What is classed as a modification on a mini? I presume the salt pack isnt , what about auto lok at 10mph? Power assisted steering? Height adjustable seats? Walk me home headlamp feature, and what about alloy wheels?

None of those things are "modifications" with the possible exception of alloy wheels. ;)

If the wheels were standard or optional from new, you don't need to mention it. However, if you fit larger or non-standard wheels, even if they're OEM, you need to tell your insurance.

ok thanks, so mainly its wheels and engine changes etc?

Hi
I was insured with Bell a few years ago (part of Admiral). We made a claim on the car we were driving at the time, a Golf. We filled in the claims form and sent it off.
We were shocked to receive a phone call stating that because the car had factory fitted options, we had modified our car.
We explained that a winter pack, cruise and a light pack were factory fitted options fitted in the VW factory in Wolfsburg. We had to argue our case strongly. They paid out but we were concerned. I advise you to do everything possible to make sure the insurance company have it all on their records.

EVERY option over and above base specification is a 'modification' in insurance terms and should therefore be declared, even if it takes you half an hour to read the list to them.

You'll be glad you did if you ever make a total loss claim.

yes i will proberly ring up and check everythings ok, saw a car i really like though so hope its ok, how much does it generally bump things up?

Direct Line were happy to cover my fully-specced All4D without any surcharge - but I haven't done any silly boy-racer mods.

I have had advice from a couple of insurance companies that conflicts with some of the other statements on this thread, so for belt and braces I would check with your insurer.

As well as my Mini I have a FIAT Barchetta, when I first bought it the car was as it rolled off the production line, which included optional extra's of alloy wheels, fog lights, leather interior and a few other bits. I declared these to the insurance companies while getting quotes and they didn't care as they were factory fitted. In time I 'improved' my toy to include bigger calliper brakes, Eibach suspension, custom built induction kit from GSR, re-map, strut braces and a whole bunch of other stuff - my insurance company was VERY interested to hear about them and for every mod I seemed to pay an additional £20 in insurance!

I can see why though, prior to 'modding' the car was producing 126bhp on the rollers, once I had finished it was producing 148 bhp.

I believe insurance companies have access to the build spec's as the cars left the dealership, so are only interested in after market modifications - however that is my 'understanding' and I am not an insurance expert so if in doubt check with your insurers - 'cos if you do make a claim the buggers will look for any way of getting out of paying up that they can find!!