Insurance and modifications
Insurance and modifications
Author
Discussion

Tomparka91

Original Poster:

3 posts

195 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Hi guys, i'm after a bit of help and I'm hoping somebody out there can provide it smile

I am looking to buy a Honda civic ep3 1.6 sport, but want to do a visual type r conversion.
For example replace the Sport alloys with type r alloys, the rear spoiler with a slightly larger type r spoiler.
Would these changes invalidate my insurance? Or as I have been told, the fact they are still genuine Honda civic manufacturers parts mean the everything will be hunky-doorey? X

no-worries88

1,817 posts

228 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Anything other than standard will invalidate.

scorcher

4,126 posts

264 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Declare ANY mods to your insurance co.It may/may not increase your premium.If you don't declare them they may not pay out in the event of a claim.

mattmoxon

5,026 posts

248 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Be very careful with even factory modifications and insurance. As far as I am aware anything that wasn't on the original invoice or wasn't available on that model of car from the factory is classed as a modification and will invalidate the insurance if you do not declare them. I think sadly it will have an impact on the insurance cost, by how much I don't know. Best thing to do is ring them and ask and get them to clear it up.

Edited by mattmoxon on Tuesday 13th July 20:48

no-worries88

1,817 posts

228 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
My insurance is so specific that im not insured unless i have the factory reccomended tyres on.

Dab of oppo

543 posts

216 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
If its bumpers, sideskirts, wheels and spoilers are different from how it left the factory then its a modification.

Please don't respond with what if this or what if that... if your car is modified and its undeclared to the insurance company then your policy will be void in the case of a claim - at very best you will have to pay more money to be insured with the mods the company discover to proceed with the claim.

We have all heard of people getting away with it in the past but insurers seem to be getting more and more wise to this all the time.

Tomparka91

Original Poster:

3 posts

195 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Ok, but would it be likely to cause a premium change if performance Wasn't affected, only appearance?

TankRizzo

8,024 posts

223 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Tomparka91 said:
Ok, but would it be likely to cause a premium change if performance Wasn't affected, only appearance?
Think about it, do you think your car would be more at risk of being pinched if it resembled a more expensive and desirable model?

Tomparka91

Original Poster:

3 posts

195 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Sorry just read your one above after I'd written a reply. So sounds like I'm gonna get screwed as I'm only 18.... And insurance companies are very weary of the bracket of people I fall into.

Dab of oppo

543 posts

216 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Tomparka91 said:
Ok, but would it be likely to cause a premium change if performance Wasn't affected, only appearance?
YES - You know the answer is YES but you want the people of the internet to tell you "no it'll be fine"
Sorry chap but if your car is changed from standard whether it be cosmetic or perfomance wise its going to cost you. END OF.

no-worries88

1,817 posts

228 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
I'll give you the usual but sensible answer, save for when you are older and can afford it.

mattmoxon

5,026 posts

248 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
no-worries88 said:
My insurance is so specific that im not insured unless i have the factory reccomended tyres on.
Seriously?? what happens if they stop making the tyres?


Tomparka91 said:
Ok, but would it be likely to cause a premium change if performance Wasn't affected, only appearance?
Possibly depends on the insurer I am covered for minor cosmetic changes (as long as they are declared) free of charge (e.g. clear front indicator lenses) but I won't get re-reimbursed for them in the case of a crash. All the performance stuff I have fitted costs me extra - by how much I have no idea as the car has always been modified.

Matt

Edited by mattmoxon on Tuesday 13th July 21:00

no-worries88

1,817 posts

228 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
mattmoxon said:
no-worries88 said:
My insurance is so specific that im not insured unless i have the factory reccomended tyres on.
Seriously?? what happens if they stop making the tyres?


Tomparka91 said:
Ok, but would it be likely to cause a premium change if performance Wasn't affected, only appearance?
Possibly depends on the insurer I am covered for minor cosmetic changes (as long as they are declared) free of charge (e.g. clear front indicator lenses) but I won't get re-reimbursed for them in the case of a crash. All the performance stuff I have fitted costs me extra - by how much I have no idea as the car has always been modified.

Matt

Edited by mattmoxon on Tuesday 13th July 21:00
I dont actually know,never thought about that!

Cotty

42,244 posts

314 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Dab of oppo said:
Tomparka91 said:
Ok, but would it be likely to cause a premium change if performance Wasn't affected, only appearance?
YES - You know the answer is YES but you want the people of the internet to tell you "no it'll be fine"
Sorry chap but if your car is changed from standard whether it be cosmetic or perfomance wise its going to cost you. END OF.
Not always. I changed my cross spoke 15" standard alloys for aftermarket Hartge 15" alloys and it did not cost me anything extra. In fact most of the modifications to my car have not resulted in premiums hikes, it just means I need to use a specialist underwriter/broker and the usual companies will not touch a modified car.

It depends if the modifications will make the car more attractive to thiefs

Cotty

42,244 posts

314 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Ring your insurance company and ask them is you do XYZ will it effect your premium

x type

1,020 posts

220 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
I was asked this "Has the car been modifed from its original specifcations, including any optional extras? " by the kwik tyre fit people

and I asked what do you mean by modified ?

reply was ,different wheels or alloys ,exhaust ,radio /cd player badges fitted to rear as in adding an S or I (gt version with i stuck on looking like gti) ,mudflaps ,extra gauges fitted inside , non standard tinted windows , the list seemed endless


bazking69

8,620 posts

220 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
Declare any mods if you don't want a potential headache. You are legally obliged to.

If it wasn't fitted or an option on that model out of the factory, it's without question and any grey area a modification.

otolith

69,090 posts

234 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
If you build a Type-R(eplica) you will have to declare it and be bum-raped for insurance as a result. Why not keep your money in your pocket and get a real one in a year or two? Replicas are a bit naff anyway, it's like wearing a fake Rolex or hooky designer gear from the market, IMO.

Cotty

42,244 posts

314 months

Tuesday 13th July 2010
quotequote all
bazking69 said:
Declare any mods if you don't want a potential headache. You are legally obliged to.
yes