[Johncoopercooper]

HI TO YOU ALL,
Just a quick question about exterior mods. At what point do you have to start telling the insurance company about the exterior mods you do? I know that when it comes to the crunch, insurance companies will try to find any 'out' clause to not pay you out if the worst happens. For example, new 's' type filler cap, side vents, blacked out windows, new boot or bonnet decals. What is the cut-off point, and will anything like this effect my premium.
Thanks in advance,
Johncoopercooper

[MINIAC]

Difficult to answer not knowing where you live

Please edit your profile to include a Country flag and location

[dietcokeplease]

Technically you should inform your Insurers as soon as you carry out any modifications. Most of us live in the real world and don't and maybe "save up" a bank of mods before informing them. It's a grey area about how many mods you can carry out. Most of the mods you've cited will increase the desirability of your MINI and in the case of theft you could well find that your claim is refused.

There are too many variables to factor in - your age, occupation, risk of location and what side of bed the underwriter/claims clerk got out of.

[TheBlackKnight]

I just kept schtum about the chrome indicator grilles and ally fuel filler cap; I'm not paying 20 quid extra on my premium for those!!! But the more obvious stuff I have declared - wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm a complete fraud ;-)

[Johncoopercooper]

Yeah,
Thanks for the advice. I will probably have my rear windows tinted soon, in which case I will tell them about my filler cap and side vents. I could argue the point though that i'm increasing the security of my car by having my windows tinted, people won't be able to see my dvd screens in the head rest now. Although I don't think this will wash with them.

[Vron]

Ive just changed from Tesco to Norwich Union Direct as they do not charge extra for 'modifications' as long as they were fitted by BMW, whereas Tesco charged extra for Chilli pack etc. Anything you do afterwards (sometimes even putting stickers on !) should be declared to the insurance company so they can charge you extra money for it

This makes me wonder how many 17 year olds in their boy racer Corsas and Saxo's have declared their modifications as technically they could be uninsured.

[Smurfn]

My insurance company didn't charge me any extra when I told them of my mods (mobile phone set, roof racks, stripes, paint job) They just noted it on their computer.

[TheBlackKnight]

Quote:

they do not charge extra for 'modifications' as long as they were fitted by BMW

My lowering springs, Scorpion exhaust and K&N air filter were all fitted by BMW - got the receipts to prove it - somehow I can't see any insurance company not charging me for those ;-)

I assume you mean BMW parts being fitted by BMW, not aftermarket parts being fitted by BMW...?

[Vron]

Yes it has to be genuine BMW Mini parts fitted by BMW

[v8voodoo]

I'm with Frizzell/London Victoria.
Told them bout my aftermarket bonnet stripes and all round tints. They noted it onto their system, issued me a new certificate, double checked with the boss and there was no increase in premium. Personally, I'd tell them everything, including a new stereo. We all know how much insurers would like to get out of paying for a claim if they could..!!

Nige,
Dover.

[Johncoopercooper]

I was with tesco insurance when I had my Fiesta, but they wouldn't insure my new mini unless I had a 'tracker' installed on the car. Perhaps because of it's high spec, DVD, JCW kit etc. But Norwich Union were fine about it, and didn't require one.

[Wobert]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheBlackKnight

I just kept schtum about the chrome indicator grilles and ally fuel filler cap; I'm not paying 20 quid extra on my premium for those!!! But the more obvious stuff I have declared - wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm a complete fraud ;-)

It might only be 20 quid......but it could be the difference between you being insured, and the company rejecting a claim after an accident.......heaven help should you injure anyone and it turns into "compensation central".......

Robert

[Wobert]

I've recently fitted OEM spotlamps......rang Esure (my insurers) and they said no extra charge. They have however reissued the certificate.......

Robert

[MrMini748]

Hi All,

My advice would be to get a quote from your insurance company as to how much the mods would cost to insure - I wasnt expecting side vents and projector taillights to make much of a difference but they've put my premium up by £120! Read here for more info!

Basically it all depends on how old you are. If you're over 25 I don't think it will put your premium up by much at all. Fingers crossed anyway

Still best to tell them in my opinion as Insurance Companies will wriggle out of paying out a claim if they can - horrible sds! If it did shoot your premium up the 'risky' option is to fit it and change them around if you have an accident - but like I said its risky and would be classed as fraud so its not the option for me! Choice is down to you mate

Best Wishes,

Pat

[scooperman_uk]

I would check with your insurance company. it varies and its impossible to say across the board.

i know BMW/MINI insurance always ask what modifications have been done to the normal spec car.

in theory you arent insured. But a greater concern may well be that if you have an accident and the police get involved and it turns out you arent insured due to not declaring mods then you will get a hefty fine and probably a court summons in the UK. i recall seeing a tv programme about RICERS who where cruising up and down brighton sea front. The residents didnt like it but the police coundnt technically stop them from doing it. so the police took another stance, they video taped the cars from every angle and then got the owners to prove that the vehicle was suitably insured to be on the road. i guess a few didnt tell their insurance companies about the mods they had and probably got knicked and fined.

[johnlondonw3]

I just insured mine thro e sure and they didnt bother about the Chilli pack or the fact that I had my wheel arches /sills colour coded