1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Mods and insurance

Discussion in 'Modifications' started by Binz, Apr 16, 2013.

  1. Binz

    Binz Copenworld Regular

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2012
    Location:
    North Hampshire
    Car(s):
    Copen (plus Kawasaki W650 and Honda CRV)
    Hi all,

    love seeing all the mods people are doing. Whether it's the huge amount that some of you are doing or just little touches to make your Copen more personal.

    Am tempted to treat mine to some mods but am concerned at the impact it may have on insurance. Has it had a big impact on your premiums?

    when asking meerkats and the like for insurance quotes they want to know everything from engine mods to ICE to locking wheel nuts to stickers, it seems you can't do anything without them charging a higher premium. I'm not looking at loads of mods but maybe just airfilter, new ice with sub, and am thinking what cometics to do (old style vinyl roof? pinstriping?) but am put off by potential insurance hassles.
     
  2. Rocketgirl

    Rocketgirl Copenworld Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2013
    Location:
    Scotland
    Car(s):
    Daihatsu Copen, Vauxhall Mokka and a Mitsubishi L200
    How funny is this- I'm just off the phone from an insurance company which deals in modified cars :p

    My insurance isn't due for another couple of months but I thought I better get a rough estimate on how much it could cost (Chris the Copen should be well underway with many of the mods by then), and I was actually pleasantly surprised- based on how much I drive and the mods I was wanting it would have cost £360 for the whole year with a £250 excess! :eek: Not bad considering my current (relatively unmodded) insurance is just under £300 :)

    I was half expectig it to jump way up to (and possibly beyond) the £600-£700 mark :rolleyes:
     
  3. Binz

    Binz Copenworld Regular

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2012
    Location:
    North Hampshire
    Car(s):
    Copen (plus Kawasaki W650 and Honda CRV)
    thanks RG.

    I do think some insurance co's overcharge for mods. Looked a few years ago when I wanted to put a stainless exhaust on another car and even if it gave now performance boost they wanted an extra 20%. The type of metal wont make any difrence to the chances of me being in an accident but statistics show it does.

    I'll have to get my Rs in gear get a firmer idea on what to mod and get some definite quotes.
     
  4. Ashley

    Ashley Copenworld Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2011
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Car(s):
    Copen
    Merc estate
    RAV4 3-Door
    I don't think it's the metal the exhaust pipe is made of - more likely to be that the kind of driver that wants to mod his/her car is more likely to have an accident. Also some professions/occupations get loaded with higher premiums - because they are considered less responsible.

    Really? They charge extra because you want to prevent someone stealing your wheels? They should give you a discount for that!
     
  5. Binz

    Binz Copenworld Regular

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2012
    Location:
    North Hampshire
    Car(s):
    Copen (plus Kawasaki W650 and Honda CRV)
    "They should give you a discount for that!" that's what I thought, but checked with that as only mod and it was about £5 more than unmodded
     
  6. Ashley

    Ashley Copenworld Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2011
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Car(s):
    Copen
    Merc estate
    RAV4 3-Door
    I'd be looking for a new insurance company!
     
  7. Rocketgirl

    Rocketgirl Copenworld Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2013
    Location:
    Scotland
    Car(s):
    Daihatsu Copen, Vauxhall Mokka and a Mitsubishi L200
    If it's any help my quote was based on interior and exterior (ie cosmetic) mods only, not on performance enhancing mods :)
     
  8. DaG

    DaG Copenworld Guru

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2012
    Location:
    Sunderland
    Car(s):
    Copen 1.3
    I wouldn't class a stainless steel exhaust as a modifification that my insurers would be interested in same as locking wheel nuts. Infact I wouldn't tell them I'd fitted a new exhaust or wheel nuts. Putting your premiums up for those two is nothing but a scam, a rip off. Typical of this country though.
     

Share This Page