What constitutes a modification?

hmm,_interesting

My car has a number of manufacturer-fitted options. These include multifunction steering wheel, heated seats and rear tinted windows. When I get online quotes the price virtually doubles if I add all these options as modifications. But Im not sure whether I need to declare them as they were fitted by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture. I cant seem to find a consistent answer on whether I should declare these as modifications. I dont really want to end up phoning every single insurer to check. Does anyone have any experience or advice?
Thanks in advance.

Quentin

If in doubt, disclose them!

In the event of a claim, if they discover undisclosed modifications you leave them the opportunity to void your policy and deny your claim (or worse, if a third party involved, void your policy and make you repay them their outlay to the third party).

dunstonh

if it doubt ask the insurer. There can be some interpretation. For example, some are interested in 3rd party modifications whilst others are interested in modifications that affect certain areas even if they are manufacturer as they could change a base model car to a higher risk.

They wont be interested in headed seats or multi-function wheel. They are interested in engine, suspension and exhaust (i.e. performance or handling and sometimes visual changes such as alloys)

forgotmyname

One insurer i asked for a quote were very thorough in asking about modifications, Whether optional extra's or aftermarket.

How many people know the exact spec that their car should have? Especially when its 4 years old.

I have footwell lights and a boot socket, were they standard.

Greenst

So how do they quote on a mini? Every one is completely different!!!

scooby75

Ask what they mean by modification. I would say it is anything changed from the manufacturer specification, but that is a sensible view (imho) and therefore ne not likely to be used by the insurers.

mikey72

I've had ones that wanted to know about alloys factory fitted as an option on a base model, and others that only wanted to know about changes to the bhp.
The only way is to ring them.

(As to the alloys, most I've used will agree that the premium isn't raised, and note they have been informed of the alloys, but they will only insure as standard rims, and will replace with stell ones if they are stolen, or value the car as if steel wheels had been fitted)

adamc260

NFU only ask for modifications that are NOT factory fitted (ie: optional extras)

Direct line in my experience consider an Optional Extra a modification (and as such wont cover anyone under 25 with mods...)

Admiral ask for optional extras as modifications too.

Tremour-88

adamc260 wrote: »

Admiral ask for optional extras as modifications too.

They do? I've been insured with Admiral for 3 years now and whenever they ask about modifications on the phone I say no.

I hope my QuickClear heated windscreen extra doesn't count as a mod on my insurance.

Quentin

Tremour-88 wrote: »

Admiral for 3 years now and whenever they ask about modifications on the phone I say no.

I hope my QuickClear heated windscreen extra doesn't count as a mod on my insurance.

It does if it's an "extra"!

They are clear about what they see as a "modification":

Non Standard Parts/Modifications Fitted parts or alterations which:

Affect the insured vehicles’ cosmetic appearance and/or performance and/or mechanical make up

Are not made or sold by the vehicle manufacturer, or parts which differ from the original manufacturer’s specification

mikey72

Quentin wrote: »

It does if it's an "extra"!

They are clear about what they see as a "modification":

"Non Standard Parts/Modifications Fitted parts or alterations which:

Affect the insured vehicles’ cosmetic appearance and/or performance and/or mechanical make up

Are not made or sold by the vehicle manufacturer, or parts which differ from the original manufacturer’s specification"

The heated screen was sold by the manufacturer
it's certainly an original manufacturer specification for that car

so a resounding no.

It certainly is an alteration which alters the mechanical make up

so a resounding yes.

If anyone can ever define this, I'd love to see it.