Is changing alloys on a car for the same size classed as a modification ?

securitysue

I have recently bought a used car and the alloys have certainly been neglected and the type of alloys i have can only be refurbished 1-2  times so if this is not an option and i decided to change the alloys for something the same size is it classed as a modification that i have to declare to my insurance company please ? 

daveyjp

If they are wheels which were not OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) i.e. could be fitted to the car when it was built, they are a modification.

securitysue

daveyjp said:

If they are wheels which were not OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) i.e. could be fitted to the car when it was built, they are a modification.

Thank you at least i know now. 

DullGreyGuy

They will be a modification unless they are the identical ones to what was fitted at time the vehicle was manufactured and to Admiral they'd even be a modification if they were an optional extra to what the vehicle variant was supposed to come with. 

In the event of a claim insurers may not kick the tyres too hard if they are an OEM option for the vehicle but the fact they are brand new is going to be a redflag that something has been changed if the vehicle is inspected. Admiral again being a potential exception given their different definition of modification.

securitysue

DullGreyGuy said:

They will be a modification unless they are the identical ones to what was fitted at time the vehicle was manufactured and to Admiral they'd even be a modification if they were an optional extra to what the vehicle variant was supposed to come with. 

In the event of a claim insurers may not kick the tyres too hard if they are an OEM option for the vehicle but the fact they are brand new is going to be a redflag that something has been changed if the vehicle is inspected. Admiral again being a potential exception given their different definition of modification.

What i was planning on doing but not sure now if its a good idea but i bought a refurbished alloy the same as what i already have and my plan was to swap it with one of my alloys and gradually get them all refurbished and i am with Admiral so would i be allowed to use this alloy so it allows me to get my other refurbed one at a time ? 

summer_daze009

DullGreyGuy said:

They will be a modification unless they are the identical ones to what was fitted at time the vehicle was manufactured 

Which begs the question that if you buy a 12 year old car for example how would the buyer know if the car has had the alloys changed say 6 years ago? 

DullGreyGuy

securitysue said:

DullGreyGuy said:

They will be a modification unless they are the identical ones to what was fitted at time the vehicle was manufactured and to Admiral they'd even be a modification if they were an optional extra to what the vehicle variant was supposed to come with. 

In the event of a claim insurers may not kick the tyres too hard if they are an OEM option for the vehicle but the fact they are brand new is going to be a redflag that something has been changed if the vehicle is inspected. Admiral again being a potential exception given their different definition of modification.

What i was planning on doing but not sure now if its a good idea but i bought a refurbished alloy the same as what i already have and my plan was to swap it with one of my alloys and gradually get them all refurbished and i am with Admiral so would i be allowed to use this alloy so it allows me to get my other refurbed one at a time ? 

If you are replacing them with the same model then with any insurer but Admiral the answer would be that it isnt a problem assuming they are the original alloys.

With Admiral the answer is it creates no additional problems but were the alloys an optional extra in the first place that requirement to declare would still stand.