking part in these types of events, even during a practice run or parade lap, your standard policy won’t pay out. To protect yourself properly, you’ll need to consider one of the specialist classic car racing insurance options available, which is something our experts at Footman James can help you with.

Competitive racing and historic motorsport events

Competitive racing involves higher speeds, close driving and greater risks, which fall well outside the scope of standard policies. This applies even if the event is non-professional, historic or run as part of a club series.

Some insurance providers offer competition car insurance, a specialist policy for race-prepared vehicles. This cover is designed for classic and modern competition cars that are entered into motorsport events. This cover includes: 

• Fire
• Theft
• Accidental damage off the track
• Road sections of events, like liaison stages that take place on public highways.

It’s important to note that damage sustained while actively racing or competing on the track is not covered. Motorsport cover is limited to non-racing risks around the event, not the race itself.

Track day use and non-competitive driving

While not all driving on a racetrack is competitive, even casual or non-timed sessions are excluded under standard classic car insurance. That means if you take your car to a track day without additional cover, you won’t be insured if something goes wrong.

Track day cover allows you to add protection for up to three track days per year, depending on your policy and covers accidental damage to your car during approved track day events. However, there are a few conditions to be aware of: 

• Track days must be pre-approved by your insurer
• You might need to meet a minimum age or experience criteria
• Third-party liability is not included
• Higher excesses apply for track-related claims

If you’re looking to dip your toe into track driving while keeping your classic protected, track day cover can be a simple and flexible solution. 

Frequent track use – sports car insurance

If you’re a regular at track days or own a road-legal classic built for performance, you’ll likely need more than just standard cover. That’s where sports car insurance comes in. It’s ideal for cars like: 

• Caterhams 
• Lotus models 
• Porsche 911s 
• BMW M3s 
• Mazda MX-5s 
• TVRs 

Sports car insurance is focused on non-competitive track use. That means you can enjoy spirited driving at approved track day events without the need for separate add-ons. Bear in mind that racing, timing or competitive activity will still not be covered. Much like track day cover, these conditions apply:

• Track days must be pre-approved by your insurer
• You might need to meet a minimum age or experience criteria
• Third-party liability is not included

Important exclusions and conditions to remember

Before you head to the track, you need to be clear on what your classic car motorsport insurance does and doesn’t cover. Even with the right policy in place, certain limits and exclusions may apply. Depending on your policy, these could include:

• No racing or timed competition cover is included under standard classic car policies. 
• Competition car insurance does not cover damage sustained during the race itself, only off-track or liaison-stage incidents.
• Track day cover and sports car insurance only apply to non-competitive track use. 
• There is no cover for events that are not authorised or approved by your insurer.
• Third-party liability cover is not included on the track, meaning you drive at your own risk. 
• Your car must remain road legal for policies to remain valid. That includes valid MOT, tax and insurance.
• Driver age and experience requirements may apply, depending on your policy or event. 

Missing these details could leave you uninsured when you need protection most. If in doubt, always get in touch with your insurer before you take to the track.

How to arrange the right cover for racing or track days

If you’re thinking of attending a track day or entering a motorsport event, the best approach is to speak to your insurer beforehand. At Footman James, we can help you to arrange the right protection:

For occasional track days

Add track day cover via Footman James+ to your classic car policy. You can choose to add cover for up to three track days per year, depending on how often you plan to attend. 

For regular track driving


Consider sports car insurance if you plan to attend up to five non-competitive track days each year. This product includes track cover as standard.

For competitive motorsport

If you’re entering races, hill climbs or stage rallies, you’ll need a competition car insurance policy. This offers off-track protection for race-prepared cars.

Whichever option fits your plans, make sure to: 

• Confirm the event is approved by us
• Check that your car meets the policy’s roadworthiness and safety requirements
• Understand any excesses, exclusions or driver eligibility conditions

Love racing and track days? Make sure you’re properly covered

While standard classic car insurance is perfect for weekend drives, shows and club meets, it typically doesn’t cover track use or competitive events. If you are in any doubt if you are covered by your policy, check before the event with your insurance provider.

Competition car, track day and sports car insurance from Footman James

Fortunately, Footman James offers a whole range of specialist options to suit your racing and track needs. Whether you’re planning your first circuit outing or gearing up for a full racing season, make sure your cover keeps up with you.

Get in touch with us today to find the right protection for your classic car, both out on the road, on the track and everywhere else in between.

Classic car insurance from Footman James

Additionally, with Footman James you can get a classic car insurance online quotation instantly for your classic Jaguar, Mini, VW and more. You can also add FJ+ options to your quote such as agreed value and breakdown cover.

 

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.