What you don't know about Hypercar- but should!
Hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron are masterpieces of engineering - but protecting them requires more than standard insurance.
Chapter 1: Why Hypercar is a topic all of its own
If you think car insurance is just an annoying compulsory premium, then you've probably never owned a Hypercar . Because as soon as a vehicle exceeds the 1 million euro mark, shoots down the road (or race track) with 1,000+ hp and comes from a limited series, a completely different world begins - also in terms of insurance.
Exoticism entails extra risks
Hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Jesko or Pagani Huayra are no ordinary means of transportation - they are rolling works of art, technological masterpieces and prestige objects. This is precisely what makes their insurance so special. It's not just about simple damage caused by accidents or theft, but also about risks such as:
Transport and shipping damage (e.g. during delivery, events, trackdays)
Engine or gearbox damage due to extreme loads
Damage during non-public driving events (e.g. Nürburgring-Nordschleife)
Vandalism or targeted theft by organized gangs
Standard is not enough - and is often not offered at all
Many conventional insurers simply reject hypercars - not only because of the high sums involved, but also because the risk assessment is much more complex. For example, some insurers require safety precautions such as:
Video-monitored single parking space garage concept
GPS-supported positioning system with emergency call function
Restrictions on use (e.g. no use in winter or on public track days)
Even if a standard insurance policy were to allow it, the sums insured would usually be completely inadequate - and in an emergency the owner would be left with a total loss without adequate compensation.
It's not just about money - it's about trust
Hypercar is not just a product, but a personal relationship between the owner, insurance broker and insurer. Collectors and owners often work with specialist providers who specialize in exclusive vehicles, classic cars and rare supercars. In many cases, policies are customized - depending on driving behavior, storage location, international use and planned events.
Particularly in the case of highly limited models - such as a Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta or a McLaren Speedtail - the loss of a vehicle can be a serious blow not only financially, but also emotionally and as a collector. The loss of value due to spare parts that are no longer true to the original or repairs by non-accredited workshops can be enormous.
Anyone who can afford a Hypercar often underestimates the importance of precisely coordinated insurance. After all, it's not just about being "covered", but about preserving value, rarity and performance - and therefore far more than just a policy on paper. Tailor-made insurance is as much a part of the Hypercar as carbon, titanium and active aerodynamics - just in the background.
Chapter 2: Basics - What Hypercar actually is
2.1 Definition of a hypercar
The term "Hypercar" is often used, but rarely clearly defined. In essence, it describes vehicles that push the limits of what is technically feasible in every respect. Hypercars are the pinnacle of automotive technology - and this applies equally to performance, design, materials and exclusivity.
In contrast to super sports cars such as a Porsche 911 Turbo S or an Audi R8, which are still produced in large numbers, hypercars almost always are:
Extremely limited (e.g. "1 of 99" or less)
Equipped with enormous performance data (often over 1,000 hp)
Priced well above the million mark
Technologically experimental or groundbreaking (e.g. active chassis, hybrid drives, carbon monocoques)
Brands such as Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Pagani, McLaren (e.g. Speedtail), Rimac and Ferrari (e.g. LaFerrari) are considered typical Hypercar. More recently, newcomers such as Czinger and De Tomaso have also joined them with extremely limited edition models.
These vehicles are not just collector's items - they are high-performance machines with complex technology and high market value. This is precisely what makes them a class of their own in terms of insurance.
2.2 Differentiation from normal motor vehicle insurance
Normal car insurance consists of three components: Third-party liability insurance, partial casco and fully comprehensive cover. These usually cover damage to third parties, theft, glass breakage or accidents - based on current values, type classes and no-claims bonuses.
But with a Hypercar like a Pagani Huayra BC or a Koenigsegg Jesko, this system is no longer sufficient:
Type classes do not apply: there is no sound statistical risk basis for a vehicle that is only registered in one or two examples in Germany.
The current value principle is unsuitable: Many hypercars increase in value - especially if they are rarely driven, maintained and well stored. A "depreciation due to age" is simply unrealistic here.
Workshop loyalty is problematic: normal insurers often require the use of partner workshops - but for a vehicle from a small series with titanium screws and a handcrafted interior, there are usually only a handful of specialists worldwide.
The administrative process also differs: while normal policies can often be taken out online, Hypercar are usually calculated individually. There are no rate calculators - instead, factors such as storage conditions, market value appraisals, trackday use or international transportation are included in the valuation.
Another point: many insurers simply refuse to insure such vehicles. They lack the expertise, the infrastructure or the reinsurance capacity to cover losses in the millions in the event of an emergency.
2.3 Why standard insurance is often not enough
Anyone who believes that fully comprehensive insurance for a Lamborghini Aventador also works for a Lamborghini Centenario is very much mistaken. Even if both vehicles are from the same brand, the Centenario, with its limited edition of 40 cars worldwide and a new price of around 2 million euros, is in a completely different category - with different risks.
Here are three key reasons why standard insurance policies fail:
1. determination of value is imprecise
Normal insurers are based on the list price or the current value. But what if the vehicle has long since doubled or tripled in value on the collectors' market? In an emergency, insurance based on the wrong value means: total loss - but only partial reimbursement. Only specialist insurers work with replacement values based on expert opinions and dynamically adjust the insurance cover in the event of an increase in value.
2. insurance conditions exclude central risks
What many owners don't know: Traditional policies often completely exclude track days, trips to racetracks or even exclusive events from insurance cover. Transport trips - whether on a trailer, by air freight or container - are also rarely covered. Yet this is precisely the reality for many Hypercar.
What's more, many standard insurance policies only cover vandalism, natural disasters or theft within narrow limits. However, hypercars are the focus of organized theft gangs with above-average frequency or are deliberately damaged - a particularly well-known risk in regions such as southern France, northern Italy or London.
3. lack of experts and repair partners
After a claim, every minute counts - and every part. But what if the insurer's expert has never seen a vehicle of this class? Or if a non-authorized workshop carries out a repair that ruins the collector's value? Standard insurance companies are not familiar with such scenarios. Specialist providers, on the other hand, work with accredited appraisers, OEM-certified workshops and even international logistics services.
Chapter 3: Overview of insurance types for hypercars
If you own a Hypercar - be it a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, a Pagani Huayra or a Rimac Nevera - it is not enough to simply take out "fully comprehensive" insurance. The reality is much more complex. Hypercar are made up of various modules that need to be customized. Below we give you an overview of the common types of insurance that may be relevant for your vehicle - and where the differences lie.
3.1 Liability, partial and fully comprehensive cover - the basis
With Hypercars, too, everything starts with the familiar three pillars of car insurance. However, their structure differs greatly from the standard model:
Liability insurance
Legally required, it covers damage that you cause to third parties with your vehicle. This is not usually a problem for hypercars - but the amount of cover is. Many owners opt for voluntarily increased sums insured, often up to 100 million euros, so that they are not personally liable in an emergency.Partial casco
Usually includes damage caused by theft, glass breakage, fire or natural events. In the case of hypercars, however, the insurer checks exactly where and how the vehicle is stored. Some insurers exclude open carports or underground garages without video surveillance.Fully comprehensive insurance
Also covers damage caused by the driver. In the world of hypercars, however, it often has to be extended - e.g. to cover damage caused by driving errors on closed private roads or at exclusive events. Pay particular attention to the scope of cover and any deductibles in the five-digit range.
Important: This basic insurance is often only the beginning for hypercars. The real risks usually lie outside of classic driving.
3.2 All-risk cover (all-risk insurance)
All-risk cover is what we think of in everyday life as "all-round carefree" - but at a price. This insurance basically covers all conceivable causes of damage, unless they are explicitly excluded. Typical advantages:
Protection against almost all external influences (incl. vandalism, transport damage, operating errors)
Also valid abroad and on private routes, if agreed
Reimbursement at replacement value on the basis of a regular valuation report
This policy is particularly interesting for collectors and investors, as it not only covers financial losses, but also enables value retention through precisely insured repairs.
But be careful: not everything is automatically covered. Participation in races, gross negligence and intentional damage are often excluded here too - or only covered with additional clauses.
3.3 Trackday and event insurance
Trackday drives like this one on the racetrack are essential for many Hypercar- but often not insured without a suitable supplementary policy.
A Bugatti was built to be driven - but not every meter driven is automatically insured. Trackdays in particular, i.e. non-public driving events on closed-off racetracks, are expressly excluded from normal policies.
