Do you declare your mods?

Do you declare your mods?

  • Yes

    Votes: 45 57.7%

  • No

    Votes: 22 28.2%

  • Not all of the mods, no

    Votes: 11 14.1%
  • Total voters
    78
Greenlight always been good for me. (be aware they have a max limit of 20k)

Infact it was cheaper to declare my mods on my track car!
 
S3_Jacko said:
Hey guys.... I was reading this thread and decided to do a bit of experimenting with a well known comparison site, for talks sake we'll call it 'Brian' and in my opinion judging from this, insurance companies (Most, not all) dont know their backsides from their elbows and generalise their quotes far too much!

I was as honest as humanly possible in all quotes... I'm 33 next week, been driving for 15yrs (No accidents or claims)(Drive about 40k a yr in my works van with no accidents), currently got 4yrs no claims due to a fk up by performance direct on my Mr2 GT (would have had 8 but thats another story).. Got a clean license except from 7 points that are still within the 5yr previous (Never been banned).... I drive a 2008 pre-facelift S3, standard car with rear light smoked tints and 8p3 18" 5-arm rotors (factory option wheel)... (Basically looks the exact same as a s3 black edition) anyway heres my results as follows.... All quotes are on fully comp basis.. and all are the cheapest quote offered

Standard car £388.22
Standard car (With rear tints + Factory option wheels... basically a black edition)(All factory mods) £649.37
Got a quote for a black edition.. exact same details £375.19... thats a difference of £274.18 because of the title of the car, even though they are identical in every way....
Standard car (With factory wheels, rear tints and a stage 1 remap) £974.14
Black edition S3 (With stage 1 remap) £697.48 a difference of £276.66 because of the title of the car...

So basically insurance companies will rip your personal details to shreds instead of looking at the cars that they are covering in more detail... How can it be way cheaper to cover the exact same car with different styling details a lot cheaper... you would think that these details as standard are just as appealing to any potential thief as they are modded by the factory afterwards!

This just must be purely down to the title of the car being different, with not as much stats or whatever??.... but this is what upsets me about most insurance companies... they havent got a clue! Maybe if they got their act together then there wouldnt be so many undeclared mods...
And what i've learned from this... When I sell my car, the next 1 I buy will definitely be a Black edition whatever it is! :)

If any insurance companies reading this post have an opinion on this, i'd like to see it!
Click to expand...

Very interesting results here. I would say that's clear evidence that the insurance companies will do all they can to squeeze extra cash out of you.
 
Adam. said:
Greenlight always been good for me. (be aware they have a max limit of 20k)

Infact it was cheaper to declare my mods on my track car!
Click to expand...

A max limit of 20k what? Miles or pounds? I'm sure there's not a £20k vehicle value limit with greenlight - maybe an age related thing?
 
essIII said:
A max limit of 20k what? Miles or pounds? I'm sure there's not a £20k vehicle value limit with greenlight - maybe an age related thing?
Click to expand...

They definitely have a £20k maximum vehicle limit.
 
well today i have went about looking for insurance quotes for my modified s3 and 6 points no claims at age of 25, comparison sites and generic insurance companies are not even worth thinking about under these circumstances at prices of 1300+ and with the site sponsors and likewise specialist i was around 800-1000
 
Really wanted to chip my car... +30hp and it would cost me £4000+ for insurance :((
25 years old, 6 years no claims, clean licence.

London...*sigh*
 
essIII said:
How weird. I'm sure my S3 was valued at more than that when they first insured me. Is this a new thing with them, or am I going mad?! :think:
Click to expand...

I couldn't say if it's new or not,but either way,I think I would have fitted into the limits,as I was previously insured via Chris Knott,and for the last few years with Greenlight.

There may be plenty of value in the parts,but the overall sale value can't be over £20k now I'm sure....unless someone wants to make me an offer!
 
Greenlight would not insure my rs3 ,value 31k plus....
 
Staz said:
So I am thinking of changing my car so have been doing some insurance quotes to weigh up my options. I have a Stage 1 remap and CAI and have been declaring the mods since day 1.

I normally get a reasonable price from Chris Knott but for the sake of comparison I used one single comparison site and the only variable I changed was the car:
  • Standard '08 S3 - £260
  • Modded S3 - £525
I'm really shocked that I would be paying twice as much for about 40 horses and a bit of noise!!! Not really reasonable IMHO.

So, be honest, do you declare your mods?
Click to expand...

Not an 8P, but an 8L S3 here, prestige insured me for £379 everything declared, comparison sites on standard car was £320ish, so not that much difference for mine, but worth paying the extra for piece of mind.
 
