Didn't declare a front spoiler and someone caused a collision (was unaware of spoiler

makertaker

Hi guys,

Right basically i bought a fiesta zetec-s tdci 3 years ago, when i went to view the car at the dealership it had some black alloys that werent standard, i didnt like these and requested that if i was to buy the car i wanted original wheels put on as i wanted the car in its original state with no mods.

Fast forward to last week someone crossed into my side of the road causing a collision and my car has been written off, but they said an undeclared modification as to be reviewed by the underwriters, they are claiming it has a different bumper than the original, i have looked at pictures of similar cars on autotrader and the bumper is the original one as far as i can tell, it looks identical to mine, the only difference is a front spoiler.

It may seem stupid of me but im not that into cars, they are just a way of getting from A to B, but that being said, i wanted one that looked nice aswell, i bought this because of the low tax bracket and good fuel consumption, i just assumed the sporty look was due to it being the zetec-s model, which would obviously look different to a standard fiesta.

Now the tricky part now is that i am with hastings, and i dont think they insure modified cars, so can anyone offer me advice?
From research i have done, this would make my car more attractive to theives so generally speaking a premium would cost me more, which i understand fully.

I spoke to them today and the underwriters will be writing to me to ask me to explain myself. Can anyone offer any advice? Due to the fact they dont seem to insure modified cars im really worried that they will just void my insurance and i'll be thousands out of pocket, dont get me wrong, i know its me in the wrong here, and i know its my responsibility to declare any modifications no matter how trivial they seem, but i dont think a front spoiler is that much of a big deal?

I would be happy to pay any extra premium, or take a pay out minus a bumper, it's just a stupid mistake and im just hoping they wont just void my insurance as i genuinely didnt know about the spoiler.

vaio

have a read of http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/46/46_non_disclosure_insurance.htm

basically "innocent" non disclosure and they will pay, "inadvertent" and they will pay if they would have covered you in the first place.

BertTheRaccoon

How can you declare something you are not aware of?

I wouldn't budge an inch, but they have leverage on you in that you are the one who needs the payout, so they will abuse the situation.

If the smack wasn't your fault and the other driver accepts liability, just get the other party's insurer to deal with the claim, although now your insurers have wind of this alleged undeclared modification, they will still come up with an excuse to relieve you of a few quid.

Whatever happens, don't let them cancel the policy on you as that is bad news and you have to declare for the rest of your days that you have had a policy cancelled on you and that puts you out of the mainstream and liable for being utterly violated on premiums in the future.

dacouch

http://www.out-law.com/page-11391

Hastings_Direct_company_representative

Hi makertaker,

Thanks for taking the time to post about your experience. If there is anything that we can do to help you with this matter please feel free to get in contact with us. help@hastingsdirect.com

Many Thanks,
Jamie

mcjordi

the zetec s has different bumpers to the rest of the range but its a standard one for the model..