Race car drivers face a premium when it comes to life insurance (St. Petersburg Times)
**By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer**
Friday, October 21, 2011
Race car drivers know the risk of death follows them every time they strap on
a helmet.
That’s why most turn to specialized insurance brokers for life, medical and
disability coverage to protect them and their families in case of accidents,
like the 15-car wreck that killed St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon on
Sunday in Las Vegas.
While most insurance companies won’t cover drivers thanks to the hazards of
racing at 225 mph, a handful of specialists such as Gregory & Appel Insurance
do. The Indianapolis-based insurance firm works with IndyCar and covers about
30 teams and 20 drivers.
“Dan’s death is an absolute tragedy,” said Darren Hickey, the firm’s vice
president for motorsports. “It’s also kind of a slap in the face and a stark
reminder that motorsports is very dangerous.”
Racing teams have insurance to cover their employees, such as a pit crew
member who is struck by an errant tire. But drivers are independent
contractors, so they’re responsible for finding their own insurance plans.
It’s unclear whether Wheldon carried a policy.
Most IndyCar or NASCAR drivers are athletic and in good shape, so their base
premiums are …
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