JVL, per your suggestion I have done some research and managed to speak with some key people and underwriters that were generous with their time to answer my questions on this critical topic. I suspect that I was not able to find out anything that many of you probably already know, but here is what I have found out (please let me know if you feel I do not have correct information):
1) Rally competitions both global and in the U.S. are all facing serious insurance pressure to address the primary concern of liability suits stemming from lack of consistent spectator area control.
Don't fool yourself by thinking that U.K., Ireland, Australia and others are not facing the same insurance issues. I've read various comments on sponsor support relating to poorly attended rallies due to "contained" spectator areas - Alas, this is probably a direct response to demands by insurance carriers. (How about a camera inside the leading competitors cars, that's what makes it so much fun to watch on speed, the arials are cool, but I personally enjoy the "inside" view with the navvie comments. How about you?)
Spectator area control is a very big concern for underwriters.
2) Lack of "consistent" Control Protocol from one rally to the next because local control volunteers do not have a chance to become proficient and effective since they typically only work one rally per year.
After speaking with one underwriter I found that the rally competition I volunteered at was exemplary in following recommended proceedures, but he pointed out there are still many rallies he has attended that do not follow these proceedure and found spectators driving against rally traffic just minutes before a stage was to start. One of your spectators could be an underwriter observing your event for risk evaluation!
3) Competitors and Organizers extend the event liability risk when their actions are deemed irresponsible even before and after the event has taken place.
One organizer was found driving at excessive speeds (almost racing speeds) prior to the event which caused a pending claim. Another incident involved a competitor driving the rally competition car after the event that also caused a pending claim.
4) Competitor claims are escalating for bodily injury and medical claims.
For my two cents worth, it would be worthwhile to place a task force in place that will come up with some real solutions to these objections, solutions that will show factual results=LESS CLAIMS ARISING FROM RALLIES by strict adhearance to standard proceedures.
Incidently, driver training and licensing was a concern, but much less than the ones listed above and one that is easily addressed.
*** Please don't read anything negative directed at anyone specifically, as no names were mentioned regarding these specific examples. Strict confidentiality was respected. As an insurance agent, I am very mindful of individual's privacy.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, understand that while I am very new to this great community of rally enthusiasts, my only intention is to be useful by bringing you information that will hopefully help you understand that each and every one of you can affect the future of rally in America by the choices you make when you race, when you volunteer and when you organize. While I personally have been impressed with the local club and organizers, appearantly from someone else's perspective, that is not always the case at other locations.
I look forward to many more rallies that will be safe for all to enjoy!
Femme
"If you drive in the right lane and it's too slow, move to the left"
1) Rally competitions both global and in the U.S. are all facing serious insurance pressure to address the primary concern of liability suits stemming from lack of consistent spectator area control.
Don't fool yourself by thinking that U.K., Ireland, Australia and others are not facing the same insurance issues. I've read various comments on sponsor support relating to poorly attended rallies due to "contained" spectator areas - Alas, this is probably a direct response to demands by insurance carriers. (How about a camera inside the leading competitors cars, that's what makes it so much fun to watch on speed, the arials are cool, but I personally enjoy the "inside" view with the navvie comments. How about you?)
Spectator area control is a very big concern for underwriters.
2) Lack of "consistent" Control Protocol from one rally to the next because local control volunteers do not have a chance to become proficient and effective since they typically only work one rally per year.
After speaking with one underwriter I found that the rally competition I volunteered at was exemplary in following recommended proceedures, but he pointed out there are still many rallies he has attended that do not follow these proceedure and found spectators driving against rally traffic just minutes before a stage was to start. One of your spectators could be an underwriter observing your event for risk evaluation!
3) Competitors and Organizers extend the event liability risk when their actions are deemed irresponsible even before and after the event has taken place.
One organizer was found driving at excessive speeds (almost racing speeds) prior to the event which caused a pending claim. Another incident involved a competitor driving the rally competition car after the event that also caused a pending claim.
4) Competitor claims are escalating for bodily injury and medical claims.
For my two cents worth, it would be worthwhile to place a task force in place that will come up with some real solutions to these objections, solutions that will show factual results=LESS CLAIMS ARISING FROM RALLIES by strict adhearance to standard proceedures.
Incidently, driver training and licensing was a concern, but much less than the ones listed above and one that is easily addressed.
*** Please don't read anything negative directed at anyone specifically, as no names were mentioned regarding these specific examples. Strict confidentiality was respected. As an insurance agent, I am very mindful of individual's privacy.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, understand that while I am very new to this great community of rally enthusiasts, my only intention is to be useful by bringing you information that will hopefully help you understand that each and every one of you can affect the future of rally in America by the choices you make when you race, when you volunteer and when you organize. While I personally have been impressed with the local club and organizers, appearantly from someone else's perspective, that is not always the case at other locations.
I look forward to many more rallies that will be safe for all to enjoy!
Femme
"If you drive in the right lane and it's too slow, move to the left"
