'Modification' will it affect insurance premiums

*bob*

In short, a youngster I know needs a new exhaust for his scooter.
The price for a standard one is £170+vat (+ fitting if he can't do it)

He's been quoted a lot less for a sports exhaust. (about £60 less I think it was)

I've said to be careful as the insurance co might want more money, but wondered where he stood.

He's dubious of calling ins co in case they put it on file!!

Thanks

Kilty_2

Yes, it will affect premium, with most insurers anyway.

artbaron

Unless it's different from the original in terms of sound or appearance then there is no need to inform the insurance company unless it increases performance, which it almost certainly won't (I speak from long experience of cars so I can't be 100% sure about scooters though - a car exhaust on its own will not increase BHP more than a tiny fraction)

If it does differ in sound or appearance then you'd be better off telling the insurance. Don't call it a "sports exhaust" (as the term has no meaning anyway) just state you've fitted a new exhaust which is aftermarket and it doesn't affect performance or BHP, and you're just informing the insurance company as a heads up. Almost certain they won't charge extra but if they do say you're going to change insurers on account of being ripped off.

DKLS

Depends on the insurance company, My car has a few discreet mods on it, which have boosted the power from 250 - 330bhp, and my ins company charges me an extra £40 a year for the privilege.

custardy

DKLS wrote: »

Depends on the insurance company, My car has a few discreet mods on it, which have boosted the power from 250 - 330bhp, and my ins company charges me an extra £40 a year for the privilege.

but you are not young
some companies will outright refuse to cover any mods
they really need to phone their insurer to know for sure

DKLS

custardy wrote: »

but you are not young
some companies will outright refuse to cover any mods
they really need to phone their insurer to know for sure

!!!!!! ignore mu post OP.

It must be a privilege of old age, wanders off to google garratt turbos.

custardy

i would say insurance is about the only benefit,i would take being young and high premiums

Indout96

there is no need to inform the insurance company unless it increases performance, which it almost certainly won't

Dont be too sure, I have many arguments with insurance companies who class lowered springs as a "Performance" mod.

custardy

Indout96 wrote: »

Dont be too sure, I have many arguments with insurance companies who class lowered springs as a "Performance" mod.

well it is a performance mod, if by lowering it you can turn into corners faster

Phlik

*bob* wrote: »

In short, a youngster I know needs a new exhaust for his scooter.
The price for a standard one is £170+vat (+ fitting if he can't do it)

He's been quoted a lot less for a sports exhaust. (about £60 less I think it was)

I've said to be careful as the insurance co might want more money, but wondered where he stood.

He's dubious of calling ins co in case they put it on file!!

Thanks

Depends on the scooter, exhaust, age of youngster and his licence restrictions.

If the insurance company deem the exhaust to enhance the performance of the scooter then the extra premium could more than wipe out any saving (calling it a sports exhaust will not help ).
Depending on his licence and the scooter, the new exhaust could derestrict the scooter, making it illegal for him to use (highly unlikely to get caught, I never was ).

Tell him not to be such a blouse, ring the insurance company and ask. They'll answer his question, then he can decide what to do.

colino

You will have to inform them. Most bike/moped engines react dramatically to improving the way they breathe, either improving inlet, or in this case, exhaust performance.
(Unfortunatley most "performance parts" are badly made rubbish and impress the buyer with more noise, not go).