Special trackday insurances cover:
Damage to your own vehicle
Damage to third parties (if not covered by organizer's liability insurance)
Transportation and temporary storage during the event
The insurance is only valid for the respective event or a predefined period of time. It is often expensive, but almost mandatory for vehicles worth over 1 million euros if you are not collecting exclusively as an exhibit.
Tip: Some insurers offer so-called "trackday packages" for frequent drivers or collectors with several vehicles - also as an annual flat rate.
3.4 Transport and logistics insurance
A Hypercar is rarely permanently parked in the garage at home. Many vehicles are regularly moved on the road, on a trailer, by air freight or in a container - to trade fairs, concours events, auctions or service centers.
Standard insurance policies often exclude transport damage, especially for international shipping. That's why you need separate transport insurance that protects against, among other things:
Damage due to loading or movement
Loss or theft during logistics
Delays or damage caused by third parties (e.g. shipping companies, customs)
This policy is essential for international collectors. It can also be part of an all-risk insurance policy, but often has to be applied for separately and provided with route details.
Chapter 4: Cost factors - Why Hypercar is so expensive
Insurance cover for a Hypercar often costs tens of thousands of euros per year. But what exactly is the reason for this? Why is the premium for a Ferrari SF90 Stradale or Koenigsegg Jesko many times higher than for a Porsche 911 Turbo S - even though both vehicles are fast, expensive and powerful?
The answer lies in a combination of vehicle value, risk, rarity and individual requirements. If you want to understand why Hypercar is so cost-intensive, you need to know the various factors that determine the premium - and what role the owner plays in this.
4.1 Vehicle value & exclusivity
The most important factor when calculating the premium is the insurance value of the vehicle. In the case of hypercars, we are quickly talking about sums between 1 and 5 million euros, sometimes even more - such as the Bugatti Divo, Aston Martin Valkyrie or a Pagani Imola.
Some vehicles increase in value over time, for example due to limited supply, special series or prominent previous owners. For the insurer, this means that even in the event of a total loss, a vehicle may not only have to be replaced, but also procured at great expense worldwide - often at the collector's price, not the original price.
In addition, hypercars are almost always unique or individually equipped vehicles that cannot be easily reconstructed. This exclusive character increases the potential loss amount - and therefore also the insurer's reserve to be calculated.
4.2 Spare parts supply & repair costs
Another key issue is the enormous repair costs. Damage to a carbon monocoque, damaged active aerodynamics or a hybrid battery module with motorsport technology can cost six-figure sums - even for comparatively "minor" damage.
What's more, spare parts are often only available in limited quantities and sometimes have to be imported from abroad - with corresponding delivery times and surcharges. In some cases, certain components no longer exist and have to be custom-made.
Example: A new bumper for a Pagani Huayra Roadster can cost up to 70,000 euros, depending on the equipment - excluding painting and installation.
In addition, many insurers require that work is only carried out in workshops certified by the manufacturer. Although this is in the interests of value retention, it also means higher labor costs, longer downtimes and more complex logistics. The result: higher premiums to cover these risks.
4.3 Safety and parking conditions
Where and how the Hypercar is stored plays a decisive role in the premium amount. Normal garages or parking spaces without a security concept are not sufficient. Many insurers require this:
Single parking space in a secure, alarm-protected environment
Video surveillance with 24/7 access
GPS tracking system with theft notification
Motion detectors, fire protection and access control
The better the security precautions, the cheaper the premium can be - because the risk of burglary or theft is minimized. However, if appropriate protective measures are missing, the policy will either be more expensive or not offered at all.
Especially in highly criminalized areas - such as London's West End, southern France or northern Italy - stricter requirements are standard.
4.4 Personal risk profile of the owner
It's not just the vehicle that counts - the driver is also assessed. Insurers calculate individually on the basis of:
Age and driving experience
Certificates of good conduct or previous insurance behavior
Mileage per year
Participation in trackdays or racing events
Second or third vehicle regulations
A 60-year-old collector with completed driving experience, an air-conditioned hall and hardly any kilometers driven pays significantly less than a 25-year-old entrepreneur who sometimes visits the Nürburgring with the vehicle.
