what is classified as modification on a car for insurance purposes?

Question

I have put items on to my car which are fitted to the better models of car in the same range. I have informed my insurance but want to add more and dont want insurance to go up.

My father believes that modification only applies to the engine but my belief is that if it makes it look more expensive therefore attractive to thiefs then that is a modification.

I would be grateful if anyone had any experience or could suggest a website that gives info. I would also be grateful if anyone knew of insurance companies that are sympathetic to modifcations.

thanks

the reason i tell the insurance is because when it comes to claims they will say you with held a material fact your insurance is void and they wont pay out.

Answer 1

In short - if it didn't leave the factory with it - it's a modification (ie. a loophole for them to get out of paying you)

ANY engine mods, ANY bodywork mods, ANY window tints, ANY wheel upgrades (or downgrades), fitting interior parts - eg. sports seats, stereo, speakers, flashy lights.

I've found that so long as the parts won't cost THEM anything to replace (like £2G for custom alloys), it barely affects the price.

Answer 2

You're right. Modifications are not just to the engine, but absolutely anything which is not standard factory fitted. If you go out and buy a standard VW Golf, and then fit it out with all the GTI body kit and badges, the insurance company will treat the car as if it's a GTI. In their eyes, you're making it more "nickable".

Unfortunately, your insurance WILL go up when you do these things. This is one of the ways insurance companies make their money. Most companies will quote for you, but they'll all put a loading on your premium - the more you mod, the more it will cost.

One more word of warning: if you mod and don't declare, be very very careful. When you take insurance with a company, if you don't disclose your mods, if they find out the car was modded they will not pay out. Technically, if you don't disclose all relevant information, the insurance policy is void.

Answer 3

Hi A modification is anything that is added or changed to a different spec other than how the car came out of the factory.IE bigger wheels .spots, tints or any engine mods Dint forget to read all the small print on any policy in any case your best bet to keep your self legal and to stop your insurance company copping out of paying you or in some cases if you haven't informed them of any changes to your car then they can refuse to cover you all because you thought that something wasn't a modification 2 Ur car hope this helps ( p.s ) 95% of insurance companies can & will be a total pain if & when they can get away with it & becarefull as its a legal mind fieald out there and allways check your policey

Answer 4

Believe it or not I heard a case where the insurance company wouldn't pay up because of a car sticker!
So Vinyls, decals, stickers or furry dice probably affect your insurance, contact an insurer to find out EXACTLY what is a mod, may be different dependant on insurer.
I would also suggest you TELL THEM, if you have an accident and you haven't told them about something it COULD VOID YOUR INSURANCE! Meaning you'd be liable and not be insured! a criminal offence meaning a ban and possibly imprisonment!

Best to find out from the insurer to be sure!

Check out mod magazines for cheaper insurance for modded motors!

Answer 5

Modifications is anything other than what was installed when you bought it brand new.

If you fail to tell your insurance company those modifications are not covered if lost, stolen or damaged.

We told our insurance company about our aftermarket mods and our insurance never went up...at least if the items get stolen it can be replaced since it is covered.

Use Geico

Answer 6

Any change from the factory configuration that affects the value of the vehicle or alters it's operation.

Things that don't matter:

Different brand of tyres similar to original.
Replacement stereo system of similar value to original
Reupholstering the car with materials similar to original
Routine repairs
Respray of similar quality to original
Replacement engine of the same size and power.

Things that do matter:

Engine modifications
Replace engine with larger one
Upgraded sound system
Fancy wheels and tyres.
Custom respray.
Custom bodywork
Custom upholstery.
Full restoration of an older car.

Answer 7

Hi
A modification is anything that is added or changed to a different spec other than how the car came out of the factory.ie bigger wheels .spots, tints or any engine mods.
Adrian Flux is a good company that deal alot with Kitcars etc give them a try ...........Dont forget to read all the small print on any policy.......hope this helps

Answer 8

I'm not sure how the insurance company defines modifications. Note: if it is not standard on the car, and the insurance company doesn't know its there, they won't pay to fix/replace it.

Answer 9

Even if you don't have one of these cars it would be worth going to www.scoobynet.co.uk and asking there, as a lot of those guys have modifications and tend to know the best places. My fiancé has a couple of mods on his and has even had to let them know about a new exhaust.

He just got a good quote from A-Plan I think. http://www.aplan.co.uk/about.php

Answer 10

It generally refers to enhanced engine performance but also refers to the cars enhanced desireability, like big alloys, tints, suspension upgrades, body styling ...... basically anything that makes a thief more inclined to nick your car over a more standard car