Accident insurance on hold

Accident insurance on hold

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Discussion

anniesdad

14,589 posts

239 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
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evoivboy said:
I had a 2004 Audi Avante 2.0l petrol which needed a new exhuast as it was shagged, new was £1300 if i could have got one, as there were none in the UK and only front section in Germany, so wrang around for a s/s one and found a company in Hastings who made an identical full system for £450

Did'nt occur to me to notify insurance as it was a like for like replacement in s/s with original silencers and cat
I think that would be a non-issue for the insurers.

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
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Hungrymc said:
You’ve miss read my post and my questions to the OP?

I’ve said ‘If it follows the design of the original’. Do you disagree? IF it is same diameter, routing, number and position of silencers and CATs and has been discussed as such with them, do you think they would be entitled to penalise the OP?

I’ve said in all of my posts if it deviates from original design it will be a mod. The problem here would to be that the OP either through lack of knowledge, or through trying to talk the mod down to avoid increased premium has not given an accurate description. I’m pretty sure most policies ask for information in good faith and to the best of your knowledge but this would be a much trickier situation.
All I was saying is if a customer goes to the exhaust company and says “I’m in a spot of bother, any chance of you saying my exhaust is standard fit” then I’m sure they would. I’m not convinced the insurer would take one bit of notice of it though.

It’s a mod, I think we’re all agreed on that and the OP is either trying to con himself, or possibly us. His writing style isn’t really that of a 40 year old and he does like to state his age at every opportunity.

Spenna36

Original Poster:

57 posts

74 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
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[quote=Gavia]

It’s a mod, I think we’re all agreed on that and the OP is either trying to con himself, or possibly us. His writing style isn’t really that of a 40 year old and he does like to state his age at every ]

I didn't realise this forum was an English lesson or a grammar test.yes my writing isn't great.doesnt mean I'm lieing to you does it.i came to pistonheads as I'm in a spot of bother.
The accident was my fault.however my knowledge on cars/mods etc is very limited.when I did my insurance quote I told the lady on the phone that I had window tints.i also mentioned that I had a s/s exhaust.(I think anyway) my memory is not great at the best of times.you say I'm trying to con you.why would I do that.i have come here purely for help.not telling you the truth is not going to get me the help I need is it.my normal garage recommended that I went to John Ashley exhausts.i asked them to do me s/s exhaust.they did it.i payed and that was it.sorry that you guys feel I'm lieing to you.

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Spenna36]avia said:
It’s a mod, I think we’re all agreed on that and the OP is either trying to con himself, or possibly us. His writing style isn’t really that of a 40 year old and he does like to state his age at every ]

I didn't realise this forum was an English lesson or a grammar test.yes my writing isn't great.doesnt mean I'm lieing to you does it.i came to pistonheads as I'm in a spot of bother.
The accident was my fault.however my knowledge on cars/mods etc is very limited.when I did my insurance quote I told the lady on the phone that I had window tints.i also mentioned that I had a s/s exhaust.(I think anyway) my memory is not great at the best of times.you say I'm trying to con you.why would I do that.i have come here purely for help.not telling you the truth is not going to get me the help I need is it.my normal garage recommended that I went to John Ashley exhausts.i asked them to do me s/s exhaust.they did it.i payed and that was it.sorry that you guys feel I'm lieing to you.
What help do you want? You’ve already been told the answer.

You’re at fault for the accident.
The exhaust is most likely a modification as it’s a performance exhaust
They won’t pay you for the damage to your car, or will reduce the amount they pay by the amount you’ve underpaid on your policy.
They will pay for the damage to the other car. Theoretically they could reclaim those costs from you, but they won’t in reality.

That’s it really. Not much more anyone can say.

Rubins4

780 posts

126 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
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Gavia said:
What help do you want? You’ve already been told the answer.

You’re at fault for the accident.
The exhaust is most likely a modification as it’s a performance exhaust
They won’t pay you for the damage to your car, or will reduce the amount they pay by the amount you’ve underpaid on your policy.
They will pay for the damage to the other car. Theoretically they could reclaim those costs from you, but they won’t in reality.

That’s it really. Not much more anyone can say.
From what I've read here I'm not convinced that this is clear cut, which is important as to me it seems to be where the decision will be made.

OP states that it is "like for like" but in stainless steel; for the moment we have to take that at face value. If we take "modification" it to the letter, then the change of material would therefore mean it is not of manufacturers specification and is therefore modified. In reality, and has been pointed out elsewhere, then virtually every aftermarket exhaust would be a mod, whether it is a replacement part or not. There is therefore a grey area in which the OP appears to have fallen.

