Taped over number plates? why?

[Neil Adams]

at a brands hatch track day in march i have vague memories of seeing some peoples cars with the numberplates taped over, why would they do this?
cheers

[Slippy Diff]

Paranoia.

[Adam43]

Paranoia, probably. Some insurance companies take photos of track days I hear, but then what does it really matter unless you will try and claim a prang wasn't on track?

[peespeed]

Another reason is that when guys try to sell cars that they have used on trackdays if the number isnt visible the prospective buyer cant prove that the car in a pic in an album on the net is the car in question.

I've taken pics at a few trackdays over here and had guys emailling me wanting the pics to be edited and no plates erased.....simple answer, if you dont want them visable either tape them up or take them off

[Slippy Diff]

Originally Posted by peespeed

Another reason is that when guys try to sell cars that they have used on trackdays if the number isnt visible the prospective buyer cant prove that the car in a pic in an album on the net is the car in question.

I've taken pics at a few trackdays over here and had guys emailling me wanting the pics to be edited and no plates erased.....simple answer, if you dont want them visable either tape them up or take them off

So any prospective buyer of a make of car that is a track day favourite just presumes that it has been used at track days, simple.

[Tim Falce]

The main reason is insurance. Some policies may be invalidated but a lot of comments from one or two other forums suggest it's if they have an accident on track they can try and claim and say it happened on the road.
Insurance companies have been known to photograph cars at track days, or so I have been told.

[zac510]

If it is a new car it could be warranty related. Have heard whispers of warranties being revoked by dealers.

[Neil Adams]

what do insurance companies hope to gain by photographing cars at track days is it..

a) in the event of an accident they'll have proof it happened on a track and not on the road

b) they're logging the numberplates because they think track day drivers are more likely to have an accident on the road? they'd call upon this info when come renewal time or when requesting a quote

if its (b) my plates are coming off!

[Rich D]

This is common practice in Canada. Not sure how it applies to the UK Insurance indistry, btu this is what is happening over here..

The standard auto insurance policy prohibits the use of the insured car for speed trials, racing etc.. A large number of people who race solo1/2 (autocross) and do track days have had their insurance cancelled because of their participation. There is no way of getting an exclusion (insurance looses money, and the companies are not interested), and then the only way to insure your car is through "facility", which is a scheme for high-risk drivers (drunks etc..) and costs 5-6 x as much as regular insurance.

So, these guys remove plates to stop being identified.

It seems insane and stuipd, but it is happening over here right now. Maybe, that is the way the UK will go..

Just a warning..

[Dutton]

It is interesting, alright.

Basically, it is punishing those who are specifically going to the safest environment possible for such fun.

[jase]

Originally Posted by Neil Adams

what do insurance companies hope to gain by photographing cars at track days is it..

a) in the event of an accident they'll have proof it happened on a track and not on the road

b) they're logging the numberplates because they think track day drivers are more likely to have an accident on the road? they'd call upon this info when come renewal time or when requesting a quote

if its (b) my plates are coming off!

The majority of road car insurances have a clause that excludes coverage on trackdays etc.

Say you have an accident on the road home after attending a trackday, and ABC insurance can prove that the car has been used at said trackday and therefore open to excessive wear, the claims adjuster can revoke your insurance and you are uncovered.

[Al Weyman]

MAybe they are hire cars :-)

[Tim Falce]

Very true Al.

[Adam43]

One would presume that if an insurance company knew that you did track days they would reduce your premium. After all you have practiced in a safe environment and may be better prepared to avoid an accident. In addition your car will be well maintained because you make sure it prepared for track days.

Hmmm, thought not.

[b1ackcr0w]

Or even company cars...

[aj_308]

Its not just the Insurance companies either. Your new car warranty can be voided as well.
Especially if you try to explain that your engine blew unexpectedly in traffic on the way home from a track day/drag strip.

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by aj_308

Its not just the Insurance companies either. Your new car warranty can be voided as well.
Especially if you try to explain that your engine blew unexpectedly in traffic on the way home from a track day/drag strip.

I thought that the trick was to be vague about where the problem occurred.
That is to say that it happened 'Just outside Towcester somewhere' and not 'on the Hangar straight at Silverstone!'.

[Jimisaracer]

Not unknown for the odd company car to turn up on trackdays, I have heard this discussed in the pitlane previously. Though Christ knows how anyone stomachs the tax on a trackday type car as a company car!

[MG Racer]

It has been known for insurance companies to take photos of cars especially for events like the Gumball. Reason is that some of these people tend to want to make claims on their insurance when they prang it and they are technically taking part in a race.

I work for a well known insurer who had exactly this type of claim. Suffice to say that the person that made that claim is now paying the money back and has spent a bit of time at her majesty's pleasure.

So if you want to run trackdays and cant afford to skip it in an accident, get it insured properly.

[StuiE]

For warranty related issues I'd be removing the plates and taping over the VIN on the dash too..

[CombeMarshal]

I've never seen a photographer working for an insurance company at a track day, also, photos are not allowed for personal gain from members of the public, so If the guy is being paid the photos would be illegal!

[craigcomcred]

silly question, but why not just insure your car for the day's event this has got to be better than all this taping up nonsense.

Craig

[archaic gold]

[QUOTE=craigcomcred]silly question, but why not just insure your car for the day's event this has got to be better than all this taping up nonsense.
As already posted, what if a Company or Hire Car.
A couple of years ago we had a Fiesta in the gravel at Post 4a (Brands) (there is a surprise!!!) We could not tow it out as there was no towing eye fitted. On asking the Customer where he kept it; he had no idea as he had only hired the car that morning!!
(We found the eye in the recess of the spare wheel for him!!)

[archaic gold]

This taping is common practice on Bike Track Days. If you bin a bike, it can be expensive! So, it easier to put in a van/on a trailer, leave it for a couple of days, then drop it into a ditch on a back road two Counties away, somewhere like Somerset, where I do not believe there is a Race Track anywhere near.

[Al Weyman]

No wonder the ruddy insurance is so dear. :-(