How will modifications affect my insurance?

Sooberman · 04-05-2001, 08:18 PM

I always wondered how people got their cars tuned and modified when I hear that insurance companies stipulate that you can't, lest you absolve them of responsibility for coverage in case of an accident. How do you tuners out there do it, or are you all a little outside the law/telling white lies?
Also, I'm sure a lot of mods voids manufacturer's warranties on the cars.

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J Colman · 04-06-2001, 05:32 AM

I think the general course that most people follow is: Mod the car and just dont say anything. I would imagine that if you got into an accident and they saw you ghad all this stuff they probably wouldn't cover it, but thats the risk you take.

Justin

DLC · 04-06-2001, 06:18 AM

Don't tell them, then if anything happens, swap back what you can.

Warranty?

Don't buy a new car if you're worried about mods voiding the warranty!

Shinji N · 04-06-2001, 06:22 AM

I'm no so worried about them covering the mods; I'm more worried about them cancelling the coverage. (liability, etc.)

D$ · 04-06-2001, 09:53 AM

Hold on folks. Consider the reasons you have insurance. Let's say you damage your own car - OK fine. However, let's say you damage someone else's property and hurt someone. *Now* it's a big deal when your insurance company says "Uh, we didn't know about this TurboCharger we're not paying a cent" You get sued or something and a few extra bucks a month for insurance doesn't seem so unreasonable.

bratmantlz · 04-06-2001, 10:07 AM

yeah mods smods i was told by a adjuster and she was VERY nice. that i should get the mods signed for or something. so i am covered and my mods will be good if i have a accident she was very nice about it too. so..... thats what i am doing.

WhozyerDADDY · 04-06-2001, 10:50 AM

Insurance, you got insurance!!!! ha ha ha ha

Later,<IMG SRC="http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/contrib/ruinkai/FIREdevil.gif" border=0>
Noodle

Skirvdawg · 04-06-2001, 08:17 PM

Horatio's right on the money there. In my policy there's a section that asks if you have any modifications. Then in small print it states that unless the value of modifications exceeds $4000, there is no need to declare them because they are covered. Translated into and out of legalise...they have to cover whatever happens despite any mods that I don't declare because they told me not to declare them. I'm not too worried; I don't think my Ganzflow intake is gonna push my car into a Ferrari-esque policy pricing bracket.

CosmoTheCat · 04-07-2001, 12:17 AM

It really depends on your insurance company and what the mods are. If you're just talking about a Momo shift knob and STi motor mounts, don't bother. They won't care. If it's a turbo, or ten thousand worth of stereo equipment, DO. I believe there is a certain dollar amount worth of add-ons that most companies will cover on the basic policy. That is because lots of people like different shift knobs, aftermarket stereos, new wings, etc. Those aren't really expensive mods so the insurance co. doesn't really care. If you're talking about Brembo brakes, a fatty turbo, or some other big dollar item then the company might get a little miffed that you didn't tell them.

Shinji N · 04-07-2001, 02:09 AM

Still I wouldn't be surprised if some insurance companies took performance modifications into thought when they calculate your risk factor.

Sooberman · 04-08-2001, 06:02 AM

I feel the same as Shinji "I'm more worried about them cancelling the coverage. (liability, etc.)" It's one problem if they won't pay you back for the $3000 turbo system you installed in your car, but it's another if you hurt someone/something (ie. that $100K Ferrari you tried to race that has better brakes)and they say they won't pay a cent because you've changed the vehicle of the car you insured to a point where it is not anything like the vehicle the policy was made to cover.
The insurers cover based partly on vehicle history (accidents and such) and I'm sure on power as well. So I'm guessing the insurance on the WRX will be higher than on the Impreza NA for this reason (*plus* come on, you know that the driver types will be different:lildevil

.
I'll look more into my vehicle policy and maybe call up the insurance co.
The last thing I want is to get sued by and individual and my insurance company refusing to pay. Imagine fighting two court cases at the same time!

