Undeclared modifications
Discussion
I was thinking of buying a new daily driver that was cheap to run. However, because I'm still young my insurance premiums are high. This is drastically increased by modifications of course.
I was curious as to how insurance providers check if your car is modified. If I don't crash will they ever find out? And if I do crash but only have minor mods that aren't visible like larger headers or a performance intercooler will the insurance find out?
Ps, I have heard that interior mods increase insurance premiums. Is this true?
I was curious as to how insurance providers check if your car is modified. If I don't crash will they ever find out? And if I do crash but only have minor mods that aren't visible like larger headers or a performance intercooler will the insurance find out?
Ps, I have heard that interior mods increase insurance premiums. Is this true?
Rs6avant1200 said:
I was thinking of buying a new daily driver that was cheap to run. However, because I'm still young my insurance premiums are high. This is drastically increased by modifications of course.
I was curious as to how insurance providers check if your car is modified. If I don't crash will they ever find out?
Probably not.I was curious as to how insurance providers check if your car is modified. If I don't crash will they ever find out?
Rs6avant1200 said:
And if I do crash but only have minor mods that aren't visible like larger headers or a performance intercooler will the insurance find out?
I'd expect most of the cheaper insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying out for a claim, including investing £50 in getting a bloke with a clipboard to crawl all over your car looking for any excuse. And he does this for a living for them, looking at hundreds of cars identical to yours but unmodified. You think he won't spot aftermarket headers or an intercooler badly installed on the cheap by your mate?Rs6avant1200 said:
Ps, I have heard that interior mods increase insurance premiums. Is this true?
You'd be amazed at what affects insurance premiums for some insurers. You'd need to call an insurer and ask them.Good luck!
Having worked in an insurance lockup, it really depends on the modification and context of the accident.
In a relatively minor accident, it goes to the lockup, the engineers on site will examine it to inspect damage, and do a basic report of the overall vehicles condition. These guys aren't looking for modifications or silly bits of trim, they are purely assessing damage. With that being said, a blatantly obvious mod can and will be noted down. So if they open the bonnet to a sea of blue silicon, the aftermarket 22" alloys with 20 profile tyres, or can fit there fists in the drainpipe of an exhaust. They will note this down.
However if the car looks like it could have left the factory in its state, the vast majority won't split hairs. So your Fiesta ST bumpers and seats on your 1.0 base model I'd say are most likely fine, as are the wheels your mate nicked off a Mondeo. Even subtle stainless steel exhaust systems can get away as long as they are not rediculous. With modern cars privacy glass is becoming very much the norm so rear window tints don't exactly turn up any noses.
However in high profile claims insurers will send their own engineers out. These guys aren't only looking for damage, but are also looking for potential attributing factors in the accident. THIS is where any aftermarket bits get dragged up. And different engineers notice different things. Personally, I've seen a guy make a massive deal out of a set of furry dice on the rear mirror being a 'modification' that adversely effected the drivers blind spots. They will note anything and everything they think could have contributed to an accident. But at the same time even these guys I have never seen make a big deal out of OEM parts, so to use the same example, fiesta ST wheels on a Fiesta base model I'd really say are safe as long as they "look" OEM.
Of course there will be other posters around who will outline the severity of the risk, personally all I say is be smart about it, and don't be insured by anyone in the Admiral group.
In a relatively minor accident, it goes to the lockup, the engineers on site will examine it to inspect damage, and do a basic report of the overall vehicles condition. These guys aren't looking for modifications or silly bits of trim, they are purely assessing damage. With that being said, a blatantly obvious mod can and will be noted down. So if they open the bonnet to a sea of blue silicon, the aftermarket 22" alloys with 20 profile tyres, or can fit there fists in the drainpipe of an exhaust. They will note this down.
However if the car looks like it could have left the factory in its state, the vast majority won't split hairs. So your Fiesta ST bumpers and seats on your 1.0 base model I'd say are most likely fine, as are the wheels your mate nicked off a Mondeo. Even subtle stainless steel exhaust systems can get away as long as they are not rediculous. With modern cars privacy glass is becoming very much the norm so rear window tints don't exactly turn up any noses.