Track days, aggressive driving or high wear and tear (e.g. frequent tire and brake replacements) have a negative impact on the premium amount - especially if no supplementary special insurance has been taken out.
The question of who drives the vehicle also plays a role. Many Hypercar apply exclusively to the vehicle owner. Third parties - such as chauffeurs, business partners or family members - are often subject to surcharges or exclusions.
Chapter 5: Underestimated risks - what many owners don't consider
Even if you think you have insured your Hypercar "perfectly", there are many risks lurking in the small print or in everyday situations that can end up being surprisingly expensive. Especially in the world of hyper sports cars, it is a fallacy to believe that fully comprehensive or all-risk insurance provides comprehensive protection in every case. In fact, there are numerous underestimated risks that are either not insured in an emergency - or can lead to massive conflicts with the insurer.
5.1 Risks not covered in the small print
Many Hypercar rely on the buzzword "all-risk coverage" and believe that this automatically covers every risk. But even these premium policies contain exclusion clauses that need to be read carefully.
Typical exclusions:
Racing events and timekeeping
Even legal trackdays without timekeeping may be excluded - unless insured separately.Gross negligence or intent
Anyone who drives on slick tires in icy conditions or intentionally deactivates the ESP may be acting with gross negligence - and may lose their insurance cover in an emergency.Unauthorized use
If the vehicle is driven by a person who is not registered according to the policy (e.g. an unregistered family member), this can lead to the exclusion of benefits.Increase in value without notification
If the market value of the hypercar increases (e.g. due to demand or collector's value) but the insured value is not adjusted, this can lead to underinsurance - with dramatic consequences in the event of total loss.
It is often the case that anything that is not included in writing is excluded in case of doubt. It is therefore crucial to check each policy individually - and also to plan for regular updates, for example in the event of changes in value or use.
5.2 Damage due to incorrect operation or trackdays
Hypercars have extreme performance data and technical refinements - launch control, race modes, active aero setup or hybrid recuperation require a high level of driving skill. Damage caused by incorrect operation, e.g. when shifting gears in manual mode or improperly using race mode on a wet road, is not covered by many insurance policies.
Just as tricky: Trackday driving without separate cover. Even if the driver believes they are driving "just for fun", many insurers regard this as a motorsport-like event. If damage occurs, benefits can be refused - even in the event of minimal third-party damage or simple contact with the crash barrier.
Some policies even exclude damage to tires and brakes as a matter of principle, although these often cost several thousand euros in hypercars due to the high load.
5.3 Passenger and co-driver risks
One aspect that is often overlooked is passenger cover. Many insurance policies offer only limited or no cover for passengers - especially if the vehicle is used outside of public road traffic (e.g. at events or abroad).
Example: A friend is allowed to ride along in your Lamborghini Revuelto on a photo shoot - but skidding on a loose surface results in personal injury. Without a clear regulation on passenger insurance, you as the owner could in the worst case face private liability - in addition to the excess or premium increase.
Particularly tricky: If a passenger is injured during unauthorized use (e.g. on a closed-off private property), the insurance company can get out completely - even if the driver is clearly at fault.
Chapter 6: Specialty insurers and international policies
If you own a Hypercar , you need an insurance partner who can do more than just use standardized rate calculators. This is because traditional insurance companies quickly reach their limits when it comes to million-dollar values, racetrack use and international deployment. The solution: specialized providers who focus on luxury, collector's and high-performance vehicles - often with tailor-made policies, personal support and worldwide cover.
But which insurers offer such benefits? How do offers differ within Europe, in the UK or the USA? And when do offshore policies even make sense? We clarify all this in this chapter.
6.1 Providers who specialize in luxury vehicles
In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, there are only a few providers with real experience in the Hypercar sector. They often do not work directly, but through exclusive broker networks that are networked with experts, appraisers and workshops.
