[Jinkster]

I have a Mini One Diesel with Steel wheels (and trims) and think its about time I invested in some alloy wheels, as technically its a modification to my car would i have to notify the insurance company or are alloy wheels an option for the Mini One Diesel?

Thanks!

Chris

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Yes you would need to inform them

Does the car have Salt or Pepper pack? If so and you get alloys that are in those packs you might be able to get away with it....saying that the car wasnt built with them and you're adding them afterwards

[Darthbladerni]

Definately declare them to the insurance company.

When I put my wheels on my car (18" with low profys) they asked me several questions:

1- how much were they??
2- Are they low profile tyres??

I answered these and i was then informed it would not change the insurance at all. Same with my lowering springs.

it depends who your insured with!!

[Sportspack Mark]

a nice set of standard MINI alloys shouldnt affect the insurance too much

personally i like the 17" s spokes because they fill the arches nicely and are a nice modern rendition to the old minilites that were on the classics!

[Darthbladerni]

i think that if your insurance company said it would increase with dealer option alloys you could prob try and make out it was an option from the dealer.

[Jinkster]

thanks for the help - will have to look round for some alloys now!

I think mine is the only Mini I have seen without alloys!!!!

[Darthbladerni]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jinkster (original)

thanks for the help - will have to look round for some alloys now!

I think mine is the only Mini I have seen without alloys!!!!

lol, i would not worry about that in the slightest. A mini is cool no matter what is done or is not done to it.

[oldnell]

I did the same last year. I upgraded from 15" steel wheels to standard MINI 15" alloys. I didn't even consider insurance, but made the effort to get things right when my insurance was due for renewal.

Looking more closely at my previous Direct Line policy, they clearly state on the renewal notice that you must declare any modification -- especially wheels and performance items.

In the end, I went with SwiftCover who cover you for alloys valued up to £1000. Funnily enough, they only state this in the frequently-asked questions. The actual policy wording conflicts, but I've taken printouts to make sure I'm not shafted later in case of an accident.

There's also the question of whether an insurance company would consider a MINI One Salt with optional alloys fitted in the factory would be classed as a modified car on the basis that the alloys are not part of the standard spec. Totally insane, but you could end up with a fight on your hands over something like this if you were to be involved in an accident.

Oli

[minimeminime]

Quote: Originally Posted by oldnell (original)

I did the same last year. I upgraded from 15" steel wheels to standard MINI 15" alloys. I didn't even consider insurance, but made the effort to get things right when my insurance was due for renewal.

Looking more closely at my previous Direct Line policy, they clearly state on the renewal notice that you must declare any modification -- especially wheels and performance items.

In the end, I went with SwiftCover who cover you for alloys valued up to £1000. Funnily enough, they only state this in the frequently-asked questions. The actual policy wording conflicts, but I've taken printouts to make sure I'm not shafted later in case of an accident.

There's also the question of whether an insurance company would consider a MINI One Salt with optional alloys fitted in the factory would be classed as a modified car on the basis that the alloys are not part of the standard spec. Totally insane, but you could end up with a fight on your hands over something like this if you were to be involved in an accident.

Oli

I am looking to put a deposit down on a mini one with 16 inch alloys .. Out of curiosity I called DL and the asked about mods.. I informed them thay they were going from 15 inch alloys yo 16 inch alloys and she said that I would go from £0 excess to £250 excess.. the car is an ex demo, could I ask the garage to put the 15 inch ones back on..