Does an optional extra count as a modification?

[4hero]

Hello,

Just comparing car insurance and wondered if my bigger wheels and stereo fitted by volvo as an optional extra should be declared as modifications?

A quick response would be great, I'm about to get timed out

Edited by 4hero on Thursday 8th April 14:32

[RB26DETT]

Doubt it tbh.

[Jem0911]

If fitted from new then no!

[Mattt]

Yes. It should be declared.

[Somnophore]

Some people will say no, but if it differs from the standard model, and you want these options covered then I'd declare them. I've had insurers refuse to pay for repairs to our clients vehicles where damage was to factory fitted options that weren't declared

[Stu R]

I'd declare them if it's not new. Purely because some factory option side steps I had on a discovery very nearly cost me an insurance claim because they weren't declared.

[The Black Duke]

No. I don't think a second or third owner would be expected to research the standard equipment of their car. If its factory I think it could be said not to be a modification.

[Mattt]

Some companies e.g. Admiral group, will charge you more for these extras - but then only replace with standard parts.

Not all insurance policies are equal, remember that when Cowboy Insurance Ltd is £50 cheaper on Moneysupermarket.com

[mudster]

I would say yes, they need to be declared. Do bigger fancier wheels change the risk of them getting stolen? An insurer would probably say it would change the libility they are accepting.

I know when the 350z was released, that the optionall Rays wheels were considered a modification by many insurers. In fact some insurers considered the 350z GT to be a modification of the standard car (different stereo, leather, cruise)

If in doubt declare anyway.

[The Black Duke]

The Black Duke said:

No. I don't think a second or third owner would be expected to research the standard equipment of their car. If its factory I think it could be said not to be a modification.

I never had a problem hence my post. Ex Used to underwrite insurance too and would be quite lenient if they were factory options. Dealer options are different these should be declared.

[4hero]

Thanks for the quick responses, I'll just declare them (or should I )

Also, currently got a multicar policy with admiral, new quote in the mail for both cars is £548. Just done a quote on line for both (as separate policies) and it's £100 cheaper (the robbing bds).

[4hero]

The Black Duke said:

The Black Duke said:

No. I don't think a second or third owner would be expected to research the standard equipment of their car. If its factory I think it could be said not to be a modification.

I never had a problem hence my post. Ex Used to underwrite insurance too and would be quite lenient if they were factory options. Dealer options are different these should be declared.

They are factory options, now I'm totally confused whether to declare them...

[mudster]

The Black Duke said:

No. I don't think a second or third owner would be expected to research the standard equipment of their car. If its factory I think it could be said not to be a modification.

Insurance is a contract of "good faith". If you could reasonably have known that options were fitted they should really be declared. If the insurer deems you couldn't have reasonably known then you'd be covered. What's reasonable? If you're buying a brand new car it would be reasonable to know, however a second/third/fourth owner may well have different criteria applied.

[Jem0911]

I said no because I have the spec as my car left the factory and it's unchanged. Down to the windows and side steps.

So the onus is on the insurer to see what the spec of my car is?

[The Black Duke]

mudster said:

The Black Duke said:

No. I don't think a second or third owner would be expected to research the standard equipment of their car. If its factory I think it could be said not to be a modification.

Insurance is a contract of "good faith". If you could reasonably have known that options were fitted they should really be declared. If the insurer deems you couldn't have reasonably known then you'd be covered. What's reasonable? If you're buying a brand new car it would be reasonable to know, however a second/third/fourth owner may well have different criteria applied.

Quite! Although I have to say that I would declare anyway. Should not cost any more. Just say they have factory alloys and any other extras.

Basically if you didn't think there was a need to declare as the car is not modified then it would not matter. This is how I understand it.

[fraserbottomley]

I'm with bell and had to declare all the factory optional extras I specced on my new Fiesta (wheels, side skirts etc.). Didn't effect the premium much and all extras that are declared would be replaced like for like in a claim.

Edited by fraserbottomley on Wednesday 7th April 20:40

[ZOLLAR]

Mattt said:

Some companies e.g. Admiral group, will charge you more for these extras - but then only replace with standard parts.

Not all insurance policies are equal, remember that when Cowboy Insurance Ltd is £50 cheaper on Moneysupermarket.com

As of the middle of last year all optional extra's from vehicle manufacture that are declared are replaced like for like, aftermarket mods are not.
HTH

[4hero]

The thing is, the wheels are only 1" larger than the standard alloy wheels. When I declare the mods through comparethemarket, it only lists "Alloy wheels". The car already came with alloy wheels, the option ones were just a tad larger?

Edited by 4hero on Wednesday 7th April 20:47

[busta]

I wouldn't worry about it unless they specifically ask. It's all original Volvo stuff, put on by Volvo. I doubt the insurance company would even know what size wheel was 'standard' on your spec car anyway.

The factory fitted parts are definitely not modifications. If that's what the insurers are asking then it's a clear no. I wouldn't even tick the alloy wheel box if the car had them as standard (which I believe every Volvo has done for quite a while now) as the insurers basic rate for that car will obviously already have taken that into account.

Edited by busta on Wednesday 7th April 20:56

[Arun_D]

It really does depend on the insurer. Some do indeed class factory fitted optional extras that make the car deviate from standard specification as declarable, mine included. Not a big deal if it means peace of mind when you have to claim.