From my arm chair, IF the exhaust is deemed to be modified, then the OP might have problems. However, if it is deemed a replacement/repair (whatever the correct terminology is), I cant see what basis the insurer has to wiggle. Therefore, any evidence to argue the exhaust is a mod would be in the OP's interest (including a letter form the exhaust manufacturer, if they are prepared to give one).

OP, I'd be interested to know who your insurer is. I'd rather pay a bit more at premium time and avoid all this ste.


Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Rubins4 said:
From what I've read here I'm not convinced that this is clear cut, which is important as to me it seems to be where the decision will be made.

OP states that it is "like for like" but in stainless steel; for the moment we have to take that at face value. If we take "modification" it to the letter, then the change of material would therefore mean it is not of manufacturers specification and is therefore modified. In reality, and has been pointed out elsewhere, then virtually every aftermarket exhaust would be a mod, whether it is a replacement part or not. There is therefore a grey area in which the OP appears to have fallen.

From my arm chair, IF the exhaust is deemed to be modified, then the OP might have problems. However, if it is deemed a replacement/repair (whatever the correct terminology is), I cant see what basis the insurer has to wiggle. Therefore, any evidence to argue the exhaust is a mod would be in the OP's interest (including a letter form the exhaust manufacturer, if they are prepared to give one).

OP, I'd be interested to know who your insurer is. I'd rather pay a bit more at premium time and avoid all this ste.
Now my spidey sense is tingling, you’re very new to posting despite a very long membership.

I’ve posted the website from where the OP bought his exhaust. They are a specialist in performance exhausts. This situation has arisen after an insurance approved engineer has looked at the car to assess the cost told repair and he’s flagged it up as a modification, so it’s highly likely to be more than just a stainless steel pattern part.

Even the OP is struggling to hold down a coherent story.

On the one hand he’s sure he declared it, on the other he doesn’t think it’s a modification. He can’t have it both ways.

Gad-Westy

14,589 posts

214 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
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Gavia said:
Now my spidey sense is tingling, you’re very new to posting despite a very long membership.

I’ve posted the website from where the OP bought his exhaust. They are a specialist in performance exhausts. This situation has arisen after an insurance approved engineer has looked at the car to assess the cost told repair and he’s flagged it up as a modification, so it’s highly likely to be more than just a stainless steel pattern part.

Even the OP is struggling to hold down a coherent story.

On the one hand he’s sure he declared it, on the other he doesn’t think it’s a modification. He can’t have it both ways.
I think you might be reading a bit much into the inspection aspect. The difference between a stainless and mild steel exhaust would be immediately obvious on it's own. Stainless OEM exhausts are unusual. It doesn't mean there is anything much different dimensionally. I would also say that just because the exhaust fabricator market the 'performance' element exhaust part of their business heavily, it doesn't mean that they don't knock out pattern SS exhausts as part of their bread and butter too.

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Gad-Westy said:
I think you might be reading a bit much into the inspection aspect. The difference between a stainless and mild steel exhaust would be immediately obvious on it's own. Stainless OEM exhausts are unusual. It doesn't mean there is anything much different dimensionally. I would also say that just because the exhaust fabricator market the 'performance' element exhaust part of their business heavily, it doesn't mean that they don't knock out pattern SS exhausts as part of their bread and butter too.
Maybe, maybe not. I think you’re giving the OP too much credit and giving the guy who inspected the car too little. He’ll know the difference between a pattern part and a performance exhaust on sight.

Maybe the OP could put a link up to the exhaust he had fitted, or a redacted copy of his invoice, that would get rid of any discussion. If I’m wrong I’m happy to admit it.

robinessex

11,075 posts

182 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
If the only difference in the replacement exhaust is the material, that isn't a mod. Especially as the insurance company wouldn’t know what the original material was anyway. I think most of the replacement exhausts I’ve had fitted in the past were SS.

Rubins4

780 posts

126 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Gavia said:
Now my spidey sense is tingling, you’re very new to posting despite a very long membership.

I’ve posted the website from where the OP bought his exhaust. They are a specialist in performance exhausts. This situation has arisen after an insurance approved engineer has looked at the car to assess the cost told repair and he’s flagged it up as a modification, so it’s highly likely to be more than just a stainless steel pattern part.

Even the OP is struggling to hold down a coherent story.

On the one hand he’s sure he declared it, on the other he doesn’t think it’s a modification. He can’t have it both ways.
Yeah, long time lurker. Not sure what point your making confused Am I somehow connected to the OP because I havent posted recently, or do I work for the insurance company, setting up this account years ago on the hope that one day someone will give up some snippet of information which I can use to deny their claim?

Can't a performance exhaust specialist make up a non-performance exhaust using standard cats etc? It appears that was what they were asked to do (again, taking the OP's statement at face value).

