Value of window tinting , for insurance??

[Shuvi McTupya]

I bought a used car last year and insured it as completely standard but I have realised that the window tinting was probably not a factory option . The car is a mini one and the rear windows have tinting, the driver , passenger and windscreen are standard.

I am now renewing and have told the new insurer that I suspect the tints are not a factory option. Thy say they can't insure me unless I can tell them where and when they were tinted and how much it cost!

The chap I purchased the car from bought it from an auction and sold it on to me so I know he will have no clue!

Any suggestions? I could get a quote to find out how much it would cost now, but they say that may not be good enough...

[scorcher]

Find a different insurance company.

[fastbikes76]

scorcher said:

Find a different insurance company.

This.

I have insured countless cars with tinted windows and all I have ever needed to tell them was precisely that. No one has ever asked when/where/how much. The loading has always been absolutely minimal too.

As an example though, our 5 series was £240 for rear screen, rear quarter glass and rear windows to be done properly inc door card removal.

[Shuvi McTupya]

I called them back to tell them I had got a quote and the new guy I spoke too couldn't figure out why the person before was making a big deal out of it and he had no problem insuring me!

I was only changing insurers because my current insurer wants to cancel my insurance because they said I ignored a request they recently sent me, asking for proof of address /bank account/driving license and V5 details and proof of no claims, after being with them for four years! I didn't even relieve that request, just the cancellation note, which they promise they will remove...that could cause me issues!

Anyway, my soon to be ex insurers renewal price was £60 more than last year and £150 more than my new insurer, so much for being a valued customer

[WJNB]

Can you remove the tinting? After-market DIY tints can look obvious & a tad inner-city thuggish.

[Shuvi McTupya]

I could, but they look very professionally done, they could easily be factory fitted but I think they are a little dark for that.

Given a choice I am keeping them

[BOF]

The legal spec is - in case you are worried;


Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later

The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.
Vehicles first used before 1 April 1985

The front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.

Any friendly Traffic Policeman will carry a small guage to test for you - if you ask nicely...

BOF

[Thermobaric]

Should be obvious if it's factory tinted on a Mini as the glass itself will be tinted rather than a film applied.

[Shuvi McTupya]

Thermobaric said:

Should be obvious if it's factory tinted on a Mini as the glass itself will be tinted rather than a film applied.

Is this a give away that it is a film?




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Edited by Shuvi McTupya on Friday 30th June 17:33