No insurance for the fast and the furious

During a recent televised expose on illegal street racing it was suggested that certain roads be closed off at specific times to allow drag racers to legally race in the presence of traffic authorities and paramedics.

According to Thomas Creamer, Telesure MD, if this hazardous idea is ever permitted, it’s doubtful that any insurance company would entertain an insurance claim submitted by a non-professional drag racer.

“Drivers who get behind the wheels of super-charged cars and drive at speeds of about 200km/h on public roads are endangering their lives, the lives of the people they race against and those of innocent people sharing the road with them. It’s grossly negligent and incredibly irresponsible,” adds Creamer.

According to auto & general’s policy documentation, vehicles that are used to for racing or competition will not be covered. In addition, if the insured does not use all reasonable care and take all reasonable precautions to prevent or minimise loss, damage, death, injury or liability, their insurance claim will not be indemnified.

While there are specialist insurance companies who offer insurance products for racing drivers, the frenzied, tail-chasing that goes on during illegal drag races is a far cry from what goes on at a professional race, as was pointed out in the expose.

Creamer also warns that some insurers won’t take on the risk of cars that have received high performance conversions and chip engine management systems.

“The bottom line is that our public roads, and the infrastructure that surrounds them, are not designed for racing and we cannot condone or compensate this reckless activity,” concludes Creamer.