Exhaust Modification and Insurance

[sd17]

Looking to have an aftermarket exhaust fitted in the future, but I want to check with the insurers that it won't ridiculously increase my premium. Does anyone know whether you can get a quote from your current insurer, without them just presuming you've done the mod already and putting the premium up? I'm with Admiral if it helps.

Thanks.

[SimonPoole]

I think that the only way to find out for certain is to ring them up and ask. They shouldn't presume anything unless you instruct them that you have made the change.
I asked about changing the wheels on my son's Polo but was told that no modifications at all were allowed as his was a provisional policy as we took it out before he passed his test.

[RUM4MO]

I've found Admiral to be easy to talk to, I am probably paying "quite a bit" for my "Audi Sport" exhaust which I later clarified to be a Milltek exhaust on my S4, it was fitted to that car from almost brand new, I've also advised them that I use 18" Audi alloys with Winter tyres during about half the year.

I've noticed that my wife's Polo 1.2TSI 110PS SEL has "optional alloy wheels" included on the policy details again from Admiral, as I got her to tell them that she would be using 15" VW alloys with Winter tyres during about half the year.

Edit:- remember you asking that question and getting a bad response would probably move you to a more suitable insurance company, so I'd think if they want to keep you when that car is modified, you will get an acceptable increase, if they don't like that mod, then not and you will walk.

[SRGTD]

Different insurance companies take different approaches to modifications; some are more receptive to modifications than others - e.g.;

• some won’t accept any modifications - usually because their business model / computer systems aren’t set up to accept anything other than standard risks.

• combinations of certain risk factors will influence an insurer’s attitude to the risk and whether they will cover it or not. A young driver wanting to make performance modifications will be viewed by most of not all insurers as a higher risk than a mature driver wanting to fit a different set of wheels.

As @SimonPoole has said, phone your insurer before you make the change. Your insurer shouldn’t presume you’ve already made the modifications because you’re phoning them, and you can make the position clear to them when you speak to them; you are enquiring whether or not they will cover you / your car with an aftermarket exhaust and you’d like to know whether or not the premium would change if you go ahead and get the exhaust fitted.

[sd17]

I've found Admiral to be easy to talk to, I am probably paying "quite a bit" for my "Audi Sport" exhaust which I later clarified to be a Milltek exhaust on my S4, it was fitted to that car from almost brand new, I've also advised them that I use 18" Audi alloys with Winter tyres during about half the year.

I've noticed that my wife's Polo 1.2TSI 110PS SEL has "optional alloy wheels" included on the policy details again from Admiral, as I got her to tell them that she would be using 15" VW alloys with Winter tyres during about half the year.

Edit:- remember you asking that question and getting a bad response would probably move you to a more suitable insurance company, so I'd think if they want to keep you when that car is modified, you will get an acceptable increase, if they don't like that mod, then not and you will walk.

If it helps you at all, my Admiral policy states "We don't cover non-standard parts, unless they are manufacturers optional extras". So your wife's 'optional alloy wheels' shouldn't increase the premium I wouldn't have thought.

Thanks for the help

[sd17]

Admiral have now quoted me to add: Aftermarket Exhaust, badge changes and vinyl wrap on wing mirrors.

Only increases my premium by £19... and that includes a £9.50 admin fee!