Interesting read, but I have to say that a mainstream insurer was by MILES the cheapest on our S3 BE, from new last year. Specialist insurers couldn't get within 1.5 times the amount we got from one of the websites, and even when we declared the Remap and CAI the increase was marginal. I was surprised we couldn't get a better deal from the likes of one of these specialist insurers!
 
jojo said:
Not an 8P, but an 8L S3 here, prestige insured me for £379 everything declared, comparison sites on standard car was £320ish, so not that much difference for mine, but worth paying the extra for piece of mind.
Click to expand...

Fully agree mate, I don't remember how much I actually paid last year and the renewal hasn't come through yet but as I am 99% sure I will be selling my car within 6 months I may just remove the mods and save myself a couple of hundred quid!
 
S3_Jacko said:
Hey guys.... I was reading this thread and decided to do a bit of experimenting with a well known comparison site, for talks sake we'll call it 'Brian' and in my opinion judging from this, insurance companies (Most, not all) dont know their backsides from their elbows and generalise their quotes far too much!

I was as honest as humanly possible in all quotes... I'm 33 next week, been driving for 15yrs (No accidents or claims)(Drive about 40k a yr in my works van with no accidents), currently got 4yrs no claims due to a fk up by performance direct on my Mr2 GT (would have had 8 but thats another story).. Got a clean license except from 7 points that are still within the 5yr previous (Never been banned).... I drive a 2008 pre-facelift S3, standard car with rear light smoked tints and 8p3 18" 5-arm rotors (factory option wheel)... (Basically looks the exact same as a s3 black edition) anyway heres my results as follows.... All quotes are on fully comp basis.. and all are the cheapest quote offered

Standard car £388.22
Standard car (With rear tints + Factory option wheels... basically a black edition)(All factory mods) £649.37
Got a quote for a black edition.. exact same details £375.19... thats a difference of £274.18 because of the title of the car, even though they are identical in every way....
Standard car (With factory wheels, rear tints and a stage 1 remap) £974.14
Black edition S3 (With stage 1 remap) £697.48 a difference of £276.66 because of the title of the car...

So basically insurance companies will rip your personal details to shreds instead of looking at the cars that they are covering in more detail... How can it be way cheaper to cover the exact same car with different styling details a lot cheaper... you would think that these details as standard are just as appealing to any potential thief as they are modded by the factory afterwards!

This just must be purely down to the title of the car being different, with not as much stats or whatever??.... but this is what upsets me about most insurance companies... they havent got a clue! Maybe if they got their act together then there wouldnt be so many undeclared mods...
And what i've learned from this... When I sell my car, the next 1 I buy will definitely be a Black edition whatever it is! :)

If any insurance companies reading this post have an opinion on this, i'd like to see it!
Click to expand...

It maybe specced to the same car as the BE would be.....but the actual model of your car would have a different ABI (Association of British Insurers) code compared to the BE, so the ratings will be different.

There are so many factors to take into consideration as well....and also when adding mods on to the insurance most insurance companies will usually add x% onto the policy depending on the mod you've declared.

Ohh and comparison sites are crap for adding modifications on- most won't allow or can't handle more than 2....I would never trust adding mods on a comparison site or on any web site for that matter - recorded calls are the way forward...in case anything you say you've declared get's 'forgotten about' as such.

Btw....if you are looking on insurance comparison web sites for insurers that have a clue about modified cars - then you're all looking in the wrong place :p
 
kwistof said:
It maybe specced to the same car as the BE would be.....but the actual model of your car would have a different ABI (Association of British Insurers) code compared to the BE, so the ratings will be different.

There are so many factors to take into consideration as well....and also when adding mods on to the insurance most insurance companies will usually add x% onto the policy depending on the mod you've declared.

Ohh and comparison sites are crap for adding modifications on- most won't allow or can't handle more than 2....I would never trust adding mods on a comparison site or on any web site for that matter - recorded calls are the way forward...in case anything you say you've declared get's 'forgotten about' as such.

Btw....if you are looking on insurance comparison web sites for insurers that have a clue about modified cars - then you're all looking in the wrong place :p
Click to expand...

Judging by your reply you haven't actually read much of the thread.
 
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Quick question for you guys, would you declare any of the following

1) Tinted windows
2) Stickers
3) plastidip'd grill
4) debaged
5) dewiper
6) lamin-x fog light covers
7) oem alloys from a higher spec
8) wrapping car in a different colour
9) head unit upgrade
10) retrofitted cruise control
11) parking sensors
12) mirror caps


just curious, cheers....
 
