Removable Performance ECUs

[developer]

My Alfa nut brother is looking at a tuning box which he thinks can be easily removed and therefore "disappear" in the event of an accident.

I disagree, particularly if the accident is a "front end, can't open the bonnet" type.

Any informed/experienced views?

 

[grober]

If he doesn't inform his insurance company they will decline to pay out on his policy. While this may be a risk that he accepts for himself [ possible write off of car with no recompense for example] it means anyone involved in an accident with his car is not covered either. Just suppose he happens to kill a "breadwinner" driver/passenger/ pedestrian is he prepared to lose his house and life savings when some hot shot ambulance chaser no win--no fee lawyer comes after his assets?? Tell him it will be pointless thinking about this when he finally regains consciousness in an accident and emergency ward several hours after the fatal accident and his car has been impounded as evidence.

 

[BTB 500]

Yup after a serious accident he may be in no position to remove bits from the car, in which case he'll be up the creek without a paddle.

 

[whitenemesis]

I always thought 3rd party claims would always be covered by the insurance. They may well then come after the policy holder for reclaim their costs.

 

[BTB 500]

I always thought 3rd party claims would always be covered by the insurance. They may well then come after the policy holder for reclaim their costs.

Yup - that's correct. If the insurance co. have to pay out several million in compensation and the policyholder has lied then they will probably go after them for fraud.

 

[markjay]

The insurer might pay the 3rd party claim, but your brother risks being prosecuted for driving without insurance.

 

[moonloops]

. They may well then come after the policy holder for reclaim their costs.

Correct as above, and this can mean the uninsured party looses everything including their home (all cash and assets)

 

[Stratman]

Why doesn't just buy a faster car?

 

[developer]

He's only just bought it, but, like a lot of people, wants a bit more from the powerunit.

 

[panason1c]

While this may be a risk that he accepts for himself [ possible write off of car with no recompense for example] it means anyone involved in an accident with his car is not covered either.

Not true!.....the insurance will still pay out, in full, to 3rd parties involved in the accident. (the insurance company will then pursue the policyholder for all uninsured losses)

The policyholder will find it extremely difficult to acquire future motor insurance after such an event.

 

[grober]

Not true!.....the insurance will still pay out, in full, to 3rd parties involved in the accident. (the insurance company will then pursue the policyholder for all uninsured losses)

The policyholder will find it extremely difficult to acquire future motor insurance after such an event.

You are correct of course. the relevant section the RTA :-


Section 148 -

(1)Where a certificate of insurance or certificate of security has been delivered under section 147 of this Act to the person by whom a policy has been effected or to whom a security has been given, so much of the policy or security as purports to restrict—
(a)the insurance of the persons insured by the policy,
by reference to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (2) below shall, as respects such liabilities as are required to be covered by a policy under section 145 of this Act, be of no effect.
(2)Those matters are—
(a)the age or physical or mental condition of persons driving the vehicle,
(b)the condition of the vehicle,
(c)the number of persons that the vehicle carries,
(d)the weight or physical characteristics of the goods that the vehicle carries,
(e)the time at which or the areas within which the vehicle is used,
(f)the horsepower or cylinder capacity or value of the vehicle,
(g)the carrying on the vehicle of any particular apparatus, or
(h)the carrying on the vehicle of any particular means of identification other than any means of identification required to be carried by or under the M1Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971.
Source(s):
Road Traffic Act 1988

 

[Dieselman]

He's only just bought it, but, like a lot of people, wants a bit more from the powerunit.

So declare the power upgrade.

 

[markymoomoo]

who cares about all the legal stuff why bother with an Alfa duhh

 

[Hi-Ho Silver]

....because as everybody knows, everybody who drives fast, kill people in horrific accidents AND they are always caught. Speed kills everybody, every time!

Brabus made an MB specific ECU mod unit. One type had a green sticker on it and was called something like 'Economy' and the other type had a rather devillish red sticker on it and was called something like 'Power' or 'Grrrr!!'. Both were programmed identically. Guess which one caused insurers to refuse or add money to the insurance policy?

I asked my insurer where they stood on the matter of Brabus ECU mod units and they told me that as long as I told them that I had added one, there would be no additional cost to me but that they would make a note of it. I went to my local (and most excellent MB main dealership) and told them that I was considering adding a Brabus III etc to my car and they immediately took my car in and reprogrammed the ECU.... while I waited..... for nothing!!!

Why did I buy a MB over a BMW, Audi etc? Because my MB main dealer had previously given me every confidence that they were there to help me... and when I have needed it, they have!

 

[sinewave]

I asked my insurer where they stood on the matter of Brabus ECU mod units and they told me that as long as I told them that I had added one, there would be no additional cost to me but that they would make a note of it. !

................and this insurer is?

 

[developer]

So declare the power upgrade.

You know that, I know that but people do like to have their cake and eat it.

 

[developer]

who cares about all the legal stuff why bother with an Alfa duhh

Excellent- that's so bad it's good.

Duhh!