I understand and to a limited extent agree with your 'having it both ways' argument, but I'm not making any comment about that.

Your summary states that the exhaust is (or probably is) modified. All I am saying is that conclusion isn't clear cut, and that I think it's important that it is, as IMO that on what the decision of the insurer (and so the fate of the OP) lies.

Spenna36

Original Poster:

57 posts

74 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Rubins4 said:
From what I've read here I'm not convinced that this is clear cut, which is important as to me it seems to be where the decision will be made.

OP states that it is "like for like" but in stainless steel; for the moment we have to take that at face value. If we take "modification" it to the letter, then the change of material would therefore mean it is not of manufacturers specification and is therefore modified. In reality, and has been pointed out elsewhere, then virtually every aftermarket exhaust would be a mod, whether it is a replacement part or not. There is therefore a grey area in which the OP appears to have fallen.

From my arm chair, IF the exhaust is deemed to be modified, then the OP might have problems. However, if it is deemed a replacement/repair (whatever the correct terminology is), I cant see what basis the insurer has to wiggle. Therefore, any evidence to argue the exhaust is a mod would be in the OP's interest (including a letter form the exhaust manufacturer, if they are prepared to give one).

OP, I'd be interested to know who your insurer is. I'd rather pay a bit more at premium time and avoid all this ste.
1st central is my insurer.
I have already said why I changed the exhaust.it was a replacement as the old exhaust was crumbling really bad.i was given a number to ring to get a s/s exhaust for longer life.i didn't ask or speak about performance to the garage that did it.as I have no care for the car to be fast/faster it was purely because I was keeping the car for as long as I could.with regards to telling the insurance about it.as I had heard that an s/s can be a mod so I mentioned it (I believe I did mention it anyway.but not 100%) to the insurer when I did the quote at the same time I told them about the tinted windows.and I was told ok that was fine.im not clued up on all this at all.i know how to drive cars but apart from that I don't have a Scooby doo

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
robinessex said:
If the only difference in the replacement exhaust is the material, that isn't a mod. Especially as the insurance company wouldn’t know what the original material was anyway. I think most of the replacement exhausts I’ve had fitted in the past were SS.
And we’re going in circles. I’ve already said that the guy from the insurance company who has seen the exhaust is the one who raised it as an issue. He must have a reason to raise it as an issue.

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Spenna36 said:
1st central is my insurer.
I have already said why I changed the exhaust.it was a replacement as the old exhaust was crumbling really bad.i was given a number to ring to get a s/s exhaust for longer life.i didn't ask or speak about performance to the garage that did it.as I have no care for the car to be fast/faster it was purely because I was keeping the car for as long as I could.with regards to telling the insurance about it.as I had heard that an s/s can be a mod so I mentioned it (I believe I did mention it anyway.but not 100%) to the insurer when I did the quote at the same time I told them about the tinted windows.and I was told ok that was fine.im not clued up on all this at all.i know how to drive cars but apart from that I don't have a Scooby doo
Link to the exhaust on this website please

http://www.jaex.co.uk

They don’t seem to do normal exhausts though looking through their website.

Or how about a copy of the invoice with your details removed to show us what you bought.

Rubins4

780 posts

126 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Gavia said:
robinessex said:
If the only difference in the replacement exhaust is the material, that isn't a mod. Especially as the insurance company wouldn’t know what the original material was anyway. I think most of the replacement exhausts I’ve had fitted in the past were SS.
And we’re going in circles. I’ve already said that the guy from the insurance company who has seen the exhaust is the one who raised it as an issue. He must have a reason to raise it as an issue.
He appears to have raised it because its made of S/S when perhaps it wasn't originally. Quite a lot hangs on this for the OP so its important his assessment is correct, isn't it?

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Rubins4 said:
Yeah, long time lurker. Not sure what point your making confused Am I somehow connected to the OP because I havent posted recently, or do I work for the insurance company, setting up this account years ago on the hope that one day someone will give up some snippet of information which I can use to deny their claim?

Can't a performance exhaust specialist make up a non-performance exhaust using standard cats etc? It appears that was what they were asked to do (again, taking the OP's statement at face value).

I understand and to a limited extent agree with your 'having it both ways' argument, but I'm not making any comment about that.

Your summary states that the exhaust is (or probably is) modified. All I am saying is that conclusion isn't clear cut, and that I think it's important that it is, as IMO that on what the decision of the insurer (and so the fate of the OP) lies.
The insurer is only going to flag this as an issue if the guy who assessed the vehicle has done so. He is unlikely to flag it if the exhaust is a pattern part. The OP has more or less told us that he thinks it should’ve been declared and thinks he did, but isn’t sure now. Everybody knows if they should’ve declared something if they’re honest with themselves.