1) Tinted windows yes making sure there legal % of tinting
2) Stickers no
3) plastidip'd grill no
4) debaged no
5) dewiper no
6) lamin-x fog light covers yes
7) oem alloys from a higher spec yes unless it could have been a factory optional upgrade
8) wrapping car in a different colour definitely yes plus dvla unless wrap is classed as a temporary colour
9) head unit upgrade no
10) retrofitted cruise control yes
11) parking sensors no
12) mirror caps no
 
Staz said:
Judging by your reply you haven't actually read much of the thread.
Click to expand...

Yep, I've read all of the thread and there is so much dilution into how premiums are actually worked out it's unreal.

Just like anything in life....you need to shop around everywhere to find the best deal that is most suited to your needs and sometimes this means taking a longer more complicated route and not the most obvious ones (comparison sites).

Fact is - modified car insurance is a niche market and comparison sites are for the mass market which is where you'll get the cheapest prices on the majority of standard cars and risks. In order to get the most appropriate and cheapest policy as a modified car owner, then calling a specialist insurer that is not on the comparison sites is the way forward. These schemes/policies they offer are often not found on the internet as it usually requires extra information and a discussion with the underwriters (people that accept if they want to cover your risk and for what premium).
 
articuno88 said:
Really wanted to chip my car... +30hp and it would cost me £4000+ for insurance :((
25 years old, 6 years no claims, clean licence.

London...*sigh*
Click to expand...

Is that via a price comparison site or via a modified car insurance specialist?
 
sliced said:
Quick question for you guys, would you declare any of the following

1) Tinted windows
2) Stickers
3) plastidip'd grill
4) debaged
5) dewiper
6) lamin-x fog light covers
7) oem alloys from a higher spec
8) wrapping car in a different colour
9) head unit upgrade
10) retrofitted cruise control
11) parking sensors
12) mirror caps


just curious, cheers....
Click to expand...

All of it needs to be declared.
 
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boost-addict said:
1) Tinted windows yes making sure there legal % of tinting
2) Stickers no
3) plastidip'd grill no
4) debaged no
5) dewiper no
6) lamin-x fog light covers yes
7) oem alloys from a higher spec yes unless it could have been a factory optional upgrade
8) wrapping car in a different colour definitely yes plus dvla unless wrap is classed as a temporary colour
9) head unit upgrade no
10) retrofitted cruise control yes
11) parking sensors no
12) mirror caps no
Click to expand...

I do not mean to be rude but you are giving out incorrect answers...
 
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Yes, always declare your mods! Otherwise, you're technically not insured. It's not a gamble worth taking really, and certainly one I'd not want other people taking if they're driving around on the roads with me. Basically if you can't afford to insure the mod then you can't afford the mod, the same as if you can't afford to insure a fast car then you shouldn't get one.

I've just declared my wheels and suspension and they said I'd get a £8.60 refund! Then asked about exhaust and they said it'd be £24 extra, but the email I just got through confirming it all says I'm getting a £15.60 refund. Mods aren't insured though, Admiral policy apparently, but declaring them at least means the car is fully covered and papered up for being on the road.

As for companies comparing the cars and drivers, there's about 1000 things that go in to putting together a quote. For example, my insurance didn't go up when I moved to my flat and changed from being garaged to on-street parking, because car theft around Aberdeen has most recently focussed on house break-ins and then taking cars with the keys, but since it's harder for them to figure out where I live my car is potentially harder to steal, regardless of the car itself.
 
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skyinsurance said:
I do not mean to be rude but you are giving out incorrect answers...
Click to expand...

sorry but it was a question from the op

"Quick question for you guys, would you declare any of the following"


and why would you need to tell the insurance company you've fitted an aftermarket head unit, stickers, debadged it,

sorry have i got to tell my insurance every time i scratch my ****, if the mod does not affect the performance of the car then sorry its not getting declared in my book.

so if thats a yes, i have to tell them every time i get a sticker, saying excuse me can i apply this sticker to my car please, i must report im applying a sticker that does feck all the the performance of the vehicle, nor does it impede how the car stops goes or turns,

your up your own **** to be fair
 
All mods declared , no change in premium but mods not covered for replacement..

Question.. you buy a sporty car but are a bit green on specs, obv you know it will have had alloys etc, how can you tell if it has been modified if it is your first go at a certain marque? just say a simple remap, is ignorance going to save you?
 
s3dave said:
This ^^ all mods declared , no change in premium but mods not covered for replacement..