I asked about the warranty because I have a 1999 Mercedes ML430 and have become very familiar with warranty work. It would really stink if I changed to a cold intake (which voided the warranty) and I ended up paying out-of-pocket for a bad turbo in the first few years. Almost all major companies have wording in all their policies -including warranties- that absolves them of responsibility if you modify the vehicle in any way (except maybe for their approved parts).
Boy, why do I always end up so long-winded when I only have a few things to say?

Midwayman · 04-08-2001, 09:43 AM

If they try to void your warrenty on a turbo for a cold air intake, show they the (I think) moff-fergason act. Basically says that they *cannot* void your warrenty for aftermarker parts unless a)they are willing to provide you with parts free of charge, or b) they can prove that the aftermarket part caused the problem. Note the burden of proof is on the dealer.

CosmoTheCat · 04-08-2001, 02:47 PM

Or c) put the stock intake back on whenever it goes in for service.

You might want to look at your liability limits. When I got my policy they took all of my parents choices as default. That was no good for me. Most of my parent's neighbors drive Hondas and Chevys, but up here there are lots of you Microsofties driving BMWs and Porshes. The 30k liability limit wouldn't cover a car if I totalled it, so I had to raise my limits.

04-05-2001, 08:18 PM	#1
Sooberman Scooby Specialist Member#: 5344 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Greenwood Lake, NY...where the heck is that?!? :P Vehicle: 2002 WRX WRagon Platinum Slipper	How will modifications affect my insurance? I always wondered how people got their cars tuned and modified when I hear that insurance companies stipulate that you can't, lest you absolve them of responsibility for coverage in case of an accident. How do you tuners out there do it, or are you all a little outside the law/telling white lies? Also, I'm sure a lot of mods voids manufacturer's warranties on the cars. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

04-08-2001, 06:02 AM	#11
Sooberman Scooby Specialist Member#: 5344 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Greenwood Lake, NY...where the heck is that?!? :P Vehicle: 2002 WRX WRagon Platinum Slipper	I feel the same as Shinji "I'm more worried about them cancelling the coverage. (liability, etc.)" It's one problem if they won't pay you back for the $3000 turbo system you installed in your car, but it's another if you hurt someone/something (ie. that $100K Ferrari you tried to race that has better brakes)and they say they won't pay a cent because you've changed the vehicle of the car you insured to a point where it is not anything like the vehicle the policy was made to cover. The insurers cover based partly on vehicle history (accidents and such) and I'm sure on power as well. So I'm guessing the insurance on the WRX will be higher than on the Impreza NA for this reason (plus come on, you know that the driver types will be different:lildevil. I'll look more into my vehicle policy and maybe call up the insurance co. The last thing I want is to get sued by and individual and my insurance company refusing to pay. Imagine fighting two court cases at the same time! I asked about the warranty because I have a 1999 Mercedes ML430 and have become very familiar with warranty work. It would really stink if I changed to a cold intake (which voided the warranty) and I ended up paying out-of-pocket for a bad turbo in the first few years. Almost all major companies have wording in all their policies -including warranties- that absolves them of responsibility if you modify the vehicle in any way (except maybe for their approved parts). Boy, why do I always end up so long-winded when I only have a few things to say?

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04-06-2001, 05:32 AM	#2
J Colman Scooby Specialist Member#: 1259 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Ashburn, VA Vehicle: 1999 Impreza RS Rally Blue Pearl	I think the general course that most people follow is: Mod the car and just dont say anything. I would imagine that if you got into an accident and they saw you ghad all this stuff they probably wouldn't cover it, but thats the risk you take. Justin

04-06-2001, 06:18 AM	#3
DLC out back Moderator Member#: 1964 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: 84XXX Vehicle: 01 BH Blue/Bronze	Don't tell them, then if anything happens, swap back what you can. Warranty? Don't buy a new car if you're worried about mods voiding the warranty!

04-06-2001, 06:22 AM	#4
Shinji N Scooby Specialist Member#: 3987 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Los Angeles, CA Vehicle: 1999 Miata Black	I'm no so worried about them covering the mods; I'm more worried about them cancelling the coverage. (liability, etc.)

