Declaring extras when buying/renewing car insurance?
Discussion
Hey guys
Both of my vehicles are pretty high-spec and have a ton of extras but I haven't declared any of them with elephant. Apparently they require you to disclose them but as far as I'm concerned my extras form a part of their model from the factory (Giulietta Sportiva Nav and Tiguan R Line Nav).
Do I really need to call them and list each of the toys the cars has?
Both of my vehicles are pretty high-spec and have a ton of extras but I haven't declared any of them with elephant. Apparently they require you to disclose them but as far as I'm concerned my extras form a part of their model from the factory (Giulietta Sportiva Nav and Tiguan R Line Nav).
Do I really need to call them and list each of the toys the cars has?
Thing is I bought both cars used, the Alfa privately and the Tig from VW approved used. The Tig R Line comes with many things as standard, as does the Alfa G but I know the previous owner added carbon fibre spoiler and wing mirror caps additionally. I don't necessarily have the order sheets for both cars so I'm not in a position to roll of the "extras" if that makes sense.
Edited by tom6195 on Monday 24th October 14:40
It depends on the insurer. To make sure you're covered it's best to call the insurer.
For example, some do want everything that's not "standard" declared. Oh the fun I've had with call centres in far away places trying to explain that "adaptive suspension" does not mean "lowered" and the HK speaker upgrade wasn't some Max Power bass bin I'd shoved in the boot.
Others, like esure who I'm with now, just ask for the price from the factory. Anything after that is a modification.
For example, some do want everything that's not "standard" declared. Oh the fun I've had with call centres in far away places trying to explain that "adaptive suspension" does not mean "lowered" and the HK speaker upgrade wasn't some Max Power bass bin I'd shoved in the boot.
Others, like esure who I'm with now, just ask for the price from the factory. Anything after that is a modification.
tom6195 said:
Do I really need to call them and list each of the toys the cars has?
No. What on earth makes you think that?Unless they are aftermarket modifications, you keep a note of them and make sure that they are replaced 'like for like' in the event of any claim. You would be able to verify your car's complete spec from the VIN with either a dealer or an online 'decoder' tool.
In general, few options would make a significant difference to the overall value of the vehicle, therefore the risk level is quoted on that basis.
?C70R said:
No. What on earth makes you think that?
Unless they are aftermarket modifications, you keep a note of them and make sure that they are replaced 'like for like' in the event of any claim. You would be able to verify your car's complete spec from the VIN with either a dealer or an online 'decoder' tool.
In general, few options would make a significant difference to the overall value of the vehicle, therefore the risk level is quoted on that basis.
Never insured with the thieving bUnless they are aftermarket modifications, you keep a note of them and make sure that they are replaced 'like for like' in the event of any claim. You would be able to verify your car's complete spec from the VIN with either a dealer or an online 'decoder' tool.
In general, few options would make a significant difference to the overall value of the vehicle, therefore the risk level is quoted on that basis.
ds at Admiral then??They wanted all optional extras declared, which is one of many reasons I don't use them now.
Drumroll said:
No don't declare the Bose, but don't be surprised when a) the insurers refuse to pay for the Bose. b) refuse to pay for anything because in adding the Bose you made the car more desirable for thieves.
even if your reason for claim has nothing to do with the bose system, some insurers will try and wriggle their way out of anythingif its aftermarket, declare it and simply ask if factory fitted optional extras need to be declared (been with 4 different insurers in 3 years and neither asked for this, only aftermarket mods)
and STICKERS ARE IMPORTANT TO DECLARE MOST OF THE TIME
rampageturke said:
even if your reason for claim has nothing to do with the bose system, some insurers will try and wriggle their way out of anything
if its aftermarket, declare it and simply ask if factory fitted optional extras need to be declared (been with 4 different insurers in 3 years and neither asked for this, only aftermarket mods)
and STICKERS ARE IMPORTANT TO DECLARE MOST OF THE TIME
Lol no stickers to declare... Yet!if its aftermarket, declare it and simply ask if factory fitted optional extras need to be declared (been with 4 different insurers in 3 years and neither asked for this, only aftermarket mods)
and STICKERS ARE IMPORTANT TO DECLARE MOST OF THE TIME
Seriously though the previous owner got the best model for his money when ordering the car, but nothing is aftermarket in that nothing has been added or retrofitted since rolling out of the factory.
I'll give them a call tonight and see what they say. If I need to cancel the cover, does this affect my credit or insurance records?
tom6195 said:
Thing is I bought both cars used, the Alfa privately and the Tig from VW approved used. The Tig R Line comes with many things as standard, as does the Alfa G but I know the previous owner added carbon fibre spoiler and wing mirror caps additionally. I don't necessarily have the order sheets for both cars so I'm not in a position to roll of the "extras" if that makes sense.
Ah buggerEdited by tom6195 on Monday 24th October 14:40
tom6195 said:
Lol no stickers to declare... Yet!
Seriously though the previous owner got the best model for his money when ordering the car, but nothing is aftermarket in that nothing has been added or retrofitted since rolling out of the factory.
I'll give them a call tonight and see what they say. If I need to cancel the cover, does this affect my credit or insurance records?
If the car is to the original factory specification then you don't need to declare anything. Look for that phrase "original factory specification" in your policy documents, it should be there. Seriously though the previous owner got the best model for his money when ordering the car, but nothing is aftermarket in that nothing has been added or retrofitted since rolling out of the factory.
I'll give them a call tonight and see what they say. If I need to cancel the cover, does this affect my credit or insurance records?
If that's the case then don't bother calling. The call centre people will tell you that you need to declare any modifications, will probably put a note on your file, and then in the event of a claim they'll want to have a nose to make sure you've not installed eight turbochargers on the sly.
Ninja59 said:
The problem here is if you do not know then you do not know...ultimately it is to the "best of you knowledge", over the standard specifications and optional extras there are insurers like Admiral who do and ones that do not want optional extras listed.
Yeah you raise a valid point mate. Ultimately I cannot confirm what is non-standard when speaking of the variant of the vehicle. Admiral have previously insisted I list all the options specced on the family S5. Took bloody ages! I figure since its high spec it'll be in my favour if it gets stolen as I can insist on one of equally high spec when looking at replacements. Worthwhile when most are 'poverty' spec, but depends on the car's value as eventually it becomes just a pain if the car is only worth a few k
Adrian E said:
Admiral have previously insisted I list all the options specced on the family S5. Took bloody ages! I figure since its high spec it'll be in my favour if it gets stolen as I can insist on one of equally high spec when looking at replacements. Worthwhile when most are 'poverty' spec, but depends on the car's value as eventually it becomes just a pain if the car is only worth a few k
Gosh that sounds painful man, I really cba with doing that but I will give them a call and see what they say. Wish me luck!tom6195 said:
Yeah you raise a valid point mate. Ultimately I cannot confirm what is non-standard when speaking of the variant of the vehicle.
I know many take this to the extreme and talk about what if the tyres were a different brand etc., but in regards to insurance it all really boils down to your own knowledge (not to the point of being reckless) and honesty. In many cases it all falls on whether it was an innocent failure to disclose or trying deliberately to cover something up. Obviously the end results for anyone will be significantly different depending on their mindset and knowledge.For example if it had been remapped then how are you to know unless specifically informed or their are significant clues to it.
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