✅ Example insurers in German-speaking countries:
Hiscox Germany
One of the best-known specialist insurers in the luxury segment. Offers individually tailored policies for collector's vehicles, rare one-offs and racing cars. Trackday options, value enhancement cover and worldwide transportation can be selected in many packages.Zurich Classic Car Insurance (via specialized brokers)
Actually specializes in classic cars and collector's vehicles, but is also open to modern hypercars on individual request - especially in a collector's context.Helvetia Exklusiv
Helvetia offers a solution for "special risks" through its premium line, including in the super sports car segment. A good option for customers in Switzerland.OCC Assekuradeur (Oldie Car Cover)
Although primarily focused on classic cars, OCC also looks after limited special vehicles with collector's value via partner networks - on the basis of market value appraisals and special policies.Südvers Group / Hendricks GmbH
Large brokerage houses with specialized "Private Risk" departments that place individual Hypercar with international partners such as Lloyd's of London or HDI.
These providers generally check each request manually, create individual policies on a customer profile basis and also integrate exotic requirements - such as use on cordoned-off airfields or events with media participation.
6.2 Differences between EU, UK and US insurers
Depending on where your Hypercar is located, registered or driven, different requirements and insurance cultures apply. If you are traveling internationally, you should be aware of the regional particularities - especially in the event of a claim.
🇪🇺 EU insurance
Within the EU, harmonized minimum standards for motor vehicle liability apply. For hypercars, however, only specialized insurers offer cross-border packages. Pay attention here:
Validity for temporary stays abroad
Co-insurance of events, transportation and events outside the country of registration
Translated policies for claims in other EU countries
Cross-border cover is possible, but requires a clear agreement with the insurer and often additional documents (e.g. international cover card).
🇬🇧 Great Britain
The UK market is a pioneer for specialty insurance, particularly through the Lloyd's market. Many policies there are processed via so-called coverholders - these are authorized brokers or agencies that act on behalf of Lloyd's.
Well-known providers from the UK:
Adrian Flux - Highly experienced specialist insurer for exotic cars, trackday vehicles and collectors' cars.
Footman James - Traditional supplier with a focus on valuable classics and custom-made products.
Mann Broadbent - Also insures vehicles for film, exhibition or media production - including special risks.
The advantage of British policies: high flexibility, value cover instead of current value and often lower premiums with secure storage.
🇺🇸 USA
In the USA, insurers such as Hagerty, Chubb, American Collectors Insurance and Grundys are market leaders in the luxury segment. Important: Rates vary greatly from state to state and depend on storage conditions, annual mileage and US driver's license, among other factors.
Special feature: Agreed Value Policies, where the replacement value is contractually fixed - ideal for value appreciation and investment protection.
6.3 Offshore insurance for collectors
For collectors who own several vehicles in different countries - often with residence in fiscally attractive foreign countries or with warehouses in Monaco, Dubai or the Channel Islands - so-called offshore policies can be useful.
These policies often run via reinsurers based in :
Guernsey or Jersey
Cayman Islands
Liechtenstein
Lloyd's of London
Advantages:
International coverage with worldwide protection
Multilingual policies (e.g. German / English / French)
Customizable damage definitions, e.g. for trackdays or VIP events
Tax-optimized premium models with a complex residence/vehicle mix
Example: An investor resident in Dubai who has a Rimac Nevera parked in a hall in Germany can take out a global insurance policy with transport, event and downtime cover through a broker based in Liechtenstein - including direct communication with specialist workshops worldwide.
Caution: Offshore policies are usually not intended for everyday users, but for collectors with several vehicles, a high level of expertise and a clear separation of driving and exhibition use. In addition, the entry costs are high - an annual premium of less than €10,000 is hardly realistic.
Chapter 7: Tips for properly securing your hypercar
Insuring a Hypercar is not a standardized process - and that's precisely why there are pitfalls. The choice of insurer, the structure of the policy and your own behavior as the owner can determine whether you are protected in an emergency - or, in the worst case, risk losing millions.
The following tips and questions will keep you on the safe side.
7.1 What you should look out for when choosing
Before you sign a contract, make sure that the insurer has proven experience with high-performance vehicles or collector's items. Anyone who has only insured Teslas and BMW M models in the past will be out of their depth for a Koenigsegg or a Pagani.
Checklist for the selection:
Knowledge of the Hypercar: Are there already customers with similar vehicles?
Individual valuations instead of flat-rate current value insurance
Global coverage for transportation, exhibition and travel abroad
Additional options for trackdays, media use or concierge service
Cooperation with manufacturer-certified workshops and experts
Tip: Good insurers take the time to advise you. You should be skeptical about "instant deals" without asking about the location, use or performance of the vehicle.
