Here is a long overdue thread. Car insurance - all policies state "Has the car been modified, altered or adapted from the manufacturers original specification or has it been tuned.
All insurers need to know if a car has been modified. The stats of the insurers generally show that modified cars are involved in more claims, not just accidents but there is a theft risk. There is also the possibility that lower suspension or wider wheels could adversely affect the handling of the car so the model they rated and gave a group to does not apply to your unique vehicle. So an underwriter needs to agree 'terms' of cover.
Even stickers could represent a 'Moral hazard' to the insurers. Failure to notify insurers could render your insurance invalid leaving you to face prosecution for failure to insure your vehicle or if a claim is paid on your behalf they could well ask for reimbursement of amounts paid out for you so even if you are Third Party Only you could lose out.
Always keep a copy of all correspondence sent/recieved in response to a modification being notified.
Insurers may insure car at normal terms (no extra premium), Apply terms (extra premium, & or higher excess & or agreement to replace modified parts with standard parts.
State honestly what you have done but note that a SPORTS EXHAUST is the same thing as a 3inch bore stainless steel exhaust with a 25 year guarantee. (One sounds much better to an insurer than the other.) As does a high performance air filter and washable direct replacement air filter. If a chip increases MPG state this as a big reason rather than a side effect and then state that it also gives slightly more power as a secondary reason.
They will also look at the base car - diesels are favoured over petrol. A £500 car with a £1000 ICE install and £2000 worth of 20 inch alloy wheels is an obvious increased theft risk and most insurers would refuse this unless you agree that they can replace the stolen items with standard parts.
Insurers want to see enthusiasts that love cars and look after them rather than the boy racer who wants to impress his mates in the 7/11 car park.
Getting cover first then applying modifications later to the car often means the insurer will listen to you whereas they would refuse a new person with no record. Buying an already modified car is also a good bet - you didn't do the mods so theoretically are not so much of a risk.
Modified friendly insurers - Norwich Union, Adrian Flux (TC members get a discount on this link or this dedicated number 0800 198 8998) - if you have any others please post them here. Many Lloyds syndicates will be willing to listen and offer you terms.
UPDATE for 2011:
We've teamed up with Tiger®.
Tiger.co.uk® is a motor insurance comparison site offering insurance comparison from over 130 brands across car, van and bike. The site is completely independent, features a unique Easyfill® form and aims to offer online quotes whatever your circumstances.
Here is the link to our exclusive price comparison website: Tiger
Update for 2012
We are now partnering with Sky Insurance a modified friendly insurer offering our members discounts of up to 20%!
You should find the deals competitive and feel free to use the free number to get quotes via Call connection 0800 902 0602* (This number is not an insurer but they will help you find the best deals without you having to ring round.)
*Call Connection opening hours are from 08:30 - 20:00 Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00 Sat, Closed Sun. Calls may be recorded and monitored. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from standard UK landlines.
All insurers need to know if a car has been modified. The stats of the insurers generally show that modified cars are involved in more claims, not just accidents but there is a theft risk. There is also the possibility that lower suspension or wider wheels could adversely affect the handling of the car so the model they rated and gave a group to does not apply to your unique vehicle. So an underwriter needs to agree 'terms' of cover.
Even stickers could represent a 'Moral hazard' to the insurers. Failure to notify insurers could render your insurance invalid leaving you to face prosecution for failure to insure your vehicle or if a claim is paid on your behalf they could well ask for reimbursement of amounts paid out for you so even if you are Third Party Only you could lose out.
Always keep a copy of all correspondence sent/recieved in response to a modification being notified.
Insurers may insure car at normal terms (no extra premium), Apply terms (extra premium, & or higher excess & or agreement to replace modified parts with standard parts.
State honestly what you have done but note that a SPORTS EXHAUST is the same thing as a 3inch bore stainless steel exhaust with a 25 year guarantee. (One sounds much better to an insurer than the other.) As does a high performance air filter and washable direct replacement air filter. If a chip increases MPG state this as a big reason rather than a side effect and then state that it also gives slightly more power as a secondary reason.
They will also look at the base car - diesels are favoured over petrol. A £500 car with a £1000 ICE install and £2000 worth of 20 inch alloy wheels is an obvious increased theft risk and most insurers would refuse this unless you agree that they can replace the stolen items with standard parts.
Insurers want to see enthusiasts that love cars and look after them rather than the boy racer who wants to impress his mates in the 7/11 car park.
Getting cover first then applying modifications later to the car often means the insurer will listen to you whereas they would refuse a new person with no record. Buying an already modified car is also a good bet - you didn't do the mods so theoretically are not so much of a risk.
Modified friendly insurers - Norwich Union, Adrian Flux (TC members get a discount on this link or this dedicated number 0800 198 8998) - if you have any others please post them here. Many Lloyds syndicates will be willing to listen and offer you terms.
UPDATE for 2011:
We've teamed up with Tiger®.
Tiger.co.uk® is a motor insurance comparison site offering insurance comparison from over 130 brands across car, van and bike. The site is completely independent, features a unique Easyfill® form and aims to offer online quotes whatever your circumstances.
Here is the link to our exclusive price comparison website: Tiger
Update for 2012
We are now partnering with Sky Insurance a modified friendly insurer offering our members discounts of up to 20%!
You should find the deals competitive and feel free to use the free number to get quotes via Call connection 0800 902 0602* (This number is not an insurer but they will help you find the best deals without you having to ring round.)
*Call Connection opening hours are from 08:30 - 20:00 Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00 Sat, Closed Sun. Calls may be recorded and monitored. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from standard UK landlines.
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