Declaring modifications.

[vrsmxtb]

Just asked for a quote on some planned modifications next year - around £800 of mainly suspension upgrades. An extra £40 on a £250 classic policy but bumping the excess up to £400. Is it literally just to do with value, or do they think modification equals higher risk?

[LukeSi]

Higher risk. For a they know an idiot could be doing the suspension upgrades.

[otolith]

Car modifier = riskier driver.

But it depends on the insurer. My Lotus doesn't cost me any more unless I go over 200bhp, I just phone them if I change anything for their records. Mainstream insurers seem to want a bit more cash whenever you declare a new modification.

[vrsmxtb]

otolith said:

Car modifier = riskier driver.

But it depends on the insurer. My Lotus doesn't cost me any more unless I go over 200bhp, I just phone them if I change anything for their records. Mainstream insurers seem to want a bit more cash whenever you declare a new modification.

That's why I was a little surprised - they're not huge and mainstream, but a classic specialist with a good reputation who I expected to be a bit more relaxed.

[otolith]

Maybe they're more geared up to the sort of classic owner who insists everything is original?

[NeoVR]

It varys from insurer to insurer.

REIS for example tend to go off the general power output of the car for risk rather than the specific mods for their sports car policy. When i had my mk1 with a cone filter and stainless zorst, it didnt bump the price up because it was still under 140bhp.
But on the flip-side they refused to insure the new supercharged car because they INSISTED on a brake upgrade although couldnt tell me what that was specifically... stupid really.

Some insurers have a points system - mods have a points rating that corresponds to a %age increase in the policy.
When i used to work for a national insurance broker, surprisingly it was silly things like "engine stop/start button" that bumped up the premium alot - definitely aimed at deterring the chav brigade.

[devnull]

My insurers wouldn't even cover me to add a factory hardtop to my policy!

[JamesHayward]

As said above it depends on the insurer.

I've just had a quote for my modified MX-5 that's a fair bit cheaper than a standard car. I'd recommend trying modified specialists such as Greenlight, HIC, Flux, Sky Insurance etc etc

[furtive]

devnull said:

My insurers wouldn't even cover me to add a factory hardtop to my policy!

I wouldn't even think to tell them about that! It's not a modification it's just a standard part

[Ekona]

You should, if they ask for it. Admiral group definitely do, others not so bothered.

If in doubt, disclose.

[g40steve]

REIS no problems with modifications.

I have more than most!

[blueheron]

devnull said:

My insurers wouldn't even cover me to add a factory hardtop to my policy!

Aviva covered my hard top, front grill and style bar. Premium stayed the same.

[vrsmxtb]

g40steve said:

REIS no problems with modifications.

I have more than most!

I might try them next renewal,have heard they're mod-friendly before.

[thecremeegg]

Aviva are good - only charged me an admin fee of £20 to add lower suspension and new wheels