Hi,

My son's thinking of having 3 things done to his Focus St line 22 plate but would they be classed as modifications and as such the Insurance co. will need to be advised? However these questions could relate to any/all Ford models.

Is this the place I am permitted to pose the questions or is there a more appropriate forum? I would rather not ask the questions just yet, in case I get into conflict.

Would someone kindly advise .

Thanks in advance

Yes this is the correct forum.

1 hour ago, alexp999 said:

Yes this is the correct forum.

Thanks.

He wants his wing mirrors and rear spoiler to be painted gloss black. At the moment they are colour co ordinated with the car's colour. He further wants his brake calipers to be painted yellow, to replace the one's already on the car; they are standard at present. I can't ask the insurance company ( for obvious reasons). Are any/all  considered as modifications? whereby the insurance company have to be informed? I understand the wing mirrors can come as a cover? If so, I don't know how they are put/stuck on?

I was young once so all he wants done I understand but am not willing to support him if they are considered as modifications, whereby the insurance will shoot up unnecessarily. I should be grateful for advice/guidance. Thanks in advance

Yes they SHOULD all be told to the insurance company. However it depends on the insurance company, some will say it doesn't need to be noted, some will note it without any change in premium (but it will only be insured as back to factory spec), others will require additional payment, or may refuse to provide cover.

There is no harm in asking, "Before we make this change, do you need to know, how does it affect my policy"? Although a sceptic might suggest they note this question and check if it was modified on any future claims, however I think that's unlikely.

Although there is no change in performance, the idea of even cosmetic modifications being higher risk is that it can draw more attention to the car and make it more desirable to be stolen or damaged. However, some insurers just have a bit of a habit of using anything as an excuse to charge you more.

Pretty much concur with Alex.

I have picked up the vibe in various places that merely asking a question about modifications can "mark your card" as someone who might be more of a risk. 

Insurers seem far more sensitive to modifications than was once the case. I recall many moons ago running through a list of engine and suspension mods with an insurer, and just been given an "OK, noted, no extra charge".  Can't see that happening now, especially with a younger driver!

 

 

3 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Pretty much concur with Alex.

I have picked up the vibe in various places that merely asking a question about modifications can "mark your card" as someone who might be more of a risk. 

Insurers seem far more sensitive to modifications than was once the case. I recall many moons ago running through a list of engine and suspension mods with an insurer, and just been given an "OK, noted, no extra charge".  Can't see that happening now, especially with a younger driver!

 

 

I am very grateful to you both and I too felt the same. May I ask "if it was done" , for argument sake ? (but not the calipers) could one say that's how I bought the car?

I don't know if it was offered on the Focus, but when the Mk 8 Fiesta was launched you could have a contrasting colour (including gloss black) on the door mirrors and roof including rear spoiler as a factory option. I think you can still get red calipers on a Focus ST- L as part of the appearance pack.

 

Hi.

If he has any issues with insurance at all for modifications then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

16 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

I don't know if it was offered on the Focus, but when the Mk 8 Fiesta was launched you could have a contrasting colour (including gloss black) on the door mirrors and roof including rear spoiler as a factory option. I think you can still get red calipers on a Focus ST- L as part of the appearance pack.

 

I know when we bought the car we were advised that for an extra £6000 we could get the ST LINE X. That one came with red calipers but I'm not sure it came with the wing mirrors and rear spoiler. I can't remember but I do recall telling my son NO WAY will you pay that amount. I know my son's going to be very upset but at least he has a car !!! 

2 minutes ago, DAN@ADRIAN FLUX said:

Hi.

If he has any issues with insurance at all for modifications then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

Hello Dan. I might just take you up on your very kind offer but I would be very reluctant to advise his Insurance co, what my son's trying to do. He's insured until August I think. I guarantee the insurance will go up a lot , regardless of any so called mods being added

I was going to comment on this thread, but have decided not to in case I incriminate myself 🤣🤣🤣

greetings Dan ---- 2007 ford focus ghia 100 1.6 automatic, any better than £360.01

I have to notify my insurance that i sometimes use my car to attend scrutiny meetings once or twice a year the rest are via the Teams portal, made zero difference to price but was a requirement also of the Housing Association i volunteer for.

8 minutes ago, Jimpster said:

greetings Dan ---- 2007 ford focus ghia 100 1.6 automatic, any better than £360.01

Not that easy! You'll have to complete an online form, then wait a few days for a team of experts to get back to you LOL 🤣