Modifications - declared or not?

[mmm-five]

Other than the CSL wheels & PS2 tyres I've got on my Z4MC, there's nothing declarable to the insurance company - but even then, I'm not sure whether they need to know, as it didn't increase the premium when I pointed this out.

I've now got cupholders and a storage net, but as these are 'accessories' I'd not think to declare them as modifications to an insurance company. I also wouldn't explicitly state these to be modifications to a new owner were I to sell it. However, if I eventually put some AP/Movit brakes on, or get the car remapped, or reskinned the car in carbon fibre I'd have to inform my insurance company.

I understand that to some people it's not a 'modification' if that part was a factory option - but taking that to the extreme you could say that putting the S54 engine out of the Z4M into a 2.5 Z4 is only adding a factory option :wink:

Personally I think that anything that adds to the safety of the vehicle should not negatively affect your insurance premium (e.g. brakes, non-RFT tyres), but mods that increase (or 'claim' to increase) power should (e.g. remaps, intake systems, wild cams, porting & polishing, sports exhaust & decat). Converseley styling mods should not increase the premuim either unless you agree that the mods make it look like a more desirable model (i.e. making a 2.5 into a Z4M replica).

How many on here have small/large performance/styling mods that are/are not declared and what's your reasoning.

 

[cj10jeeper]

As far as I can see it's really easy in that all policies state that you must declare any material fact related you, drivers or the vehicle. It therefore becomes a matter of judgement as to what is material, but common sense should prevail there. Cupholders no, tyres, suspension brakes, value add items, colour, etc. of course.

Obviously if they don't agree that something that was modded and not declared they can simply invalidate the policy and not pay any claim so they always win

There can only be one correct answere and hat is to declare everything and confirm in writing and in the majority of cases they won't change the premium unless it increases the risk.

 

[Tommo]

Apparently with elephant Factory fitted optional extras need to be declared. This includes, optional alloy wheels and interior change/improvement (such as leather seats etc). Bloody ridiculous, Added a couple of hundred pound to my insurance to add the fact I had red leather seats and 18" 108's.

I put the phone down range them back and declared no optional extras, I was told that if for example I was to damage a wheel, they would only replace with standard fit alloys (so prob 17") but that's fine with me and not worth paying the extra £200 to insure my car.

The Sat nav also won't be covered but I figure if I get in an accident where the sat-nav is destroyed, I probably wont have much of a car left to repair.

 

[srhutch]

Tommo

never heard of that one, I taled to more tan who said they would cover my mods, but as it was a call centre i India it didnt fill me with confidence, so I passed, esure on te other hand who are all english and had a better idea of what i was talking about gave e confidence to continue cover, now with mods declared.

 

[GAZA62]

As far as I can see it's really easy in that all policies state that you must declare any material fact related you, drivers or the vehicle. It therefore becomes a matter of judgement as to what is material, but common sense should prevail there. Cupholders no, tyres, suspension brakes, value add items, colour, etc. of course.

Obviously if they don't agree that something that was modded and not declared they can simply invalidate the policy and not pay any claim so they always win

There can only be one correct answere and hat is to declare everything and confirm in writing and in the majority of cases they won't change the premium unless it increases the risk.

Agree i always declare everything its the safest way to go i told them about my options factory fitted and my clear indicators that i fitted and will let them know when i fit my clear headlights.

 

[gannet]

Thing is if you bought the car 2nd (or 3rd/4th) hand how do you know what is an option & what isn't?!

I told my insurance that I had changed the wheels on mine and they said 'are they BMW wheels?' I said 'yes' and they said it doesn't matter then...

don't really think I need to tell them about the stubby aerial though...

 

[GAZA62]

Thing is if you bought the car 2nd (or 3rd/4th) hand how do you know what is an option & what isn't?!

I told my insurance that I had changed the wheels on mine and they said 'are they BMW wheels?' I said 'yes' and they said it doesn't matter then...

don't really think I need to tell them about the stubby aerial though...

Agree never worry about stubby or de badging

 

[Sticks]

Obviously if they don't agree that something that was modded and not declared they can simply invalidate the policy and not pay any claim so they always win

There can only be one correct answere and hat is to declare everything and confirm in writing and in the majority of cases they won't change the premium unless it increases the risk.

Couldn't agree more. It's worth remembering that by not telling them you risk not only the value of your car or repairs but you may face a seven figure bill for damages if you injure someone.

Insurers will also take into account whether your car is properly maintained when considering their iability.