insurance modifications

[woody]

the insurance company have increased my insurance premium by £100 because of mods


but what is a mod and what is an accessory

brake pads wear anf i fit new ones
my bumper corrodes and i fir a new one

if i fit a roof rack is this an accessory or a mod
what about a tow hitch

the can of worms is now open

[Llanigraham]

As far as most insurance companies are concerned any permanent addition to the vehicle, over and above it's standard specification, is a modification.
Driving lights are an accessory, but are technically a modification.
A new steering whell is a modification.
Etc, etc.

[Mark_Solesbury]

haha

I love this one.

I normally just list everything regardless..... if something is not on there, then they will probably only use it to avoid paying in the event of a claim....  :twisted:

I keep meaning to list everything in detail rather than just 'Winch' specify type and model but haven't got round to it yet.

[dxmedia]

Is it OME?  If not it's a modification. Declaire it.

[Mark_Solesbury]

haha

I assume you mean OEM rather than OME.

An entire car made by Old Man Emu would be quite awesome!

[Gordo]

Some insurers are very fussy about what they will and won't accept as modifications. For example, my current insurer will not cover any modifications to my Freelander except for a switch from alloy to steel wheels - for which they want 25% extra premium.  :shock:

Other insurers, especially the specalist 4x4 insurers like Sureterm or Adrian Flux, are much more relaxed about it.

I've got my modifications timed to be just after my renewal because my intended insurer will cover my mods.

And if in doubt, declare it.

[J.D.]

If it alters your vehicle from the manufacturer's specification (IE: not standard - lift kits, larger tyres, winches ect) it becomes modified.

An accessory will still count as a modification (even down to things such as A bars and spotlights), even if it is purely cosmetic (such as window tints).

[dxmedia]

haha

I assume you mean OEM rather than OME.

An entire car made by Old Man Emu would be quite awesome!

 :oops: and I changed it - senior moment  :lol:

[adamdanshona]

Does a switch to mud tyres count as a mod even if they are the same size as factory?

[J.D.]

Does a switch to mud tyres count as a mod even if they are the same size as factory?

As far as I know, as long as you are only changing the type, and the size is the same, but the speed rating and weight rating are the same or higher, it should be fine.

[V8MoneyPit]

Does a switch to mud tyres count as a mod even if they are the same size as factory?

As far as I know, as long as you are only changing the type, and the size is the same, but the speed rating and weight rating are the same or higher, it should be fine.

But, once again, if in doubt, declare it. The problem is that if it meets all the OE spec, they shouldn't load the premium, but they might see it as an opportunity for a little extra cash from you anyway!

[adamdanshona]

How about a tow bar? I would see that as an accessary not a mod.

[TDi90]

if in doubt declare it.

[defuzz]

I've got one of these, is this a mod? :-)

[woody]

I've got one of these, is this a mod? :-)

just checked its OK if its green  :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Yoshi]

With NFU they were ok.

Told them about me winch setup, all they were concerned about was the vehicle value and weight, so if it didnt go above 3.5t they were happy with it. 

They upped me vehicle value to cover the cost of the winch and me premium stayed at what it was!

[V8MoneyPit]

Have you got the original air in the tyres? If not, have you replaced it with OE spec air or is an aftermarket version?

[adamdanshona]

If I fitted a go faster stripe will it effect my 0 to 60 time? and therfore effect my insurance? :lol:

[dxmedia]

Have you got the original air in the tyres? If not, have you replaced it with OE spec air or is an aftermarket version?

It's funny how there's a lot of people who jump and shout at having to disclose things to the insurance company.

It's also funny how there's people who jump and shout about people not having insurance.

Wonder how many are the same people.  If you've not declaired modifications knowingly then it's fraudulent and more than likely you will be uninsured.

If there are modifications unknown to you (previous owner not informing) then it's not fraudulent since you did not have intent to commit a crime.

If you make an alteration or modification to a vehicle, disclose it to the insurance company.  I know I've informed them of every one, and it's hardly effected my premium, maybe a ton in total.  For piece of mind that if (when) something bad happens and that arb is heading towards that car full of kids at their head height then at least the legal cover on my insurance will kick in.

Strange how there's never the post  - is it ok to drive without a licence....

[carbore]

Remember, modifications affect your "vehicle" in 3 different ways (in my mind anyway)

1. Its dynamics, e.g. acceleration, braking, cornering
2. Its theft risk, e.g shiny accessories, value of parts, colour even and pikies love a bit of bling
3. Its driver risk profile, controversial but insurance companies may perceive "modifiers" as higher risk, possibly ok generalization in most car areas but not necessarily in 4x4s

ANYTHING you do to a car thats not OEM will affect AT LEAST one of those risk areas. Some in the first group could reduce it but the factors in 2 and probably always 3 will over ride it. e.g. better brakes is surely a good thing, but if they think that you have indicated that you are the sort of driver who wants better brakes you (strange as it can sound) may be higher risk.

And a car air freshener is a risk if its hanging of the mirror like the one I say the other day, blocking lots of drivers view and swinging away!