However in high profile claims insurers will send their own engineers out. These guys aren't only looking for damage, but are also looking for potential attributing factors in the accident. THIS is where any aftermarket bits get dragged up. And different engineers notice different things. Personally, I've seen a guy make a massive deal out of a set of furry dice on the rear mirror being a 'modification' that adversely effected the drivers blind spots. They will note anything and everything they think could have contributed to an accident. But at the same time even these guys I have never seen make a big deal out of OEM parts, so to use the same example, fiesta ST wheels on a Fiesta base model I'd really say are safe as long as they "look" OEM.
Of course there will be other posters around who will outline the severity of the risk, personally all I say is be smart about it, and don't be insured by anyone in the Admiral group.
Rs6avant1200 said:
I was thinking of buying a new daily driver that was cheap to run. However, because I'm still young my insurance premiums are high. This is drastically increased by modifications of course.
I was curious as to how insurance providers check if your car is modified. If I don't crash will they ever find out? And if I do crash but only have minor mods that aren't visible like larger headers or a performance intercooler will the insurance find out?
Ps, I have heard that interior mods increase insurance premiums. Is this true?
There’s a reason why insurance is expensive for young men exactly like you and your post exemplifies it.I was curious as to how insurance providers check if your car is modified. If I don't crash will they ever find out? And if I do crash but only have minor mods that aren't visible like larger headers or a performance intercooler will the insurance find out?
Ps, I have heard that interior mods increase insurance premiums. Is this true?
Look up the big word and declare mods as it is nailed-on you and unfortunately others will come to grief. Better still avoid the mods and perhaps avoid driving until you mature. Pip-pip.
caelite said:
Having worked in an insurance lockup, it really depends on the modification and context of the accident.
In a relatively minor accident, it goes to the lockup, the engineers on site will examine it to inspect damage, and do a basic report of the overall vehicles condition. These guys aren't looking for modifications or silly bits of trim, they are purely assessing damage. With that being said, a blatantly obvious mod can and will be noted down. So if they open the bonnet to a sea of blue silicon, the aftermarket 22" alloys with 20 profile tyres, or can fit there fists in the drainpipe of an exhaust. They will note this down.
However if the car looks like it could have left the factory in its state, the vast majority won't split hairs. So your Fiesta ST bumpers and seats on your 1.0 base model I'd say are most likely fine, as are the wheels your mate nicked off a Mondeo. Even subtle stainless steel exhaust systems can get away as long as they are not rediculous. With modern cars privacy glass is becoming very much the norm so rear window tints don't exactly turn up any noses.
However in high profile claims insurers will send their own engineers out. These guys aren't only looking for damage, but are also looking for potential attributing factors in the accident. THIS is where any aftermarket bits get dragged up. And different engineers notice different things. Personally, I've seen a guy make a massive deal out of a set of furry dice on the rear mirror being a 'modification' that adversely effected the drivers blind spots. They will note anything and everything they think could have contributed to an accident. But at the same time even these guys I have never seen make a big deal out of OEM parts, so to use the same example, fiesta ST wheels on a Fiesta base model I'd really say are safe as long as they "look" OEM.
Of course there will be other posters around who will outline the severity of the risk, personally all I say is be smart about it, and don't be insured by anyone in the Admiral group.
What's wrong with the admiral group? Do they inspect more than other providers?In a relatively minor accident, it goes to the lockup, the engineers on site will examine it to inspect damage, and do a basic report of the overall vehicles condition. These guys aren't looking for modifications or silly bits of trim, they are purely assessing damage. With that being said, a blatantly obvious mod can and will be noted down. So if they open the bonnet to a sea of blue silicon, the aftermarket 22" alloys with 20 profile tyres, or can fit there fists in the drainpipe of an exhaust. They will note this down.
However if the car looks like it could have left the factory in its state, the vast majority won't split hairs. So your Fiesta ST bumpers and seats on your 1.0 base model I'd say are most likely fine, as are the wheels your mate nicked off a Mondeo. Even subtle stainless steel exhaust systems can get away as long as they are not rediculous. With modern cars privacy glass is becoming very much the norm so rear window tints don't exactly turn up any noses.