We’ve told the OP what’s likely to happen. There’s little point is carrying on guessing. Either the OP is going to show us what he’s bought or not. If he won’t tell us, the then that speaks volumes to me.

vonhosen

40,250 posts

218 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Spenna36 said:
Rubins4 said:
From what I've read here I'm not convinced that this is clear cut, which is important as to me it seems to be where the decision will be made.

OP states that it is "like for like" but in stainless steel; for the moment we have to take that at face value. If we take "modification" it to the letter, then the change of material would therefore mean it is not of manufacturers specification and is therefore modified. In reality, and has been pointed out elsewhere, then virtually every aftermarket exhaust would be a mod, whether it is a replacement part or not. There is therefore a grey area in which the OP appears to have fallen.

From my arm chair, IF the exhaust is deemed to be modified, then the OP might have problems. However, if it is deemed a replacement/repair (whatever the correct terminology is), I cant see what basis the insurer has to wiggle. Therefore, any evidence to argue the exhaust is a mod would be in the OP's interest (including a letter form the exhaust manufacturer, if they are prepared to give one).

OP, I'd be interested to know who your insurer is. I'd rather pay a bit more at premium time and avoid all this ste.
1st central is my insurer.
I have already said why I changed the exhaust.it was a replacement as the old exhaust was crumbling really bad.i was given a number to ring to get a s/s exhaust for longer life.i didn't ask or speak about performance to the garage that did it.as I have no care for the car to be fast/faster it was purely because I was keeping the car for as long as I could.with regards to telling the insurance about it.as I had heard that an s/s can be a mod so I mentioned it (I believe I did mention it anyway.but not 100%) to the insurer when I did the quote at the same time I told them about the tinted windows.and I was told ok that was fine.im not clued up on all this at all.i know how to drive cars but apart from that I don't have a Scooby doo
So you have a replacement exhaust that you say you don't know if it's standard (albeit S/S) or not.
The insurance assessor has seen the vehicle & may well have an idea if it's standard or not.
And the ball is now with the insurer.
You can do no more than wait for their play then.
If it's as standard you shouldn't have a problem, if it's not you could have a problem.

Spenna36

Original Poster:

57 posts

74 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
And you don't think I have tried to find the invoice already....

vonhosen

40,250 posts

218 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Spenna36 said:
And you don't think I have tried to find the invoice already....
That won't alter if it's standard or not.

Gavia

7,627 posts

92 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Rubins4 said:
He appears to have raised it because its made of S/S when perhaps it wasn't originally. Quite a lot hangs on this for the OP so its important his assessment is correct, isn't it?
But he’s not giving any more detail. I’ve asked him if it’s a decat and he hasn’t answered. I’ve asked him to provide a copy of the receipt and he hasn’t. I’ve asked him to point out which one he bought on their website, he’s not had time to answer that one.

However, if you look at that companies website it’s not a huge leap to work out that they specialise in performance exhausts. If someone turns up wanting a normal one they’re mister likely to send you to Kwik fit as it’s not their core business.

Gad-Westy

14,589 posts

214 months

Thursday 22nd March 2018
quotequote all
Gavia said:
Rubins4 said:
Yeah, long time lurker. Not sure what point your making confused Am I somehow connected to the OP because I havent posted recently, or do I work for the insurance company, setting up this account years ago on the hope that one day someone will give up some snippet of information which I can use to deny their claim?

Can't a performance exhaust specialist make up a non-performance exhaust using standard cats etc? It appears that was what they were asked to do (again, taking the OP's statement at face value).

I understand and to a limited extent agree with your 'having it both ways' argument, but I'm not making any comment about that.

Your summary states that the exhaust is (or probably is) modified. All I am saying is that conclusion isn't clear cut, and that I think it's important that it is, as IMO that on what the decision of the insurer (and so the fate of the OP) lies.
The insurer is only going to flag this as an issue if the guy who assessed the vehicle has done so. He is unlikely to flag it if the exhaust is a pattern part. The OP has more or less told us that he thinks it should’ve been declared and thinks he did, but isn’t sure now. Everybody knows if they should’ve declared something if they’re honest with themselves.

We’ve told the OP what’s likely to happen. There’s little point is carrying on guessing. Either the OP is going to show us what he’s bought or not. If he won’t tell us, the then that speaks volumes to me.
The OP claims he asked for a replacement exhaust in stainless steel. The website doesn't show that product but then it doesn't show many other products either as their core business seems to be fabricating custom exhausts. However the 'About us' page clearly states that they also supply standard exhausts so it seems entirely plausible to me that is what they supplied.