Alloy refurbishment - declare to insurance ?
Discussion
Apologies if in wrong section.
I have managed to damage an alloy wheel which is repairable.
Having visited 4 wheel specialists locally, none can guarantee a match to the other 3 wheels ( black alloys on a Renault). Been to Renault also to see if they could get a paint code - no joy.
So have now decided to get all 4 wheels powder coated/refurbed in black (so they all match) , as close to the original colour as possible. Does anyone know if I need to declare this to my insurance company as a modification ?
Thanks.
I have managed to damage an alloy wheel which is repairable.
Having visited 4 wheel specialists locally, none can guarantee a match to the other 3 wheels ( black alloys on a Renault). Been to Renault also to see if they could get a paint code - no joy.
So have now decided to get all 4 wheels powder coated/refurbed in black (so they all match) , as close to the original colour as possible. Does anyone know if I need to declare this to my insurance company as a modification ?
Thanks.
Psycho Warren said:
Only time it would be relevant is in the case of an agreed value policy where significant improvements to the vehicle may increase the value over book.
Not necessarily. Insurance companies class all manner of things as modifications, which would add no real value to the car.As an example of you cut a couple of inches from springs to lower the car, it's not going to add any value but then insurance company would class that as a modification.
I went from black and diamond cut to black, i phoned insurer to be sure - I did word it very much as refurbishment/repair but told them they were black and silver, now they were just black.
They didn't class it as a modification. I heard horror stories of Admiral declining claims due to it though whether it's true or not I don't know.
They didn't class it as a modification. I heard horror stories of Admiral declining claims due to it though whether it's true or not I don't know.
There are horror stories, but I reckon most are made up.
I think a lot of people with mods don't declare anything in the worry that it might cause their premiums to shoot up. However, modified policies through brokers are much cheaper in my experience. I don't think I'd bother insuring a modified car with a high street insurer, I used to work for one that would increase premiums for most modification even if just cosmetic. YMMV but if an insurer charged me for a wheel colour change I'd run.
I think a lot of people with mods don't declare anything in the worry that it might cause their premiums to shoot up. However, modified policies through brokers are much cheaper in my experience. I don't think I'd bother insuring a modified car with a high street insurer, I used to work for one that would increase premiums for most modification even if just cosmetic. YMMV but if an insurer charged me for a wheel colour change I'd run.
Thanks for the replies.
Have just got home from collecting the car and although the wheels are now powder coated not painted, I honestly cannot tell any difference to the colour !
Rang my insurance company as I'm a bit of a worrier and was told no problem - as long as it isn't a performance modification don't need to know. Chap on the phone seemed very surprised I was even asking ! Insured with SAGA as i'm an old git lol.
Have just got home from collecting the car and although the wheels are now powder coated not painted, I honestly cannot tell any difference to the colour !
Rang my insurance company as I'm a bit of a worrier and was told no problem - as long as it isn't a performance modification don't need to know. Chap on the phone seemed very surprised I was even asking ! Insured with SAGA as i'm an old git lol.
Edited by classicfred on Friday 23 April 19:19
Edited by classicfred on Friday 23 April 19:43
It is a repair of a wheel NOT a mod to an upmarket £££ alternative.
If the latter then any future claim to the insurer would likely not be met in full as they might consider the more costly wheels should be covered by a higher premium depending on which company, the cost to replace such wheels that would he higher than originals.
If the latter then any future claim to the insurer would likely not be met in full as they might consider the more costly wheels should be covered by a higher premium depending on which company, the cost to replace such wheels that would he higher than originals.
Cars don't really seem to be a major issue, but bikes..... I had to declare my dealer fit upgraded exhaust system, including value, if it was an aesthetic upgrade &/or if it increased performance. is it CE marked? Have you taken out/modified the baffles???
I can't see any problem with refurbishing a Renault's wheels, but IMO, insurance is a bloody minefield.....
I can't see any problem with refurbishing a Renault's wheels, but IMO, insurance is a bloody minefield.....
DaveE87 said:
There are horror stories, but I reckon most are made up.
I think a lot of people with mods don't declare anything in the worry that it might cause their premiums to shoot up. However, modified policies through brokers are much cheaper in my experience. I don't think I'd bother insuring a modified car with a high street insurer, I used to work for one that would increase premiums for most modification even if just cosmetic. YMMV but if an insurer charged me for a wheel colour change I'd run.
This. For insurance reasons, both of my cars have "modifications". Usually "decals" and "alloy wheels fitted".I think a lot of people with mods don't declare anything in the worry that it might cause their premiums to shoot up. However, modified policies through brokers are much cheaper in my experience. I don't think I'd bother insuring a modified car with a high street insurer, I used to work for one that would increase premiums for most modification even if just cosmetic. YMMV but if an insurer charged me for a wheel colour change I'd run.
Biker 1 said:
I had to declare my dealer fit upgraded exhaust system, including value, if it was an aesthetic upgrade &/or if it increased performance. is it CE marked? Have you taken out/modified the baffles???
Well, did the factory make it like that?No?
So it was modified from the original factory specification?
You’re also suggesting it’s a minefield because the knowledgeable person on the end of the phone asked very pertinent questions around the part fitted, rather than just asking blankly if you meant a turbocharger?
Proof if ever there was any needed that insurers can’t win.
fatboy b said:
The cheaper companies will look for any way possible not to pay a claim.
They don't have to bother looking. The reasons why an insurance company can refuse to pay a claim are very limited and very clearly laid out by the ABI. And, if it's because of non disclosure, will be in accordance with the 2015 Insurance Act. It's not the Wild West. There are rules under which they have to operate. If it's a different colour yes - some insurers won't care but when I asked Axa they said refurbing from diamond cut to black would mean they'd have to cancel my insurance, luckily I found someone who didn't charge a fortune to refurb to original standard. I bet there'd be a wheel specialist somewhere who could colour match?
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