Does a CD changer count as a modification?

purplestar133

I have never thought of my car as modified but when I was about to go ahead and purchase a policy with Hastings Direct today, I noticed this wording about modifications:

"A modification is any alteration to your car from the manufacturer's standard specification, including but not limited to: changes to the bodywork, such as spoilers or body kit; suspension or brakes; alloy wheels; audio/entertainment system; changes affecting performance such as changes to the engine management system or exhaust system."

I have a CD changer in the boot of my car which was there when I bought it second hand. The manual says I have a model of stereo that is 'CD changer compatible', but I'm not sure if it actually came with the CD changer, though I don't think so.

Do you think this is classed as a modification?

They're closed now so I'd have to wait until tomorrow to ring them, but am worried sick about it now!

Buellguy

Shouldn't affect premium, most audio cover is up to a set amount (we used to cover up to £500) so that is probably why they want to know.
Best thing, give em a call and tell them, that way you are in the clear.
But wouldn't worry bout it at all

forgotmyname

Some are really fussy. I use a car club scheme where they are used to all sorts of modifications. One specific question "Does it have thge original stereo" Not upgraded or an aftermarket item.

There maybe a price limit on any extra stereo equipment.

Some companies asked about any extras fitted even factory fitted optional extra's.
Rather silly on a used car that 5 years old. How would the average person know what was a standard fitment on their 5 year old used car and what was an optional extra?

prowla

I would think it wouldn't matter, but do declare it. If the car had an auto-changer as an option when new, then it shouldn't make the blindest bit of difference.

when it asks the questions, the insurance company is simply trying to gauge the cost of repair/loss of the car and/or if it's been tweaked making it more likely to have an accident or claim; I think they really hate body kits, as they can be more than the value of the car!

purplestar133

Buellguy wrote: »

Shouldn't affect premium, most audio cover is up to a set amount (we used to cover up to £500) so that is probably why they want to know.
Best thing, give em a call and tell them, that way you are in the clear.
But wouldn't worry bout it at all

Thanks. Did you used to work for/be an insurer?

forgotmyname wrote: »

Rather silly on a used car that 5 years old. How would the average person know what was a standard fitment on their 5 year old used car and what was an optional extra?

Exactly! My car was made in 1999 and I bought it about 5 years ago. I'm lucky enough to have the full manual with it (after years of used cars, this is the first time I've had that) and that has a particular model of radio ticked, as though that's the one I have. It says CD changer compatible, but then later in the booklet, it does have instructions for using a CD changer, so god knows whether it's original or not. I don't even use the thing!

prowla wrote: »

when it asks the questions, the insurance company is simply trying to gauge the cost of repair/loss of the car and/or if it's been tweaked making it more likely to have an accident or claim; I think they really hate body kits, as they can be more than the value of the car!

I did ring and ask and after some uncertainty, which doesn't fill me with confidence, and checking with a colleague, the 'sales agent' said it wouldn't affect the premium but I could add the value to the value of the car. I just guessed it was worth £50. He said he would arrange the policy for me and make a note on my account. I said I'd do it online thanks (via a cashback site ) and he then said I could just ring customer services afterwards and ask them to make a note on my account. They better not charge for that!

Then I realised he had never said whether it was actually classed as a modification or not, and I needed to tick the box on the quote form if it was classed as one. So I rang again and got someone else to confirm it.

Somehow, I am still not sure. Stupid me! :wall:

prowla

purplestar133 wrote: »

Thanks. Did you used to work for/be an insurer?



Exactly! My car was made in 1999 and I bought it about 5 years ago. I'm lucky enough to have the full manual with it (after years of used cars, this is the first time I've had that) and that has a particular model of radio ticked, as though that's the one I have. It says CD changer compatible, but then later in the booklet, it does have instructions for using a CD changer, so god knows whether it's original or not. I don't even use the thing!



I did ring and ask and after some uncertainty, which doesn't fill me with confidence, and checking with a colleague, the 'sales agent' said it wouldn't affect the premium but I could add the value to the value of the car. I just guessed it was worth £50. He said he would arrange the policy for me and make a note on my account. I said I'd do it online thanks (via a cashback site ) and he then said I could just ring customer services afterwards and ask them to make a note on my account. They better not charge for that!

Then I realised he had never said whether it was actually classed as a modification or not, and I needed to tick the box on the quote form if it was classed as one. So I rang again and got someone else to confirm it.

Somehow, I am still not sure. Stupid me! :wall:

But I think that insurers are more interested in whether you've added a turbo, jacked down the suspension, added a body kit and wing, done a £1k paint job, and suchlike.

In that context, a £50 autochanger is nothing.

When I got my car (used), I added an original manufacturers CD changer, and it simply plugged in; it was not a modification. I don't recall whether it's specifically mentioned on my insurance.

On the other hand, if I'd added a 3rd party one which needed new wiring, fuse, etc., then it would have been a mod. (IMHO.)

However, I think that in mentioning it, you've not done any harm, and maybe the opposite; if you'd had a claim and then said "what about my autochanger?"), they might've either (a) said tough, or (b) said you never told them and so it invalidated your insurance.

So I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

purplestar133

Thanks, I've bought the policy now. Had to do it over the phone after all so made sure they noted the cd changer on my account.

[Deleted User]

Shame, Hastings are cheap but rubbish. Hopefully you won't have any problems.

InsideInsurance

Different insurers want different things declared. Most want anything that was done to the car post manufacture so an optional extra selected at the time of the car originally being bought doesnt have to be declared but anything done by the dealer or owners since does. Now in practice many minor alterations dont add anything to the premium but you dont want to give them grounds for rejecting a claim by not declaring it.

A few insurers actually want anything that wasnt a standard feature of the model declared inc those factory fitted, so metalic paint, leather seats etc all have to be declared - which can be particularly challenging with older secondhand cars where you dont necessarily know if the seat fabric is the base model or an optional extra

[Deleted User]

InsideInsurance, are you stalking me? You always seem to post right after I do.

InsideInsurance

Yes I am - sorry that this one is so late though