heated arguement with elephant insurance

Premier_2

You don't usually need to specify factory fitted options.
You do usually have to specify any modifications made after the vehicle left the factory, however I've seen some proposal forms now that ask only if there have been any modifications that affect vehicle performance.

raskazz

Premier wrote: »

You don't usually need to specify factory fitted options.
You do usually have to specify any modifications made after the vehicle left the factory, however I've seen some proposal forms now that ask only if there have been any modifications that affect vehicle performance.

This is an inaccurate generalisation. Most insurers now word the question re: modifications to cover any changes which alter the vehicle from the bog standard model. Reasoning being that alloys, a spoiler and body kit materially alter risk when added in the factory as an option just as they do if added outside the factory.

DaveMacD

Had a few problems with Elephant over the years, mostly involving them ramping up the premiums come renewal time (they tried to double it last time, and that was with no claims, and a fair rake of discount as well). Also noticed that they quietly dropped the cover whereby you can drive other vehicles on your own policy.

Lemonade_Pockets

raskazz wrote: »

This is an inaccurate generalisation. Most insurers now word the question re: modifications to cover any changes which alter the vehicle from the bog standard model. Reasoning being that alloys, a spoiler and body kit materially alter risk when added in the factory as an option just as they do if added outside the factory.

To me modification is altering or changing something that is already present or in existance. E.g a aftermarket exhaust
If it is an option specified when new then this doesn't happen. For instance if i order a car with leather seats, they don't build a standard car with cloth seats and then "modify" it to put in the leather. They build a car with leather seats from the off.

I can understand the logic in my case it was the fitment of chilli pack, and a few other bits (try to explain what a LSD is was interesting LOL). Obviously making the car more expensive and more desirable. However the wording is ambiguous even when handled by someone with a grasp of the english language never mind someone's who's reading from a script.

Premier_2

raskazz wrote: »

This is an inaccurate generalisation. Most insurers now word the question re: modifications to cover any changes which alter the vehicle from the bog standard model. Reasoning being that alloys, a spoiler and body kit materially alter risk when added in the factory as an option just as they do if added outside the factory.

I've certainly never seen that wording on any official insurance documents

Quentin

Premier wrote: »

You don't usually need to specify factory fitted options.
You do usually have to specify any modifications made after the vehicle left the factory, however I've seen some proposal forms now that ask only if there have been any modifications that affect vehicle performance.

As already advised this is definitely not the "usual" situation. Factory fitted extras are nearly always considered declarable modifications as far as off the peg policies go:

Premier wrote:

I've certainly never seen that wording on any official insurance documents

You have now!

This is from the direct line policy definition of what is meant by "modifications" (and does make it clear that optional extras are modifications which you should declare):

Modifications – are any changes to your car’s standard specification, including optional extras

vikingaero

Quentin wrote: »

As already advised this is definitely not the "usual" situation. Factory fitted extras are nearly always considered declarable modifications as far as off the peg policies go:



You have now!

This is from the direct line policy definition of what is meant by "modifications" (and does make it clear that optional extras are modifications which you should declare):

I agree with Quentin here. The key is the phrase often used by most insurers:

"Has the vehicle been modified from the manufacturers standard specification?"

So a BMW 320d is the base vehicle. Adding satnav would mean that the vehicle is no longer a base vehicle as it has been modified from a plain 320d. Of course adding 20" bling bling wheels is also a change from the base car.

Premier_2

vikingaero wrote: »

I agree with Quentin here. The key is the phrase often used by most insurers:

"Has the vehicle been modified from the manufacturers standard specification?"

....

Correct.

Admiral, who are the insurer who is most strict on this, explain that this includes manufacturer's options.

However most insurers I have asked, when questioned, say that a manufacturer's factory fitted option is part of the manufacturer's standard specification i.e. not modified from manufacturer's standard specification.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=18253131&postcount=7


Else what is the 'base' model exactly? The one with the black trim or the one with the tan trim (when such options are given)?

I wonder how many people have declared their vehicle has metallic or black paint?

Premier_2

Quentin wrote: »

...You have now!

This is from the direct line policy definition of what is meant by "modifications" (and does make it clear that optional extras are modifications which you should declare):

The wording you have quoted appears different to that I highlighted earlier :rolleyes:

terryya

davidjwest wrote: »

I assume they record their calls? Phone up and ask to speak to a supervisor and get them to trace the calls and sort out what they are playing at. If they say they can't do this then tell them that under the Data Protection Act they are obliged by law to keep records of such conversations - it's great when you can quote the DPA in YOUR favour for a change.

As mentioned earlier they have no obligation to record their calls, and to be honest why would they bother recording them, elephants never forget. :rolleyes: