Insurance + optional extras

[xreyuk]

Hey guys,

My insurance is with admiral and their insurance means that any optional extras (even if fitted at the time of manufacture) count as modifications.

I have a couple of questions. I'm looking at buying a 2010 plate, mk6 Golf 1.6TDI SE model, and was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a specification of what come as standard on this model? The VW website doesn't have any info. I believe that the one I'm buying may have optional extras. Would the dealer have this information (the dealer I'm buying from is a small one, and not a proper dealership).

Secondly, does anyone know if no cost options are counted as an optional extra? For instance, I know that the alloy wheels on the SE model are a zero cost option, would this still mean they would need to be declared or would they be counted as standard?

I don't want to ask the insurance company because I know they're going to say whatever they can to get more money.

Thanks.

[PumpkinSteve]

xreyuk said:

Hey guys,

My insurance is with admiral and their insurance means that any optional extras (even if fitted at the time of manufacture) count as modifications.

I have a couple of questions. I'm looking at buying a 2010 plate, mk6 Golf 1.6TDI SE model, and was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a specification of what come as standard on this model? The VW website doesn't have any info. I believe that the one I'm buying may have optional extras. Would the dealer have this information (the dealer I'm buying from is a small one, and not a proper dealership).

Secondly, does anyone know if no cost options are counted as an optional extra? For instance, I know that the alloy wheels on the SE model are a zero cost option, would this still mean they would need to be declared or would they be counted as standard?

I don't want to ask the insurance company because I know they're going to say whatever they can to get more money.

Thanks.

I made a post about this topic a few weeks ago, the general consensus was that you should tell them about optional extras, otherwise they will not be covered in the event of an accident. As it happens I then told my insurance company about the options on my car and there was no charge, I'm with AXA.

[xreyuk]

I saw that thread actually. The problem is I haven't got a clue what comes as standard on that model, because Volkswagen doesn't list the models on their site.

Secondly like I say, if something is free I don't know whether they'd class them as extras or standard, I.E the alloys.

[randlemarcus]

http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/volkswagen/golf/...

Is this the right one?

I've always taken the modifications from the factory to be additional extras like reversing cameras. Anything that comes as standard on a Special Equipment variant is as per model, and not declarable.

[xreyuk]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

This is the model I was looking at.

The difference is one of the extra things that the one I'm looking at has a multifunction steering wheel, and a couple of other bits, which the other listings don't seem to have. That's why I was asking if anyone knew where there was a spec sheet or something, so I could see what was standard and what wasn't. I think I have found a spec sheet on parkers, but that only mentions leather multi function steering wheels, and not normal ones, so I don't think it's got everything on there.

If I get the car insured, and don't declare anything and I'm in an accident, will they still cover the car, and just not cover the modifications, or will they not cover the whole car?

Is there anywhere else I can look to see if anything was added from the standard model?

[Deva Link]

xreyuk said:

Hey guys,
My insurance is with admiral and their insurance means that any optional extras (even if fitted at the time of manufacture) count as modifications.

There's someone on here who could perhaps confirm but I have a Merc and read on a Merc forum, where there's obviously some concern about options, that Admiral only ever value the car in its basic form.

The options / mods things generally has come up before - someone said they were refused insurance with one company but it was his own fault as he decribed the options as mods.

I've also read that if you buy a used car you're not expected to know about modifucations unless they're obvious. Same must apply to options - as you say, how would you know?

I think it's a bit bizzare that insurance companies don't take them into account - my Merc has 7K's worth and I specifically asked them (LV) about the COMAND system and they wrote me a letter to confirm it was covered.

[xreyuk]

Yeah. Admiral said to me on the phone that the car would be insured, but the optional extra wouldn't. Obviously that isn't in writing, and I can't get a copy of their policy documents that explains it (their document on their site doesn't mention about failing to declare things would lead to invalid insurance or anything).

I also haven't got anything in writing to aren't keen to take their word over the phone.

Will there be anything in the car booklets saying if it had any extras fitted?