7.2 Questions you should ask your insurer
With hypercars in particular, it is crucial to ask specific questions - it is often only during the conversation that it becomes clear whether the provider is really prepared. Here are some essential questions:
How is the vehicle value determined in the event of damage?
- Agreed value or just replacement value?Are trackdays or private driving events also insured?
- If yes: What conditions apply?What happens in the event of an increase in value or special conversions?
- Is the policy automatically adjusted?Is the protection valid internationally (e.g. for events in Dubai, UK, Monaco)?
Are there any restrictions on driving licenses?
- Only owners? Also family members or chauffeurs?How quickly is the claim settled - and by whom?
These questions will help you to distinguish between "marketing promises" and the real scope of services.
7.3 Typical hedging mistakes - and how to avoid them
Even experienced owners fall into the same traps again and again. Here are the most common mistakes - and how you can avoid them:
Chapter 8: Insurance and investment - How policies can affect the value of your hypercar
A Hypercar is not just a vehicle - in many cases it is an asset with the potential to increase in value. Models such as the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, the Bugatti Divo or the McLaren Elva have achieved considerable increases in market value in a short space of time. This is precisely why it is crucial that insurance is not just seen as a cost factor - but as a strategic tool for protecting and increasing value.
8.1 Influence on resale value
When reselling a hypercar, condition plays a key role - and this is closely linked to the insurance history. Buyers are increasingly attaching importance to the following points:
Documented absence of claims (also via proof of insurance)
Repairs exclusively at OEM-certified workshops
Complete proof of maintenance, safety and location
Individual all-risk insurance as an indicator of trust
A potential buyer will place significantly more trust in a vehicle that has been professionally insured. Many collectors and investors even explicitly request insurance certificates or histories before investing large sums of money.
In addition, certain policies - e.g. with a fixed value agreement (agreed value) - can avoid disputes in the event of a sale, for example when it comes to valuation in the event of a trade-in or auction.
8.2 Certificates of insurance for auctions & collectors' fairs
Certificates of insurance are now standard, especially at renowned auction houses such as RM Sotheby's, Bonhams or Artcurial. They are not only used there to value objects, but also as a signal of confidence for potential buyers.
Typically requested are:
The currently valid policy with insured value
Proof of no outstanding or unrepaired damage
History of secured events or transports
Confirmation of storage and safety standards
Incomplete or incomplete insurance cover can not only depress the selling price, but in the worst case can lead to the rejection of a lot at high-value auctions. Insurance therefore also acts as a reputational tool in the luxury car market.
8.3 Insurance as part of the vehicle portfolio
Many Hypercar don't just own a vehicle - they manage an automotive investment portfolio. In these cases, insurance becomes a strategic component of asset management.
Advantages of professional integration:
Collective policies for several vehicles with optimized premiums
Regular appraisals to value the entire portfolio
Securing infrequent storage, transportation or rotations between international locations
Avoidance of tax conflicts when insurance is combined with certificates of value
Some insurers even offer cooperation with family offices or asset managers in order to integrate hypercars into existing investment strategies. For example, liquidity reserves can be hedged via lendable policies or vehicles can be recorded as an alternative asset class with documented security.
Insurance fulfills a dual function here: protection in the event of damage and transparency for valuation, financial planning and proof of ownership.
Chapter 9: Practical examples & real cases of damage
In theory, insurance cover often sounds clear and understandable - but it is only in practice that it becomes clear how crucial the right policy really is. Particularly with hypercars, which are often worth seven figures, damage can have financial and emotional consequences that go far beyond the mere repair costs.
In this chapter, we take a look at real or realistic damage scenarios that show which mistakes had fatal consequences - or how well-protected owners were rescued in an emergency.
9.1 The case of a McLaren P1 on the track
An entrepreneur from Frankfurt owned a McLaren P1 worth around 1.4 million euros. As a passionate driver, he signed up for a private track day at the Hockenheimring. What he overlooked: His existing fully comprehensive insurance explicitly excluded use on closed-off race tracks.
When accelerating out of a bend, he lost control on slightly damp asphalt - the vehicle crashed sideways into the crash barrier. The damage: front, side skirts, wheel suspension, active aerodynamics - repair costs of over 270,000 euros.
