British motorists planning a high-octane trip to a famous German road could be driving without any valid insurance, experts have revealed.
Normal car insurance policies taken out in the UK are immediately invalidated on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, leaving drivers financially exposed for any damage to their own vehicle in an accident.
Why Your Standard Policy Doesn't Cover The 'Ring'
While UK law mandates that insurers must provide third-party cover for injuries to others, even on a 'public day' at the circuit, this comes with a major caveat. Insurers can legally charge you back for any damages they pay out to a third party.
Moris Track Day Insurance issued a stark warning, stating: "If you have a UK motor policy and are planning on a public day only at The Ring, you MUST check with your insurers if Nürburgring is or is not covered. They will probably say 'No'. If you ignore this and go and injure someone anyway, then by law the insurers will still have to pick up the tab – but beware - there is nothing in law stopping them coming after you for contribution or recovery."
What The Major Insurers Say
Leading insurance providers explicitly exclude the circuit in their policy terms. Allianz, for example, will not cover driving on a "racing track, circuit, airfield, test venue, derestricted toll road (including the Nurburgring/ Nordschleife)".
Similarly, Aviva makes it clear that they will not pay for "loss or damage arising from use of your vehicle while taking part in a Track day or whilst driving on the Nürburgring Nordschleife."
How To Get Proper Cover For Your Trip
For those hiring a car specifically for the track, companies like RSR are transparent about the risks. RSR noted that while most people know the Nürburgring is one of the world's most difficult tracks, organising additional insurance is crucial.
They advise customers: "You are welcome to organise this directly with a trackday insurer yourself." However, they strongly recommend doing a thorough analysis of any external policy, paying close attention to the excess and exclusions.
RSR also clarified the claims process: "In the unlikely case of an accident, if you have organised your additional track insurance yourself you still have to pay RSR directly for the damages to the car up to our standard excess – but then there is the possibility to claim some of your money back from the company you were insured with afterwards!"
The key takeaway for UK drivers is simple: never assume your standard policy offers protection. Always check with your insurer and secure specialist track day cover before your visit.