Edited by xreyuk on Sunday 18th March 00:11

[PumpkinSteve]

xreyuk said:

Yeah. Admiral said to me on the phone that the car would be insured, but the optional extra wouldn't. Obviously that isn't in writing, and I can't get a copy of their policy documents that explains it (their document on their site doesn't mention about failing to declare things would lead to invalid insurance or anything).

I also haven't got anything in writing to aren't keen to take their word over the phone.

Will there be anything in the car booklets saying if it had any extras fitted?

Edited by xreyuk on Sunday 18th March 00:11

Do VW not have some kind of database of cars? I know Ford have a site called FordEtis, which I think is linked to the Ford Factory, where you can input your car details and it'll give you the full configuration of your car. Maybe try asking at a dealership if they know of anything like this.

[David87]

Yep, with the chassis number or VRM, a VW dealer should be able to tell you exactly which (if any) options are fitted to your car.

[stargazer30]

Interesting as Admiral don't insure modified parts at all. You can stick a nice set of alloys on and tell them but if they get stolen or damaged in a accident you get them replaced with stock parts.

[ZOLLAR]

stargazer30 said:

Interesting as Admiral don't insure modified parts at all. You can stick a nice set of alloys on and tell them but if they get stolen or damaged in a accident you get them replaced with stock parts.

If they're manufacture spec they're be replaced or paid out for.

[xreyuk]

ZOLLAR said:

If they're manufacture spec they're be replaced or paid out for.

Their policy documents say that if you have something that differs from the standard model, it's only replaced with standard parts unless they agree to insure them.

Does anyone know where I can find out what comes as standard? I won't be able to know what modified if I can't find model spec!

[ZOLLAR]

xreyuk said:

ZOLLAR said:

If they're manufacture spec they're be replaced or paid out for.

Their policy documents say that if you have something that differs from the standard model, it's only replaced with standard parts unless they agree to insure them.

Does anyone know where I can find out what comes as standard? I won't be able to know what modified if I can't find model spec!

Which is why they ask you to disclose the manufacture optional extras so that in a claim the agreement is they'll pay out for them.

[PumpkinSteve]

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/golf...

Choose the correct model from there and it shows you standard equipment, plus optional equipment and relevant price. They've smudged the reg. number in the ad, but if you have the reg. number you can use a free car check site to find out which variant it is (since it isn't listed in the ad).

[xreyuk]

Thanks Steve and David. I'll try that website and then if that doesn't work ill go to the VW Dealer.

Will they be happy to tell me what's on the car if I'm not buying from them?

[Fox-]

Is it me or does that seem like a hell of a lot of money for a 3 year old 1.6 litre hatchback?

[xreyuk]

Thats the cheapest on of that model I've seen, but the one I'm looking at is 2010, so its 2 years old.

I haven't found anything cheaper an all the car valuation sites place it bang on or slightly low.

The one im looking at is a 2010 Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI SE, with 18,000 miles on, an it's listed at 12,600.

@PumpkinSteve - The WhatCar site doesn't seem to list the SE model...

Edited by xreyuk on Sunday 18th March 17:49

[McSam]

ZOLLAR said:

Which is why they ask you to disclose the manufacture optional extras so that in a claim the agreement is they'll pay out for them.

For clarification, when it comes to modifications rather than optional extras - for example, non-manufacturer-spec aftermarket alloys - and I tell you the value of those when starting a policy, will they be insured for their true value?

[PumpkinSteve]

xreyuk said:

Thats the cheapest on of that model I've seen, but the one I'm looking at is 2010, so its 2 years old.

I haven't found anything cheaper an all the car valuation sites place it bang on or slightly low.

The one im looking at is a 2010 Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI SE, with 18,000 miles on, an it's listed at 12,600.

@PumpkinSteve - The WhatCar site doesn't seem to list the SE model...

Edited by xreyuk on Sunday 18th March 17:49

I got your PM. I found this, it costs 1.99 but gives you everything you need to know, a comprehensive list of standard and optional equipment. It's probably worth it for the price of a Happy Meal.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/car-info-pac...

[xreyuk]

Cheers mate, thanks for looking for us.

I'll part with 1.99 just to be sure.

• EDIT*

The only thing I can't see on there is the multifunction steering wheel (the one I've got isn't leather) but it's not a big deal there. Everything else looks standard.