Not Ranked
Midwest...I find it a bit enlightening that someone in your profession is actually taking the time to get feedback from owners on this issue. Thanks for the warning and starting the thread.
Since I have already put in my 2 cents worth earlier in the thread, I'll add just a little more "change". I think it is consensus (and rightfully so) that learning to control a high power-to-weight ratio car like a Cobra by attending a REAL high performance driving school should be recognized by any insurance company as a statistical characteristic that would likely reduce claims. I have attended Skip Barber twice. In 1982 (a little known named Michael Andretti was in that class) and again last year, as a refresher course simply because I was building an big block ERA. My opinion (don't butcher me for this), anyone that drives a high power-to-weight ratio vehicle (Cobra, Ferrari, Viper, etc) should be trained in car control for their own safety if nothing else.
Since drivers of Cobras (and other high performance vehicles) are all over the board regarding skill levels and capabilities, why classifiy them all the same....and why insure them all the same. If someone is willing to spend the bucks (and its not cheap) to attend a high performance school to protect themselves, the car, and others, they should be recognized for that fact...plain and simple. Insurance companies certainly should. But in the end, it is always about money.
Again, my opinion. Insurance companies have two jobs. First to write policies and collect premiums. Second, to avoid, minimize, and deny claims at all cost regardless of validity. If anyone doubts that for a second, take a trip to any town on the Gulf Coast that was leveled by Katrina and poll the residents regarding claims. Nothing else needs be said. For cities, counties, and insurance companies, tickets you receive for minor violations are nothing more than revenue enhancers. A great reason to raise a premium for vitrually no reason. I have been driving (legally) for 42 years. I have only had one claim where my insurer took a loss on me and that was the theft of a 1970 Z-28. Really not my fault. Tickets? There have been a few. And the insurance companies have definately milked me for them.
Insurance companies only understand statistical (actuarial) risk. What enthusiasts need is an entrepreneurial company that understands the cars, their owners, and the hobby. Again, here is the policy. An ENTHUSIASTS POLICY. I'll buy it now. Where do I sign? Where do I send the check?
[b]Rate[b] Charge me a fair rate with a realistic mileage option 5,000, 10,000, 15,000
Deductible Give me a $500 comp. / collision deduct. for damages caused by any incident that is not my fault including fire, theft, uninsured motorist, etc.
Give me a higher deductible of $10,000 if the accident is my fault. My fault... I pay. No problem here with me. You will never see a frivilous claim.
This policy is underwritten only after the REQUIRED ATTENDANCE a 3 day HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR CONTROL SCHOOL. I guarantee you that if an insurance company contacts Barber or Bondurant with that request, they would build or create such a course.
Give me a SAFE DRIVER DEDUCTION for one minor violation (10 miles over) or less. Pay me nothing if I damage the car on the track and experience "that's racing" damage.
This may not be the policy for every Cobra owner out there, but it definately works for me. "If you build it, they will come"--Shoeless Joe
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