Nurburgring Insurance FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, are some further details to the most frequently asked questions in connection with the new Ring Insurance.  

As you would expect Allianz, a German Insurance company issues legal wording of their policies in the native language and these are subject to German law.

Are damages on the car covered as well?
The policy covers damages to the Northloop, personal accident, recovery with monetary limits and other exclusions contained within the terms and conditions of the policy. It currently does NOT include damages to the vehicle or other 3rd parties, other than the Northloop.

Once checked, how long does the certificate last for?
One day, and for eight laps. Further cover can be purchased at which time the vehicle will be inspected once more.

Why isn´t it a policy with a full third party cover?
It`s because it’s insurance cover for driving the unique Nurburgring  - Northloop. No German insurer is currently prepared to calculate a premium to provide full third party cover. If they were we imagine that the premium would be so high that only the most wealthier drivers could buy them.  Our understanding is that a UK vehicle policy will probably contain a clause to the effect that if the insurer is obligated to meet a claim it otherwise would not pay then the insurer is entitled to reclaim the settlement from the policy holder.

What about terms and conditions?
The policy summary and policy shown will be downloadable from the website details as soon as possible so as to provide details of what is insured in a legal manner. Most of the detail will be in German. The Allianz have confirmed they are normal German car insurance terms. For instance there is no pay out for damage, if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please note alcohol limits are less than in the UK. The Northloop is a "mautpflichtige Straße" and so you are insured, subject to the German terms and conditions of the policy.

What happens if changes become available in the UK to insure us drivers on the Ring?
Yes, if only. Then the new Ring Insurance remains available for other countries.  Hypothetically, the added benefit for the UK clients could be to preserve their no claims bonus? Certainly, the Visual Car Inspection, which is currently so popular, will continue. Our understanding is this has not been tested in the UK courts with reference to the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Legal timescales for judicial rulings are not a very short process, so it is a matter of watch this space? 

 
What time is the first inspection?
Normally, garages are open from 09:00am Monday-Saturday. Sunday all garages are closed.

Do we need to book?
At present there is no booking service.  You can just arrive at the approved garage(s) leave the vehicle or wait your turn.

Is there a place in UK the inspection can be done?
Currently, there are no UK approved garages. However, we recognise that this could be more convenient, if perhaps approved UK garages were based at say the major UK ports.

I have full comprehensive UK car insurance why do I need additional Ring insurance for my trip?
We suggest that you please check with your UK insurance and explain that you intend to travel to Germany and in particular drive on the on the Public tourist toll road, also referred to as the Nürburgring, Northloop, Nordschleife. Our experience is that they will immediately confirm that you are NOT covered.

Why do I need an inspection?
The visual car inspection is a mandatory requirement for the Allianz insurance company, who provides the policy. It does not then offer the driver any guarantee or warranty that any vehicle is then fit for purpose.

Who inspects the car?
This is undertaken at the approved garage(s) currently this is Nurburgmotorsport. Given the response to date we have already been approached by a number of other local garage owners to become approved.

Where and for how long does the inspection last and what is the charge?
This depends on the vehicle with a minimum of half an hour, charged at the standard hourly rate.

What guaranteed are there within the car inspection?
As previously stated above, driving on the unique and gruelling Nurburgring - Northloop circuit, tests all vehicles and drivers to the maximum limit and often beyond. For these and other reasons the Visual Vehicle Check contains no guarantee or any expressed warranty that the vehicle (s) is then considered suitable, fit for purpose or safe for driving on the circuit. Should any defects be found, the customer is NOT obliged to have any repair work carried out by Nurburgmotorsport or any other approved garage. The standard Visual Car Inspection does not include the removal of any item such as road wheels, brake pads, brake discs, brake callipers suspension etc. These items, or any other items, can be further inspected, if requested by the customer beforehand and charged at the standard hourly rates.

What time is the last slot for an inspection on Saturday as I read that the inspection garage is closed on Sundays?
Because most customers need to travel long distances to the Nurburgring, often with unforeseen delays etc we have decided NOT to have any "bookable slots".  We are normally open until 7pm on Saturday.
In future, we hope to franchise other local garages to offer this service so as to provide a more choice of venue. Also given the visitor support we provide is mainly for those driving on the Ring our opening /closing times are flexible normally around the opening and closing times of the Ring.

Does it cover track closures?
No. This is current not contained within the policy. This and further enhancement to the cover will be considered sometime in the future.

Please can you send me a sample policy so I can read it and understand the extent of the cover and how far in advance of the trip it must be paid for?
The policy details will be provided on the website as downloadable pdf file, albeit as stated previously this is subject to German Law so it will be only available in the German language.

How far in advance of the trip it must be paid for?
All payments are taken at the approved garage(s). Please note payment via credit card, debt card and the new eRing card are not currently taken.  Payment can be made in euro or maybe in sterling.

Can you please advise how to pay?
Like many firms in the area we only take cash or bank transfer (no credit, debit card, or ring°card) but Paypal in advance is available.

Does it cover bikes?
Yes. However, there is NO Personal accident cover for motorcycles.

What if an accident happens on the 9th lap?
The policy exits for one day and 8 laps. Sadly, in the above event this is not covered.

Can you please advise if the insurance cover shown on your website covers 3rd party?
No. The policy currently does NOT include damages to the vehicle or other 3rd party, except damage to the Northloop.

Does the cover only extend to vehicles kept or looked after by your company, or can drivers get cover if they simply want a one-day experience?
Any approved car and then driver, can take out the Ring Insurance policy, you do not have to store your vehicle(s) with the company. The main advantage for existing car storage clients with us is that their vehicle(s) can be inspected prior to issuing the policy.  In addition, should repairs be needed these can be agreed and scheduled so as the customer can simply “Arrive & Drive”. Please note our storage fees currently include the Visual Car Inspection FREE OF CHARGE

I am going to the Nürburgring for a Private track day. Do you have an insurance policy that would cover this?
Unfortunately, the current Ring Insurance does NOT provide any cover for track days.