Dealer fit upgrade = modified?

[-crookedtail-]

Hey all, I've recently picked up a new to me car, which is a Cupra Formentor with the ABT pack. If you don't know, this was a Cupra supplied/Manufacturer backed pack which was added by dealers in the UK.

Essentially the pack includes;
An ECU piggy back box (up to 370ps)
Different wheels
Lowered suspension
Different exhaust
Different seats

Before collection I obviously insured the car, via the online comparisons, paid and that was that.

This is a TLDR of what happened next

I noticed the wording (or lack thereof re the kit)
I contacted the insurer before driving/collecting the car. (both live chat and phone call!)
I explained exactly what it was.
I offered the dealer's written confirmation/details of the kit
They told me that no separate declaration was required, "they get it all from the DVLA!"
My policy was then issued showing "Modifications: None.

This is a relatively rare kit, I think less than 200 of them came to our shores. I don't expect the first line folks to be privy to all vehicles but am I right to be a bit concerned. Since these dealer kits won't always show up on the DVLA. Should I ask them to confirm from their underwriting teams that this kit has been noted and added to my policy?

I don't want to be caught short (if the worst happens!)

I'm hoping this can all be cleared up quickly, I've given them full disclosure, but its my first 'modded' car so I don't know what I don't know. However, if they say they can't insure it anymore, do they cancel immediately and I get screwed with that flag or do they give me an opportunity to cancel myself and I find insurance via a specialist broker asap

Am I panicking over nothing?

Please Help

[LeoSayer]

What does your insurer's T&C say about what they class as a modification?

[Ed Boon II]

I’d want to see that mod declared and in black and white, don’t forget that guy on here who had a tow bar fitted and didn’t declare it.

[-crookedtail-]

LeoSayer said:

What does your insurer's T&C say about what they class as a modification?

It essentially says that "Anything that changes the makers standard spec, or alters its performance, including cosmetic changes or no standard parts"

Which is why I called them to confirm, I just don't want to take the 'It'll be fine" over the phone message from them.

Ed Boon II said:

I d want to see that mod declared and in black and white, don t forget that guy on here who had a tow bar fitted and didn t declare it.

Agreed.

I'll call them tomorrow and try to somehow get through to underwriting to get a clear answer and in black and white. Thanks, Chaps

[Dogwatch]

I was in a similar position when I had rear sensors fitted to my Focus. It was a Ford kit and actually an option on higher spec Foci (? ).
I declared it to the insurers and they weren’t concerned as it was a Ford option.


On the other hand I had an Alpine 5 disc CD player fitted to a previous Focus and only remembered it a week after renewal. Broker reported that he had to move the cover to another company as the one I was with would not accept anything other than factory spec (think I was well rid of them, sounds like an outfit which doesn’t pay claims until sued).

[48k]

In my experience insurers are reasonably tolerant of factory and dealer fit options until there is a bhp upgrade. Id be getting it acknowledged in black and white.

[Sheepshanks]

Isn't it sold as a specific model in its own right?

If you do talk to the insurer and they say it's OK then keep a note of the name of the person and the date and time.