Modifications - What Do Insurance Companies Do?

[Batem4n]

Hi, everyone.

I have a Ford Fiesta Flight (2002). I'm 18, and I passed my test in January 2015.

I'm interested in modifying my car, but does anybody know what insurance companies do about it?

First off, I'm not going to be lowering my suspension... well, at least not yet.

I'm thinking tinted windows, a new exhaust, etc.

However, I know some insurance companies that won't even allow stickers. Stickers!

Therefore, I'm asking if anybody knows what happens if you modify your car - such as tint your windows (for example). Do you really need to tell the insurance company? If so, what action will they take? Does anybody know if they can increase your premium or even cancel your policy?

I won't be attempting anything as of yet. I need to know whether this is a good choice or not.

Thanks! :)

[laumk7]

Yes you need to tell them, and price will possibly change depending on the mod

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

[SeanW]

Best bet would be to ring them up and ask for a quote. Then you can decide if you want to change anything.

Also worth doing mods together to avoid multiple administration fees

[TomsFocus]

Price will almost certainly go up for mods at your age. It's different for each person though, so you need to phone the company in advanceto check how much the increase would be, and if they allow the mod at all. Some will refuse to cover some mods.

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,

Feel free to give us a try for insurance if you like. As mentioned, you do need to disclose all modifications to your insurance company.

As a modified specialist I would like to think we can help. If you wanted to PM me your details I would be happy to arrange for our quotes team to get in touch.

Kind regards,

Dan.

[thatfiestaguy]

I wanted to modify my 2011 Fiesta 1.4 Diesel (Worth approx £5K) and called my insurer (LV) and advised i'd considered putting a rear spoiler on it (the rear boot spoiler the Zetec S has - to be precise) and some alloys, they advised me my £695 a year premium with 3 years no claims would increase by £124.00 to make aforementioned modifications.... still sat on the fence about it :P

[IcePax]

I forgot to inform my insurers about the Amber lights I'd had fitted behind my front grille and in rear window. I panicked slightly when i had to report an accident i had to them (!Removed! BMW drivers) but i explained what they were and what they were for and theh were fine with it. No increase nothing. Mind you, if the BMW driver hadn't taken photos of the front ones i probably still wouldn't have declared them as i was told that, as they don't affect the performance of the car, they don't need to be.

[jeebowhite]

Always report every mod, no matter how small... One little undeclared could easily void the policy

[IcePax]

funny thing is though, my insurance company agreed with my comment that i didn't need to declare them.

Oh well, it was a recorded phone call so my backside is (now) covered LOL