What would insurers classify as a modification?

[orinj]

I'll be getting my new Octavia vRS mark II at the end of the month and it's likely that I will want to make some changes to the car over the coming months and years.

Since I'm fairly new to the prospect of modifying my car I just wondered what changes would be considered as a modification and therefore necessary to inform my insurance either now or in the future. I expect than any engine changes (including remapped ECU) are a definite modification but where do you draw the line between major and minor cosmetic differences?

For example, how would the following be considered and would it be necessary to inform my insurer that these changes have been made?

1) Different sized wheels or same size with different rims
2) Lowered suspension
3) Tinted windows (unlikely to happen)
4) Car stereo replacement
5) Different exhaust
6) Under chassis neon lights

I'm joking about the last one. I dare anyone to do this to their Skoda because it rarely looks good unless the rest of the car is of the 'MAX Power' variety.

[Mr Grumpy]

IMHO I would advise your insurers of ANY modifications you have done, because a lot of them don't apply a surcharge if there are any non performance increasing mods. but they will refuse a claim if there are any non-declared mods. including alloys etc.
They insure a car exactly as it left the factory, in my experience even dealer fitted mudflaps have to be declared!
I know it seems petty, but when you get your insurance schedule, check for any discrepancies however small, and call them to confirm that you have these mods. covered, and get it in writing !
I speak from bitter experience !!

[PussCat]

I'd agree with what graham said.... I put 16" alloys on my Octy (it came with 15" steelies) and when I came to renew, I was amazed how many insurers refused to quote cos they saw it as a modded car!! So just tell 'em everything - seems safer that way

[orinj]

Thanks for that guys. What about optional extras that were fitted by the factory as new but were chosen by me? For example, I have asked for 18" wheels instead of the standard 17" but these are not modifications I have made after purchase.

So long as I have stated the increased value of the car, surely the additional expense of these optional extras will compensate for the need to specify each and every option added.

[Goochie]

Modifications to the standard spec - that includes dealer/factory fit options.

[Moose]

As Goochie says, even if you tick an option box, its a mod now these days. Mine's a modded car, why? Because I have rear parking sensors and so no-one except the specialists will touch me.

[Goochie]

I thought about a Nismo air filter on the Z but decided the insurance would just be silly. Best policy is to buy a car that have big wheels and a loud exhaust to start with

[orinj]

Great. I think I'll declare everything and see what they say. It just seems such a hassle but then it will be even more of a hassle if I don't declare it and need to make a claim that is invalidated.

Cheers

[Goochie]

Be warned though that even asking for a quote on a mod will be logged in their records.

For example if you ask about a remap, then tell them you're not going to have it done but DO have it done, in the event of a claim they will look for the remap.

A friend learnt this the hard way with his MK4 Golf a few years ago. insurer was Direct Line who had previously told him he couldnt mod the car as he was under 25.

[inexeng]

I knew a lad in Buxton, where I used to live
Had a Saxo VTR, all standard except he replaced the alloys with new ones.
Same size as it came with from the factory, so he kept the factory tyres

Two weeks old (on his mummys insurance) skidded on ice through a wall wrapped it around a tree

Insurance assesor came, saw different alloys, then walked away laughing and said NO CHANCE
He even got sued by a farmer to rebulid the wall !! now his mum is blacklisted for not declaring mods

Be Warned

Andy

[CupraR-Rog]

Originally Posted by orinj

1) Different sized wheels or same size with different rims
2) Lowered suspension
3) Tinted windows (unlikely to happen)
4) Car stereo replacement
5) Different exhaust
6) Under chassis neon lights

1) Definate mod they'll spot a mile off - declare it!
2) Definate mod they'll spot a mile off - declare it!
3) Definate mod thay'll spot a mile off - declare it! Oh, and even if you do declar the tints, if they're illegal then your insurance is invalid anyway!
4) Talk to your insurers about this - this depends what you have done.
5) Definate mod that they will spot, and hear if they fire the thing up!! Declare it!
6) Oh dear...

[modoc]

I've just taken delivery of my new Fabia vRS and was so disappointed with the handling that I decided on Eibach springs and probably an ARB to help both roadholding and handling.

Called my insurance company to gauge their reaction and costs - just for the springs. They were reluctant to tell me as they said it would have to be referred after the springs had been fitted. I pressed them to tell me the cost and it was £33.35 extra, plus an additional £250 excess.

Must say, they know how to handle their risk Can't think what it would cost to add all the other mods you have itemized