Remapped cars and insurance

[Carabosse]

My current car (BMW 335i coupe) has had modifications done to it, including increases - via engine management - of 64bhp/112Nm torque and limited slip diff fitted. These mods were declared to my insurer and are taken into account in my premium. As mentioned elsewhere on the forum my BMW is to be replaced very soon with a Merc E350CDI Sport Coupe - 265bhp/620Nm version.

Despite power being 100bhp down on the BMW my insurer wants the exactly same premium for the unmodded Merc as for the modded BMW... apparently on the basis that the value is much higher (BMW is coming up to 7 years old).

I have been looking at GAD Tuning's work and their ability, it seems, to get 310bhp/750Nm out of the 350CDI engine through remapping. But, no doubt, my insurer would load what is already quite a heavy premium.

Can anyone suggest an insurer who might be suitable for my new E-class coupe, if I decide to get GAD to remap the car?

 

[baxlin]

I think Adrian Flux have a specialist car section, that's where I insure the JZR, possibly worth a call, they have a "we won't be beaten" claim as well.

I have no connection with AF apart from being a customer.

Otherwise, the remap people must have some ideas, as you can't be the first to come across this problem.

HTH

Malcolm

 

[moonloops]

Also try Sky Insurance and Prestige as they do modified cars

I have my modified S3 with Prestige and cost was very reasonable.

 

[Carabosse]

I think Adrian Flux have a specialist car section, that's where I insure the JZR, possibly worth a call, they have a "we won't be beaten" claim as well.

I have no connection with AF apart from being a customer.

Otherwise, the remap people must have some ideas, as you can't be the first to come across this problem.

HTH

Malcolm

An update on this. The remap people suggested Adrian Flux - with whom I actually have my current insurance - and told me one of their customers had managed to get no increase following their remap. I therefore approached AF, in a considered kind of way.

I told them that even after the remap the E350CDI would be producing 56bhp less than my current (modded) BMW and that the car was slightly heavier, i.e. lower power/weight ratio even after remap. After some behind the scenes discussion they have decided not to charge me extra if I get the remap done. So........... result, as they say!

Nevertheless the premium, although it will not alter on a remap, remains hefty and I am still very much open to suggestions as to who to try: I will certainly give Sky and Prestige a call. Obviously it has got to be firms who will entertain modified cars (Elephant is one who will not contemplate modded motors).

Thanks.

 

[BTB 500]

(Elephant is one who will not contemplate modded motors).

That's odd - they insured my SL (modified exhaust).

Moved it to Admiral last year, again no problem. Bizarrely they were cheaper (AFAIK they are the same company).

 

[Aitch55]

I used Keith Michaels for insuring my road going competition cars with some quite serious mods. If you do call, try to speak with Gary Moulson. Just Google for the details.

I've no connection other than a happy customer for a few years. Well, as happy as one can be with insurance

 

[Carabosse]

That's odd - they insured my SL (modified exhaust).

Moved it to Admiral last year, again no problem. Bizarrely they were cheaper (AFAIK they are the same company).

Hmm... all very odd. They refused point blank to insure my modded BMW.

I used Keith Michaels for insuring my road going competition cars with some quite serious mods. If you do call, try to speak with Gary Moulson.

Thanks. Will do.

 

[Carabosse]

Rang several insurers, including those mentioned on this thread. Only one was able to beat my current insurer (but by quite a bit) on a modded car.

Was all set to do a switch but then found a (temporary) fly in the ointment: my current insurer does not do pro-rata refunds, and I would only get £20 back - even though there are more than 5 months to go until my renewal date!

This makes it uneconomic to change just now. But at least I won't be paying any more for the modded Merc than the modded BMW.

Come late November, however, it looks very likely I'll be switching insurers. Thanks all for your help.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


My E class with a brabus box and different wheels was cheaper to insure by around £150 than its replacement an ML without any mods?

Insurance does seem odd at times?

 

[Carabosse]

You get a feeling that insurance underwriters make it up as they go along. Lol!

 

[Aitch55]

Rang several insurers, including those mentioned on this thread. Only one was able to beat my current insurer (but by quite a bit) on a modded car.

Come late November, however, it looks very likely I'll be switching insurers. Thanks all for your help.

Care to name the cheaper one?

 

[Carabosse]

It was Chris Knott Insurance. About 18% cheaper for the car if modded, than Adrian Flux (Flux declined to match it).

 

[BTB 500]

I tried to get a quote for my SL from Adrian Flux and they never got back to me.

 

[flango]

That's odd - they insured my SL (modified exhaust).

Moved it to Admiral last year, again no problem. Bizarrely they were cheaper (AFAIK they are the same company).

My Admiral Multi Policy Covers All Our cars 3 Of Which Are Remapped And One Significantly Modded The Increase In Premium £11·70 If it Had Just Been Straight Remaps There Was No Increase

 

[vealige]

You get a feeling that insurance underwriters make it up as they go along. Lol!

Thats because they do!

My example from a few years back mind, this was on a heavily modified LHD MK2 Golf GTI G60.

A Flux: £1856
HIC: £620

Phone flux back as I was with them at the time told them the price HIC gave me they said will see what we can do came back with £550.

How in 30 minutes they managed to drop it by £1306 is beyond me and just proves the whole insurance industry is a sham.