Declaring replacement exhaust tips to insurance as a mod?

[avaF1]

An interesting debate began brewing in one of the sub-forums regarding the replacement of exhaust tips from factory items to non-factory items.

Whilst this is not a performance enhancing change, it is a change aesthetically from the factory specification.

So, how would you answer to your insurance company asking: "is your car modified in any way from the original specification?"
Would you declare the change as a modification to your insurance company?

YES or NO...(sorry cannot create a poll)...and on what grounds?
If YES, where does this stop? windscreen wipers / speakers / etc. Imagine the car being totaled and them not paying out due to an 'undeclared mod'.

I lean towards YES but the feedback on the other thread was a little different.

[avaF1]

^ very good point !

andy-xr said:

No, 1) because it's not really a mod, and 2) because it's massively boring

Wouldn't be very boring if they voided your policy in the event of a claim?

saaby93 said:

Are you sure it wont increase the value of the car and make it more liable to theft?

Well, this is the argument.
Here is a quote from an Aviva rep on a MSE thread:

Aviva said:

Having these fitted options makes your car more desirable - you pay extra for them, so what is to say that a thief won't find them more desirable? As has already been mentioned on this thread - insurers want you to be honest with them, not being honest is a sure fire way to help invalidate your policy.

Edited by avaF1 on Friday 25th July 11:02

[avaF1]

That is also a good point SHutchinson.

If there was a poll, 'NO' would be winning it seems.

[avaF1]

Zoon said:

surveyor said:

hmmm


I changed the wheel trims as the old ones were dog eared on the family hack last week. Should I tell them?

A like for like change is very different to a modification.

Had you put 20 inch alloys on then I would tell them.

Well this is the question. It will hardly ever be like for like, whether its a MOT station changing your wipers or a service garage changing your exhaust tips because the old ones were rusty. The replacement ones may well be shiny or bigger but they fit and don't affect performance.

[avaF1]

AndyNetwork said:

The way I see it, the Insurance company are the ones who are the experts - they are the ones taking on risk every day of the week, therefore it is up to them to know what a "standard" spec is - not the person seeking insurance. If the insurer is really that bothered about factory fit options, they should be prepared to contact the manufacturer to find out what spec the car left the factory with.

For instance, my car has optional Xenon headlamps - if it wasn't for the fact I am a petrol head, I would just see "yes, it's got head lamps, just like every other car has" wouldn't even cross my mind that they may not be "standard".

I think that's fine for factory options or extras.

The OP is referring to a part made by another manufacturer, so in the case of new exhaust tips, fitting a Powerflow or Magnex tail pipe to a Peugeot, for example... or a Remus exhaust tip on a BMW.

[avaF1]

Clivey said:

Indeed. Even with physical parts, most people wouldn't know what was standard. They just see "an engine", "an exhaust", "a spring" etc., never mind spotting an aftermarket induction kit or upgraded brakes. I actually know someone who bought a tuned car without knowing it (no, seriously! ).

Easy to believe, if it was a remap, etc. there would be no way the 'average punter' could tell any different.