Mods and Insurance

[jayzee]

I've been thinking about this one for a couple of weeks now.

From my understanding most 4.5 cerbs are under the manufacturers quoted power figures, am I right?

So, in theory, if one were to try and achieve the 420 BHP via mods and mapping, where would one stand with regard to insurance? Surely this shouldn't affect the premium?

[Goochie]

You'd still be modifying the vehicle so despite what the power figure is, you must tell the insurer.

[jayzee]

Agreed, must be declared, but this shouldn't really affect the premium. Can anyone confirm this from experience?

[Cyclone1]

I disagree, but it depends on what sorts of mods are carried out.

If your Cerb is putting out 350bhp and you have it remapped to 390bhp are you going to declare it??? How would the "Insurance man" detect it? He wouldn't.

Now if you had short induction pipes fitted then this would be noticeable (provided that the Insurance man knew what under the bonnet looks like - which is unlikely) then it may be worth telling the insurance company that you have changed the air inlet pipes for a slightly different type from the original "but they do not enhance performance" they are just like for like (how will they know?)

Anything done to the engine internally will be almost undetectable just like mapping.

Don't worry about it unless you are thinking of taking the car to 450bhp +

Jules.

[SimonSparrow]

I declare all mods, as I have a bit of experience of insurance companies trying to weasel out of things. So I've even told them stuff like I've removed the rear anti-roll bar etc.

Most companies only care about performance increases, but some don't like non-standard suspension (Nitrons, Avos etc.), decats, sports pipes, airfilters...the list goes on.

I figure its better to be safe than sorry. Having just renewed mine, I know that several major insurers would either not cover me with my 'mods' (and they are just normal Cerb tweaks) or the premium was about twice what it was for an unmodified car.

[cerbfan]

I doubt any assessor would have a clue what the mechanical bits of a standard Cerb looked like so I would think it unlikely to ever have a problem, even when it comes to Nitrons etc. My mates Noble has fully adjustable suspension as standard so its hardly unusual on a car of this type. Internal engine mods they would never spot or know what to look for, same with remaps. As long as you stay away from big shiny wheels and daft wings I'd say you were safe enough.