Replacing radio - modification?

k6chris

Does replacing a factory fitted ICE head unit with a more modern system, count as a modification for insurance purposes?? 

CKhalvashi

It may or may not, depending on your insurer.

The best thing to do would be to call and ask.

400ixl

Read the policy, for most there is a threshold where it does need declaring, but is usually set at a level where you are getting into professional fitments. It is usually quite clear on the booklet.

Sandtree

Most insurers do count it as a declarable modification... if it impacts your premium is another matter. If you use an aggregator like confused.com it instructs you to declare all modifications no "minimum threshold" type thing as some seem to believe exists (unfortunately a lot of FOS complaints on voided policies don't get upheld because people don't read the question/help text and answer assuming this kind of urban myth about some minimum threshold being true)

Username03725

In all policies that I've bothered to read (because it's mattered at the time) the answer is yes. The assumption is that you're replacing factory fitted kit with something better and therefore more likely something more expensive, which insurers like to know about. If the car is pinched and your claim includes a chunk on top for the aftermarket audio equipment, they'd probably like to have some idea that it was there when the car went missing.

Car_54

Username03725 said:

In all policies that I've bothered to read (because it's mattered at the time) the answer is yes. The assumption is that you're replacing factory fitted kit with something better and therefore more likely something more expensive, which insurers like to know about. If the car is pinched and your claim includes a chunk on top for the aftermarket audio equipment, they'd probably like to have some idea that it was there when the car went missing.

It may also make the car more likely to be stolen, or at least broken in to.

eamon

Thinking MSE do you really need the fancy ICE or do you want it?

I want a fancy ICE in my car but then I looked at my driving habits and I rarely drive for longer than 30mins usually 15-20mins. On the 2/3 times a year when I do a 4-5 hour drive I mix up the sounds using the radio and a plug in MP3 player (changing a CD is very risky). Then there is the associated risk of getting the fancy unit stolen.

Finally decided that I couldn't be bothered so have done nothing.

k6chris

eamon said:

Thinking MSE do you really need the fancy ICE or do you want it?

I want a fancy ICE in my car but then I looked at my driving habits and I rarely drive for longer than 30mins usually 15-20mins. On the 2/3 times a year when I do a 4-5 hour drive I mix up the sounds using the radio and a plug in MP3 player (changing a CD is very risky). Then there is the associated risk of getting the fancy unit stolen.

Finally decided that I couldn't be bothered so have done nothing.

This!  Just bought a £15 bluetooth to FM transmitter.  Job done! Thanks for all the replies too.

iainscomputer

I’ve changed my car stereo in both our cars for Alpine double din units with navigation, they are both fantastic bits of kit. But with newer cars it has become much harder to change the stereos due to the integration that they now have in cars.
With regard to the insurance situation mt cars are insured with LV & Aviva and neither of these companies require notifying about replacement stereos.