Vehicle modifications/Insurance/aftermarket parts

skiddlydiddly

Exactly, I've got a car where the diffs, gearset, suspension, wheels, brakes, interior, engine specs...pretty much everything has been changed and found an insurer to cover it with everything declared.Its just more expensive thsn normal and takes more effort to find the right one.

Gene_Hunt_2

Think the OP is a little confused between aftermarket and pattern parts.

epninety

Mikex wrote: »

The most popular aftermarket wheel advertised is a steel modular but there are alloy copies of Land Rover wheels and plenty others. The question remains the same. Are they suitable and approved and how can I provide evidence to my insurers?

Wheels should be marked with a standards number and a load rating, amongst other things. For a 110, you should check the load rating if you want to be 100% legal.

As you know it's very common to swap wheels around the LR ranges, but 110 and 90 wheels 'can' have different load ratings. For example, the common swap used to be Steel wheels from a Discovery 1, fitted to 90/110. These are OK for a 90, but don't meet the load rating for a 110.

Modulars are a decent enough wheel, though I'm certain not as strong as a LR 'oem' wheel. I've seen a few busted ones over the years. Likewise with aftermarket alloys, I've seen a few failed ones - buckled, cracked, in one case a 90degree section of the bead broke off :eek:

I run modulars on my SWB, have done for many years, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy more, though I'd look around for a set of 'Wolf' rims first (LR current military pattern wheel) - there seemed to be quite a few around for sale last time I looked. There is an alloy made by ZU called 'predator' where they make a special point of the TuV approval and load rating - looks good and I'm sure they balance better than the handmade steel wheel it's a copy of.

I've never known insurers to ask for evidence, but they might change your premium anyway, wheels are visible and the cosmetic change changes the perceived theft risk.

Mikex

Thanks for replies,



I realise now what I am hoping to do is fit some aftermarket, OEM or pattern parts wheels (not sure of the difference) and supply sufficient evidence to my insurance company to satisfy them the product is suitable for my vehicle in the hope they will leave the premiums alone.

My last Land Rover had lots of minor modifications (mainly pieces of chequerplate bolted on to hide corrosion) and I advised my insurers of every piece. These made no difference to the premium. However I corresponded with them with a view to fitting different wheels & tyres and they were talking about increasing my premium by about £200.

I also understand as my vehicle was supplied new with standard steel Land Rover rims 5.5" x 16 if I were to go to a Land Rover dealer and get them to fit Land Rover alloys this would have to be declared to the insurers as a modification. Although these would be genuine Land Rover products they are not the ones originally insured.

Mike

Mikex

In fact to reword the first para of my last post. I am planning to supply my insurer with details of wheels & tyres I am proposing to fit to see what they say.

Mike

forgotmyname

Nothing to do with pattern parts, The insurance just look at it as they are not factory fitted and
could pose problems if you made a claim for those items.

See it a lot on the car club threads, People fit non standard light units or modify then themselves, Insurance cannot source them
and either fit a standard unit or have to write off the car because of that.

I have had cars with factory fitted alloys and it never affected the insurance, Non factory fit ones usually raise the premium and
sometimes they have said they wont replace them with the same type after a claim.

cyclonebri1

We have gone of on a split here, understandably.
I think I know what the op was asking but his comment about having to use OM kit to maintain waranty is a commonly misheld belief and needed pointing out;)

Adding bigger and better or bolder stuff is a whole different kettle of ball game and a whole lot more risky;)

newbie007_2

My insurer once told me they would only replace standard part when I wanted to upgrade my headlight units.

I guess what the OP has to work out now is whether it's cost effective getting the wheels/tyres cheaper but paying 200 odd extra on insurance, or pay a little extra on the set and keep them standard. The extra 200 quids I think it's a rip off.

leosayer

TUV (German govt motoring organisation) certification is a good indicator of suitability and safety.

Mikex

Thanks for replies,

As a result of this thread all has become clear!

This confusion exists because of the lack of existence of a recognised quality standard (kite mark) or whatever.

Household goods such as beds, soft furnishings, kettles, hoovers, microwaves, cookers, plugs, light bulbs, central heating boilers are all manufactured to nationally if not internationally recognised safety standards.

Why not car parts?????????????

Mike