Car Insurance and what you should and shouldn't declare?

[AlanW]

I get that if you fit bigger wheels or wider tyres or a different exhaust to your vehicle, then yes of course you should tell the insurance company.

The bottom line is that if it wasn't fitted at the factory, then no matter what it is, its classed as a modification and needs to be documented with your insurance company.

However, there are a couple of exemptions, tow bars, parking sensors and wind deflectors apparently. Dash cams are also exempt but you may enjoy a lower premium if you have them fitted and list it on the policy.

But mudflaps....really

With that in mind I'm just about to purchase a new car and I was going to fit mudflaps, although they are more arch guards than mudflaps to be fair. So as I like to do things above board, I contacted my insurance company to inform them about my intention.

Yes, said the OP you do need to list them in the modifications tab.

But I said there isn't an option from the drop down menu to select mudflaps and I have tried all the possible options associated with mud flaps, mudflaps, mud guards, mudguards splash guards, arch guards, stone guards...etc.

His reply, in that case then, if its not listed in the drop down menu then really sorry but we cannot insure you if you fit them.....what the very f*ck......

 

[spen666]

I get that if you fit bigger wheels or wider tyres or a different exhaust to your vehicle, then yes of course you should tell the insurance company.

The bottom line is that if it wasn't fitted at the factory, then no matter what it is, its classed as a modification and needs to be documented with your insurance company.

However, there are a couple of exemptions, tow bars, parking sensors and wind deflectors apparently. Dash cams are also exempt but you may enjoy a lower premium if you have them fitted and list it on the policy.

But mudflaps....really

With that in mind I'm just about to purchase a new car and I was going to fit mudflaps, although they are more arch guards than mudflaps to be fair. So as I like to do things above board, I contacted my insurance company to inform them about my intention.

Yes, said the OP you do need to list them in the modifications tab.

But I said there isn't an option from the drop down menu to select mudflaps and I have tried all the possible options associated with mud flaps, mudflaps, mud guards, mudguards splash guards, arch guards, stone guards...etc.

His reply, in that case then, if its not listed in the drop down menu then really sorry but we cannot insure you if you fit them.....what the very f*ck......

Computer says no

 

[Dogtrousers]

IThe bottom line is that if it wasn't fitted at the factory, then no matter what it is, its classed as a modification and needs to be documented with your insurance company.

However, there are a couple of exemptions, tow bars,

I have a tow bar. I never tow anything but I put a bike rack on it. I was under the impression* that I had to declare it so I did and my insurance company accepted my declaration.

*Not that my "impression" counts for anything.

 

[Drago]

Way back when I knew someone who had a claim refused when the assessor noticed undeclared non factory mudflaps in their Rover 214. Thatmwoukdnhave been jn the nineties.

Dashcams and the like are accessories, not modifications, according to the ABI but some occasionally try it on.

Ive declared a long list of stuff for my van and none of it cost me an extra penny. Mind you, as a camper the entire vehicle is comprehensively modified from factory spec anyway.

But insurers are shysters of the first water, and make no mistake.

 

[AlanW]

So l wonder if mudflaps classed as a accessory or modification?

Im thinking it has to an accessory?

 

[oxoman]

When you buy a new or used car as far as you know its fitted as stock and you haven't fitted them. Personally I'd just say the car came with them.

 

[fossyant]

Ive just fitted some mudflaps to my van to keep the crap off it. Not declared it. If I fitted a spoiler or some such I would.

 

[AlanW]

When you buy a new or used car as far as you know its fitted as stock and you haven't fitted them. Personally I'd just say the car came with them.

Sadly, ignorance is not an excuse. Insurance companies apparently have access to build specifications from the factory and will know if they were fitted at the factory or not.

 

[AlanW]

Ive just fitted some mudflaps to my van to keep the crap off it. Not declared it. If I fitted a spoiler or some such I would.

In 50 years of owing and driving cars I've never declared it either before, but unfortunately a spoiler comes under the exact same category as a mudguard, as crazy and as stupid as it would seem.

You therefore risk having your insurance rejected in the event of a claim. If you have a claim and the insurance assessor notes that you have them fitted and not declared it, then they have a perfect legal right to reject your claim, that includes any third party claim and any other third party damages.

I think we all know that insurance companies are as slippery as a bucket of ells and will jump at any opportunity to get out of paying a claim!

 

[fossyant]

Might check with them tomorrow as it's not on the list of modifications from my insurer, but towbars and roof racks are (which I don't have)

 

[AlanW]

Might check with them tomorrow as it's not on the list of modifications from my insurer, but towbars and roof racks are (which I don't have)

I hope you have more luck than me!!!

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

I owned an imported Ford Mustang for a few years. The list of modifications, when I bought it, from new ran into two sides of A4. Everything from a K&N cold air intake, to chromed inserts into the recessed lettering in the bumper & metal overlays on the pedals.

The broker told me nothing was adding a loading to the policy which was good.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Might check with them tomorrow as it's not on the list of modifications from my insurer, but towbars and roof racks are (which I don't have)

Roof rack! I fitted roof bars to my last car (for attaching bike carrier) and it never occurred to me to declare them. Live and learn.

 

[fossyant]

Roof rack! I fitted roof bars to my last car (for attaching bike carrier) and it never occurred to me to declare them. Live and learn.

Yup. Ran a re-quote but put 'other modification' and there is no extra charge. Roof bars are a funny one as you don't leave them on. I've never declared them. The van is too tall.

I'll log in again tomorrow and do the chat with them. I tried 'compare the market' as my insurance is due soon, and their mods list was the same - no mention of mudflaps or wind deflectors.

 

[fossyant]

Straight onto esure this morning. Went through the modifications page, then there is a 'contact agent if modification not on the list'. Specified I'd fitted mudguards and wind deflectors on the front windows, cost was no more than £100. They came back and said it's not classed as a modification but we will leave a note on your file. No change to policy. I've got a copy of the chat as it lets you download it.

I suppose fitting huge rally mudguards is an issue but mine are moulded and just look like a bit of extra moulded wheel liner. Same with the Nissan ones fitted to MrsF's Qashqai - they look like part of the lower door plastic black scuff trim.