What constitutes a body mod for insurance?

[Gucci]

Well apparently, according to my insurer, changing my grille (Volvo, sorry) to the 2010 version with a larger logo is classed a body modification and would mean an additional £50 a year

There are plenty who make tweaks like this to their cars - but don't tell insurers - should you for something so subtle? Do you inform of every tweak from "standard spec"?

 

[developer]

I told of my towbar, which didn't increase my premium and of my Tracker which didn't decrease my premium.

I think if they can find a reason to walk away they will, so better safe than sorry.

 

[BTB 500]

Yes, you are supposed to declare anything ... including (for example) window tints, exhaust tailpipes, etc.

In simple practical terms the mods may increase the theft risk of the car by making it look more 'desirable' (e.g. a later/better model). They may also increase the repair costs if you have an accident.

Also it may be (statistically) the case that owners who make mods (of any kind) have more accidents than those who leave their cars factory stock.

I have mentioned it before, but when I asked CIS (Co Op) about changing the 17" factory alloys on my Vito to a different design they said they would no longer cover the vehicle if I did, because it would then be classed as "modified". Nothing to do with what the new wheels were (make, size, etc), or their value.

 

[Dr-Nab]

£50 a year for a badge?!! I've declared all the mods to my E-cab and my premium has increased a total of £32!! It took some time to explain to the person on the end of the phone what a carbon fibre diffuser was though.

It's not worth not declaring a modification to be honest, a friend of mine wrapped his 350Z a few years ago when attempting to "drift" it, lamp post took exception to the lack of skills, didn't declare any of his mods (full veilside kit, 19" volk splits, milltek system etc) and got nothing... was a shame as well such a nice car.

 

[BTB 500]

Yes better safe than sorry. Neither the alloys nor modified exhaust affected the premium on my SL. But a little tailgate spoiler (VW part) on the Sharan 4Motion I had a few years back did!

 

[zenman63]

Just a small point, I have modified cars and vans for years and declared everything, adds about 5%, I have found if you are insured with a company that does not take customs then they will say No
You need to start from scratch with a specialised insurer.

And Mods including retro fitting sat nav will void you insurance as it is a mod and to add to that they will only cover up to £500 for it anyway.

Always take some pictures of what you have done.

 

[A210AMG]

When I fitted larger (MB alloys) to my car and the Brabus D6 box I rang around as the insurance company at the tiome didn't want to know (admiral).

I rang Adrian Flux and pay around £100 less with the mods declared on my insurance sheet !! plus I get free green card uplift.

Happy days

 

[Tan]

When you take out a policy they ask have you any modifications or optional extras, whilst I understand why these may make a difference, how are many owners to know what is standard and what was an option. For example on a W211 Xenons were standard on an Avantgarde but an option on the elegance.

Also, when I recently insured the Cayenne, I declared the Xenons lights as these are not standard and the only category the lady could find to put them under was "additional rally lights", now to me I thought that would load my insurance far more, as it sort of implies that they are a racing modification.

 

[Buster'stheboy]

I have mentioned it before, but when I asked CIS (Co Op) about changing the 17" factory alloys on my Vito to a different design they said they would no longer cover the vehicle if I did, because it would then be classed as "modified". Nothing to do with what the new wheels were (make, size, etc), or their value.

Funny you should post this tonight. I had my policy cancelled today with the Co-op because I found out that my car is an import. They said they do not cover imports or modified cars at all.

Was a bit shocked as I've been with them for many years and hubby drove the car nearly 200 miles yesterday not knowing that we weren't covered (we didn't know car was imported until today).

It's a good idea to tell your insurance company everything, as they each have their own rules. Don't assume this type of thing is standard in the insurance industry.

 

[Shude]

When you take out a policy they ask have you any modifications or optional extras, whilst I understand why these may make a difference, how are many owners to know what is standard and what was an option. For example on a W211 Xenons were standard on an Avantgarde but an option on the elegance.

This has been discussed on the forum before, as I recall it has been tried in court and they found in favour of the customer. When you buy a new car it's reasonable that you would know which options were available and if there are any modifications but a 2nd hand car with factory-style mods like OEM wheel swaps, comand and xenon installs can often only be spotted by "experts".