However in high profile claims insurers will send their own engineers out. These guys aren't only looking for damage, but are also looking for potential attributing factors in the accident. THIS is where any aftermarket bits get dragged up. And different engineers notice different things. Personally, I've seen a guy make a massive deal out of a set of furry dice on the rear mirror being a 'modification' that adversely effected the drivers blind spots. They will note anything and everything they think could have contributed to an accident. But at the same time even these guys I have never seen make a big deal out of OEM parts, so to use the same example, fiesta ST wheels on a Fiesta base model I'd really say are safe as long as they "look" OEM.
Of course there will be other posters around who will outline the severity of the risk, personally all I say is be smart about it, and don't be insured by anyone in the Admiral group.
Nanook said:
Welshbeef said:
If you got the wrong weight rating on your tyres insurance companies can decide to not payout.
You mean load rating?Have you got an example of that having ever happened?
I’ve never heard of it no. In fact I’ve not once ever heard of anyone getting insurance retracted. Then again I cannot recall discussing an insurance claim with anyone for years and years (noon I know has had an accident fortunately).
Pica-Pica said:
Rs6avant1200 said:
What's wrong with the admiral group? Do they inspect more than other providers?
Maybe, but they (used to?) want you to declare any Speed Awareness Courses attended - most other insurance companies do not.
It doesn't what the insurance company asks in any shape or form. What matters is whether they provide the service/product/quality you want at a competitive priceETA if the OP isn't going to declare mods, he or she is hardly likely to declare a SAC.
Pica-Pica said:
Rs6avant1200 said:
What's wrong with the admiral group? Do they inspect more than other providers?
Maybe, but they (used to?) want you to declare any Speed Awareness Courses attended - most other insurance companies do not.Pica-Pica said:
Rs6avant1200 said:
What's wrong with the admiral group? Do they inspect more than other providers?
Maybe, but they (used to?) want you to declare any Speed Awareness Courses attended - most other insurance companies do not.There is a lot more but it would take half the day to write it all.
BertBert said:
Pica-Pica said:
Rs6avant1200 said:
What's wrong with the admiral group? Do they inspect more than other providers?
Maybe, but they (used to?) want you to declare any Speed Awareness Courses attended - most other insurance companies do not. It doesn't what the insurance company asks in any shape or form. What matters is whether they provide the service/product/quality you want at a competitive priceETA if the OP isn't going to declare mods, he or she is hardly likely to declare a SAC.
Welshbeef said:
Nanook said:
Welshbeef said:
If you got the wrong weight rating on your tyres insurance companies can decide to not payout.
You mean load rating?Have you got an example of that having ever happened?
I’ve never heard of it no. In fact I’ve not once ever heard of anyone getting insurance retracted. Then again I cannot recall discussing an insurance claim with anyone for years and years (noon I know has had an accident fortunately).
Pericoloso said:
Welshbeef said:
Nanook said:
Welshbeef said:
If you got the wrong weight rating on your tyres insurance companies can decide to not payout.
You mean load rating?Have you got an example of that having ever happened?
I’ve never heard of it no. In fact I’ve not once ever heard of anyone getting insurance retracted. Then again I cannot recall discussing an insurance claim with anyone for years and years (noon I know has had an accident fortunately).
(From ‘In the grip of a tyre-fitter’s hand’ - Budgie)
Nanook said:
If you do crash, they'll send someone to inspect the car.
Not necessarily; I just had to make a claim on my insurance and they never sent anyone out or took the car away, just made an assessment based on the photos I submitted. I was a little taken aback; I guess you could get caught out if you capture something in your photo that you had failed to declare.Some questions: Would you commit credit card fraud? Would you commit benefits fraud? Would you defraud your employer? Would you defraud a friend?
If the answer to each of those questions is no, why would you consider defrauding an insurance company?
If your approach to life is "can I get away with something?", then why even ask the question posed by this thread?
If the answer to each of those questions is no, why would you consider defrauding an insurance company?
If your approach to life is "can I get away with something?", then why even ask the question posed by this thread?
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 8th September 16:52
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