Modifications

StevieJ

Does a windscreen with a tinted band across the top count as a modification? Autoglass fitted one when I had to have a windscreen replaced (insurance job with excess), not at my request I must add. I have never really thought about it until now looking to change insurers.

Quentin

It's no longer the standard construction, so needs declaring according to insurance policy conditions.

vusys1

be careful they dont try & charge you for it;), THEY fitted it.

StevieJ

Quentin wrote: »

It's no longer the standard construction, so needs declaring according to insurance policy conditions.

That then excludes me from the search engines, what do I do not declare it on the search engine then declare it over the phone?

Quentin

Some insurers are "hot" on appearance modifications, so make sure that you inform your chosen insurer in writing, and they confirm the modification in the paperwork.

StevieJ

If I bought it second hand how would I know it wasn't factory fitted? I believe some cars are factory fitted with them i.e. the Audi.

Quentin

Luckily you know it wasn't, so that problem won't arise!

StevieJ

I phoned up an insurer, If I could see their face I swear they would have been looking at me as if I was mad They said that if I had replaced a windscreen because of a break through the insurer via say, Autoglass and received a screen with a sunstrip it would not be classed as a mod as I would not have done it myself. Does that sound sensible?

raskazz

StevieJ wrote: »

I phoned up an insurer, If I could see their face I swear they would have been looking at me as if I was mad They said that if I had replaced a windscreen because of a break through the insurer via say, Autoglass and received a screen with a sunstrip it would not be classed as a mod as I would not have done it myself. Does that sound sensible?

Sounds idiotic to me - I'm fairly sure you were speaking to a poorly-trained sales agent rather than an underwriter.

If you speak to a motor underwriter they, if at all competent, will appreciate that the real crux of the matter is that a plain sun strip will not sufficiently alter the appearance of the vehicle to affect the theft risk and clearly does not alter the performance of the vehicle; therefore no additional terms or increased premiums would be imposed. If the strip was branded or otherwise decorated with graphics then it's more problematic. Also, many insurers would only repair with standard plain glass in the event of a breakage.

mikey72

StevieJ wrote: »

I phoned up an insurer, If I could see their face I swear they would have been looking at me as if I was mad They said that if I had replaced a windscreen because of a break through the insurer via say, Autoglass and received a screen with a sunstrip it would not be classed as a mod as I would not have done it myself. Does that sound sensible?

Yes.
Mine came with as least 3 different variants from the factory. Aftermarket ones have different options as well. Autoglass
(or anyone) will fit whatever they have in stock, unless you ask for a specific type.

laurel7172

I think you'd better ask. I couldn't believe it when I found out I had to notify the insurance company of a modification when I bought a set of winter tyres.

I mean, seriously. Does anything say "middle-aged plodder" more loudly than seasonal tyres?