11 replies to this topic

[JamesFRD]

sorry if this is in the wrong section but i was wondering if i could get some advice on my insurance in regards to modifications. basically ive read that if there are any engine modifications then this can obviously make your insurance go up in price, but what about visual modifications?

ive got a few plans such as lowering springs, new wheels, new exhaust and slight tints etc. would these all need to be claimed? i have no intention of modiying the engine to create more power.

i know this might sound like an obvious question but its my first car, so any help would be appreciated.

[DanGersFord]

Visual mods such as body kit, tinted windows, alloys etc still need to be declared but wont make your premium go up an awful lot, anything that'll boost performance however slightly (that includes the exhaust) will bump it up more, how much more depends on how many performance mods you make, generally you can do as many visual mods as you like and it wont bump it up too much as the insurance company normally only replace factory fitted parts anyway

[DanGersFord]

Lowering springs are normally classed as a performance mod aswel

[jeebowhite]

Agreed, I put a theoretical mod into the insurance company and said I wanted to add cruise control, and tint the windows. the difference was £30.00 on the insurance quote (barely anything). I would say, before you do ANY mods, always go to the comparison sites, put your car in as it is now, then do a quote with all your wanted mod's - that will give you an idea of what you are going to get charged at the end.

[NorthSussex]

Declare all mods however minor, or in the event of a claim the insurance company may try to wriggle out of paying because a mod was not declared.

[gforce]

As above, check the differences on the comparison sites beforehand, or even just give them a call directly as it's a hypothetical scenario. It's up to yourself really if you declare all the mods, but as mentioned, it's a big risk as insurance companies will enjoy finding the smallest loophole or inaccuracy to avoid paying out!

The difference of £30 on jeebowhite's example could be 10 times that given that it's your first car (maybe a slight exaggeration there!) so you should def check it out first.

Different companies will look at mods in different ways. The guys above have said visual mods shouldn't affect it much, only performance. But I remember a few years back I was after a Leon with the BTCC factory fitted bodykit. When I rang for insurance quotes and they asked about mods, I mentioned it had the kit, and as soon as I said the word 'bodykit' the guy on the other end said they don't touch anything with bodykits! I had to explain it was a factory fitted optional extra and he was fine then, but just gives you an idea of the prejudice that some crowds will have towards certain mods.

[iNath]

If you change the car from how it came out the factory it's a modification (excluding the obvious like tyres, battery, bulbs etc)

[b1g_dav3]

Don't go on price comparison sites to see if there's a jump in price, when you ring your insurance company they'll find the information and think you've done it without declaring in some cases >.<

[DanGersFord]

Don't go on price comparison sites to see if there's a jump in price, when you ring your insurance company they'll find the information and think you've done it without declaring in some cases >.<

Thats true they did that too me when I was checking to see how much itd cost me to fit my body kit and they took £67 out of my account and then informed me about why a couple of days after. I phoned them up and went absolutely mental at them cus they arent meant to take any money without first informing you

[NorthSussex]

If you just want to do a check on comparison sites do it anonymously.

[JamesFRD]

Cheers for the advice lads, i'll bear all that in mind! Its definitley not worth the risk of my insurance not paying out if i havent declared anything.

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Cheers for the advice lads, i'll bear all that in mind! Its definitley not worth the risk of my insurance not paying out if i havent declared anything.

Hi,
If you need any help with a quotation feel free to give us a try if you like. You can always PM me your details and I would be happy to get one of my quotes team to give you a call back.
We have a number of specialist schemes for modified cars and remember that club members can receive a discount of up to 15%.
Regards,
Dan.