Declare Gearbox remap to insurance?

[FMOB]

I am considering getting a gearbox remap, as it does not affect engine power, etc is there a valid reason for not declaring to the insurance?

The dealer has updated it a couple of times and it didn't cross my mind to declare it but what about a 3rd party map? I am only considering going 3rd party as OEM just isn't fixing the issues.

[Caddyshack]

FMOB said:

I am considering getting a gearbox remap, as it does not affect engine power, etc is there a valid reason for not declaring to the insurance?

The dealer has updated it a couple of times and it didn't cross my mind to declare it but what about a 3rd party map? I am only considering going 3rd party as OEM just isn't fixing the issues.

I doubt anyone would ever know. I also expect the insurance co would take note and not care. Why not phone the insurance co before doing it and ask "would it cause an issue IF I decide to go for a remap"…if they say it would be a problem it may help you decide.

[Pica-Pica]

Presumably you want to extract more from the car than a regular customer (with an unmapped box) does. So, yes, the insurers would wish to know. They may say, no increase. If you think it is no big deal, why not tell (or ask) them?

[FMOB]

Pica-Pica said:

Presumably you want to extract more from the car than a regular customer (with an unmapped box) does. So, yes, the insurers would wish to know. They may say, no increase. If you think it is no big deal, why not tell (or ask) them?

I just want the gearbox to work properly i.e. respond promptly to inputs without the current lag, this is trying to fix/improve the crappy Audi diesel tiptronic box that Audi are incapable of sorting out.

Before contacting the insurers I hoped others might have useful experiences of doing similar.

[Pica-Pica]

FMOB said:

Pica-Pica said:

Presumably you want to extract more from the car than a regular customer (with an unmapped box) does. So, yes, the insurers would wish to know. They may say, no increase. If you think it is no big deal, why not tell (or ask) them?

I just want the gearbox to work properly i.e. respond promptly to inputs without the current lag, this is trying to fix/improve the crappy Audi diesel tiptronic box that Audi are incapable of sorting out.

Before contacting the insurers I hoped others might have useful experiences of doing similar.

What you describe sounds more like a ‘service’ than a ‘remap’.

[FMOB]

Pica-Pica said:

FMOB said:

Pica-Pica said:

Presumably you want to extract more from the car than a regular customer (with an unmapped box) does. So, yes, the insurers would wish to know. They may say, no increase. If you think it is no big deal, why not tell (or ask) them?

I just want the gearbox to work properly i.e. respond promptly to inputs without the current lag, this is trying to fix/improve the crappy Audi diesel tiptronic box that Audi are incapable of sorting out.

Before contacting the insurers I hoped others might have useful experiences of doing similar.

What you describe sounds more like a ‘service’ than a ‘remap’.

If the dealer does it then I can see this as a service/repair but for a 3rd party I am not so sure, will have a chat with insurer.

[stevemcs]

Personally I don’t think I would, it’s not to improve speed. If it was a remap to increase power then yes I would notify insurers.

Interesting that your having issues with the dsg, I have hated them for years but in the pursuit of a new tow car I had just started to look at Skoda Superbs but still have a nagging doubt over the gearbox. They suffer from it too and some people appear to have used vagcom to adjust the throttle pedal sensitivity to improve things.

[BertBert]

If it is a repair to get the gearbox to function as designed then no problem. But if your are trying to get better response times than standard they it's a mod

[dibblecorse]

The insurers ask the following question..

Has the car been modified in ANY way from its original manufacturers specification?

Answer that and you have your answer.

[119]

stevemcs said:

Personally I don’t think I would, it’s not to improve speed. If it was a remap to increase power then yes I would notify insurers.

Interesting that your having issues with the dsg, I have hated them for years but in the pursuit of a new tow car I had just started to look at Skoda Superbs but still have a nagging doubt over the gearbox. They suffer from it too and some people appear to have used vagcom to adjust the throttle pedal sensitivity to improve things.

Depending on the age of the OP's car, VAG are starting to lock down most of the modules so gaining access can be difficult to achieve for most users.

But yes, DSG is hateful and i would never own a car with one.

[FMOB]

[redacted]

[Stick Legs]

IMO this is a repair & not a modification.

It’s never going to form a part of an insurance claim as it’s neither a contributory factor or a item that adds value to the car.

I would not be flagging it or asking the question.

However it’s up to you & your conscience & frankly the fact you are asking implies you’ll sleep better having told them.

[119]

FMOB said:

Firstly gearbox is the ZF8 Tiptronic not the DSG gearbox. I have looked into tuning options and there are loads of options for the DSG boxes but not the ZF8 Tiptronic ones.

Ah ok.

Sounds like it’s just as much of a dog but I think a lot of the problem is manufacturers are having to meet emissions targets and fuel efficiency. Just had a browse of an Audi forum and this does seem to be an issue for Audi although bmw also use it and don’t seem to have as bad an issue with it.

Anyway, in answer to your question, don’t know but personally I wouldn’t bother informing them.

[the-norseman]

I've declared ECU and TCU remaps in the past, they are never bothered about the TCU (gearbox) maps.

[cashmax]

dibblecorse said:

The insurers ask the following question..

Has the car been modified in ANY way from its original manufacturers specification?

Answer that and you have your answer.

I think there is some common sense missing from this thread. While technically, it could be argued that fitting non OE brake pads/discs/exhaust/tyres/bulbs/oil etc should be declared as should PPF, wrapping the car, tinting the windows, debadging etc. But the reality is different, there will be many folks driving round in cars that have been modified from original spec including being remapped and they have no idea. On the occasions that insurance companies refuse to payout, or more commonly reduce payout, there are normally mitigating circumstances, such as the insured claiming the car is worth more because of the modifications - i.e. they self declare them only at the time of a claim.

[DirktheDaring]

I told my insurance company about my engine and dsg map and it cost me nothing at all, so it’s worth asking.

[siremoon]

A third party gearbox map is clearly a modification. It doesn't matter whether it has any effect or not, or what the reason for fitting it is, it is still a modification. I see no reasonable interpretation of the requirement to advise an insurer of any modifications which allow such a modification not to be declared.

The OP states they are "considering" doing this. Assuming that is true and the reality isn't that it has already been done then the obvious thing to do is to contact the insurer and ask them whether there would be a premium increase if it was done. Then the OP would be able to make a decision based on actual facts applicable to them rather than the views of "experts" on the internet. Of course the cynic in me thinks the OP may already have done the modification ...

[carl_w]

FMOB said:

Firstly gearbox is the ZF8 Tiptronic not the DSG gearbox. I have looked into tuning options and there are loads of options for the DSG boxes but not the ZF8 Tiptronic ones.

ZF8 box is well regarded on other vehicles. Had it on two BMWs and it was excellent.

[andburg]

If the manufacturer cant fix something they're agreeing is a fault compared to another car then perhaps the issue is physical on the box/controllers and getting a 3rd party map will cause further issue.

I take it the vehicle is not covered by warranty?

[Fatboy]

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