But the shock came when the claim was reported: The insurance company refused to pay the claim, citing the trackday clause in the contract. The owner had to bear the costs himself - and also accept the loss in value on subsequent resale.
Lesson:
Trackdays are not automatically insured - even with all-risk policies. If you want to drive on closed tracks, you need separate, day-specific trackday insurance.
9.2 Burglary in a collector's hall in Monaco
A wealthy collector residing in Monte Carlo had five of his vehicles - including a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and a Ferrari Enzo - stored in an air-conditioned hall with access control. Despite the security system, several vehicles were damaged and two were stolen during a coordinated operation. The loss amounted to over 6 million euros.
The insurance took effect - but only partially. Why?
The hall was not under round-the-clock video surveillance, as required by the policy
A motion detector had been out of order for months
The GPS tracking of the vehicles was not activated for three of them
As a result, the insurance company only paid a partial amount - citing a breach of safety regulations. The owner had to bear the rest of the loss himself.
Lesson:
Insurers only provide full coverage if all contractually agreed safety requirements are met - in case of doubt, every sensor counts. These requirements are often much stricter for hypercars than for normal vehicles.
9.3 How an insurance dispute almost ruined a Bugatti
A British millionaire had insured his Bugatti Chiron with a specialist London insurer with an "agreed value policy" - for a fixed value of 2.6 million pounds. When a fire broke out in the underground garage that was not his fault, the Chiron was badly damaged.
However, the insurer delayed the settlement on the grounds that the vehicle had not been driven regularly, as stipulated in the policy. The owner had not driven the car for over 12 months - which was deemed "non-contractual use" according to the contract.
The dispute ended up in court, and although the plaintiff was ultimately vindicated, the process took over two years. The resale value of the vehicle, which had since been repaired, had fallen significantly - and the owner had to pay several million in advance in the meantime.
Lesson:
Even with seemingly watertight policies such as "Agreed Value", unclear contract wording or lack of use can lead to performance conflicts. Regular use or explicit standstill clauses should be clarified in writing.
Chapter 10: Conclusion - Safeguarding as part of the Hypercar
Owning a Hypercar means much more than just driving a vehicle with over 1,000 hp. It is an expression of individuality, technical fascination, but also an investment with high risk and value potential. And this is precisely why insurance is not just a compulsory task, but an elementary part of responsible handling of such a vehicle.
Many owners underestimate how complex, individual and prone to gaps the insurance cover for a Hypercar can be. While standard comprehensive insurance may be sufficient for everyday vehicles, classic policies for Pagani, Koenigsegg, Bugatti & Co. quickly reach their limits - or even become a cost trap with six or seven-figure consequences in the event of an emergency.
Insurance as a strategic element - not just a protective shield
Anyone investing in a Hypercar is not only investing in emotion and performance, but also in a potentially stable or even value-enhancing asset. A professional, individually tailored insurance policy is therefore not just a form of risk protection, but a form of protection:
Part of strategic portfolio management
Guarantee of trust for buyers, auctioneers and valuers
Protection for events, transportation and international use
Basis for value retention in the event of accidents or repairs
Depending on use - be it as an everyday driver, trackday enthusiast or pure collector - the insurance modules must be tailored to suit. Standard solutions do not help here.
The biggest dangers often lurk in the details
As the practical examples show, it is often small carelessness that leads to problems that threaten the existence of the company: a missing GPS tracker, a motion detector that has not been activated, a clause on racetrack use that has been overlooked.
At the same time, it is clear that those who take a professional approach, work with specialist brokers, review contracts annually and document usage transparently can effectively insure against even complex risks - and receive a quick and uncomplicated replacement in the event of an emergency.
Responsibility begins before the start button
A Hypercar is more than just a means of transportation - it is a commitment. Anyone who drives a vehicle in this class bears responsibility: for themselves, for others and for maintaining the value of an automotive work of art. This responsibility is not only reflected on the road, but also on paper - in the insurance contract, in the safety concept and in the transparency towards the insurer.
The motto is: it's better to ask too many questions than to insure too little. And: insurance cover is not a side issue, but an integral part of the Hypercar.