Question.. you buy a sporty car but are a bit green on specs, obv you know it will have had alloys etc, how can you tell if it has been modified if it is your first go at a certain marque? just say a simple remap, is ignorance going to save you?
Click to expand...

ive wondered that my self, if you buy a car and it has factory option alloys on, has sport interior/wheel remapped etc, unless your told how do you know the first things wernt on since new and then if a remap gets forgotten about along the way (like mine, im running 18psi) but no mention of a remap when i bought it.
 
boost-addict said:
sorry but it was a question from the op

"Quick question for you guys, would you declare any of the following"


and why would you need to tell the insurance company you've fitted an aftermarket head unit, stickers, debadged it,

sorry have i got to tell my insurance every time i scratch my ****, if the mod does not affect the performance of the car then sorry its not getting declared in my book.

so if thats a yes, i have to tell them every time i get a sticker, saying excuse me can i apply this sticker to my car please, i must report im applying a sticker that does feck all the the performance of the vehicle, nor does it impede how the car stops goes or turns,

your up your own **** to be fair
Click to expand...

The problem is that whatever your opinion on whether you should or sholdn't declare something,in effect it doesn't matter,as it's the insurance company that will decide.

If you haven't told them something that they later decide is relevant,it's you that suffers,not the company.

I simply present them with a great big list,and let them decide what they think is relevant,but there's no reneging on it later.
 
i know what your saying, but what im saying is, if i want to put a sticker on my boot, have o got to ask permission from the insurance company.?
 
boost-addict said:
i know what your saying, but what im saying is, if i want to put a sticker on my boot, have o got to ask permission from the insurance company.?
Click to expand...

in theory yes.. That's the problem with how it is today. ANYTHING that makes the spec deviate from as it left the factory SHOULD be notified. I am sure i have read of people using non run flat tyres on Z4's for instance to make the car drivable and not jiggly and then not being able to get coverage
 
yer i get that just dont see the relivence to effecting the cars handling or performance


btw
can you pm me back byzan? about under handle lights
 
boost-addict said:
ive wondered that my self, if you buy a car and it has factory option alloys on, has sport interior/wheel remapped etc, unless your told how do you know the first things wernt on since new and then if a remap gets forgotten about along the way (like mine, im running 18psi) but no mention of a remap when i bought it.
Click to expand...

Very simple if you have been given all the receipts from when the car was purchased and look through them. (which I expect the majority on here have bought there car with FSH)

Or you give the chassis number to the dealership your car belongs to and they will tell you what options the car had when it was rolled out of the factory- or like most VAGs....the sticker in the boot will have a load of codes in that relate to what options the car had.

Plus if you are still in any doubt on what's aftermarket/OEM+ then you could always take it to your local dealership, who I'm sure would be happy to point out what's been put on the car since it was originally made.

So in turn, you're basically doing what the insurance company would do if/when they try and catch you out in proving you didn't specify all your mods - that's pretty much how they would trace down if you have been telling the truth and whether they want to pay out on a claim or carry on insuring you.
 
S3Alex said:
The problem is that whatever your opinion on whether you should or sholdn't declare something,in effect it doesn't matter,as it's the insurance company that will decide.

If you haven't told them something that they later decide is relevant,it's you that suffers,not the company.

I simply present them with a great big list,and let them decide what they think is relevant,but there's no reneging on it later.
Click to expand...

Yep it's what I do, huge list, let them sort out what's worth stiffing me over. Like for like on mods costs additional to the premium as does guaranteed value, even if you supply a value at the time of the policy, you only get market value for whatever car it started as
 
boost-addict said:
if the mod does not affect the performance of the car then sorry its not getting declared in my book.
Click to expand...

A luminous green vinyl wrap or respray would not effect the car's performance but it sure as hell makes the car stick out more therefore effects risk. Insurers like to know about risk as this is what they base the insurance premium on.


boost-addict said:
so if thats a yes, i have to tell them every time i get a sticker, saying excuse me can i apply this sticker to my car please, i must report im applying a sticker that does feck all the the performance of the vehicle, nor does it impede how the car stops goes or turns,
Click to expand...

The spec list on my own modified car is three or four A4 pages, it is all declared, stickers and all.

Worth noting. A good specialist insurer would not charge for minor cosmetic changes

boost-addict said:
your up your own **** to be fair
Click to expand...

I'm just making sure that people can see your advice is duff and could lead them to having an invalid insurance policy.

Also, have a quick look at this link: You're.co.uk
 
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s3dave said:
All mods declared , no change in premium but mods not covered for replacement..

Question.. you buy a sporty car but are a bit green on specs, obv you know it will have had alloys etc, how can you tell if it has been modified if it is your first go at a certain marque? just say a simple remap, is ignorance going to save you?
Click to expand...

A engineers report would cover you/reveal any changes. Ignorance in this situation may I'm afraid not be bliss.
 
i haven't told anyone not to declare any mods, the question what would "you" declare, and i put my reply.
opinions not facts, thats what a forum is about
 
boost-addict said:
yer i get that just dont see the relivence to effecting the cars handling or performance
Click to expand...

Don't forget thieves, vandals etc. A cosmetically modified car sticks out like a sore thumb compared to a standard example.
 
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