04-06-2001, 09:53 AM	#5
D$ Scooby Newbie Member#: 5525 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Milwaukee Vehicle: 2002 WRX WR Blue	Hold on folks. Consider the reasons you have insurance. Let's say you damage your own car - OK fine. However, let's say you damage someone else's property and hurt someone. Now it's a big deal when your insurance company says "Uh, we didn't know about this TurboCharger we're not paying a cent" You get sued or something and a few extra bucks a month for insurance doesn't seem so unreasonable.

04-06-2001, 10:07 AM	#6
bratmantlz Scooby Specialist Member#: 3231 Join Date: Dec 2000 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: colorado springs colorado usa Vehicle: 88 626 Turbo white	yeah mods smods i was told by a adjuster and she was VERY nice. that i should get the mods signed for or something. so i am covered and my mods will be good if i have a accident she was very nice about it too. so..... thats what i am doing.

04-06-2001, 10:50 AM	#7
WhozyerDADDY Scooby Newbie Member#: 3420 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: DFW, TX. Vehicle: 2001 2.0 Sti Ver.7 Blue ridge pearl	Insurance, you got insurance!!!! ha ha ha ha Later,<IMG SRC="http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/contrib/ruinkai/FIREdevil.gif" border=0> Noodle

04-06-2001, 08:17 PM	#8
Skirvdawg Scooby Newbie Member#: 3375 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Virginia Beach Vehicle: 2002 VW Jetta Wagon Black	Horatio's right on the money there. In my policy there's a section that asks if you have any modifications. Then in small print it states that unless the value of modifications exceeds $4000, there is no need to declare them because they are covered. Translated into and out of legalise...they have to cover whatever happens despite any mods that I don't declare because they told me not to declare them. I'm not too worried; I don't think my Ganzflow intake is gonna push my car into a Ferrari-esque policy pricing bracket.

04-07-2001, 12:17 AM	#9
CosmoTheCat Scooby Newbie Member#: 3409 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woolley Vehicle: 1998 Ram 2500 Green.	It really depends on your insurance company and what the mods are. If you're just talking about a Momo shift knob and STi motor mounts, don't bother. They won't care. If it's a turbo, or ten thousand worth of stereo equipment, DO. I believe there is a certain dollar amount worth of add-ons that most companies will cover on the basic policy. That is because lots of people like different shift knobs, aftermarket stereos, new wings, etc. Those aren't really expensive mods so the insurance co. doesn't really care. If you're talking about Brembo brakes, a fatty turbo, or some other big dollar item then the company might get a little miffed that you didn't tell them.

04-07-2001, 02:09 AM	#10
Shinji N Scooby Specialist Member#: 3987 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Los Angeles, CA Vehicle: 1999 Miata Black	Still I wouldn't be surprised if some insurance companies took performance modifications into thought when they calculate your risk factor.

04-08-2001, 09:43 AM	#12
Midwayman Scooby Specialist Member#: 1997 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Prospect Heights, IL Vehicle: 2006 Acura TL 6spd STMGM6 alumni	If they try to void your warrenty on a turbo for a cold air intake, show they the (I think) moff-fergason act. Basically says that they cannot void your warrenty for aftermarker parts unless a)they are willing to provide you with parts free of charge, or b) they can prove that the aftermarket part caused the problem. Note the burden of proof is on the dealer.

04-08-2001, 02:47 PM	#13
CosmoTheCat Scooby Newbie Member#: 3409 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woolley Vehicle: 1998 Ram 2500 Green.	Or c) put the stock intake back on whenever it goes in for service. You might want to look at your liability limits. When I got my policy they took all of my parents choices as default. That was no good for me. Most of my parent's neighbors drive Hondas and Chevys, but up here there are lots of you Microsofties driving BMWs and Porshes. The 30k liability limit wouldn't cover a car if I totalled it, so I had to raise my limits.