Modification and Insurance

[6R_09]

Have you declared any other modifications with directline? I've just switched to directline since it was the cheapest this year and I've got a few mods I'm planning to do, all of it exterior such as black door mirrors, black badges etc... Just wanted to see how friendly they with mods such as that.

I'm with Directline and am 19. I've declared everything they'll allow me to declare, and surprisingly there wasn't even an admin charge. They accepted sports exhaust, coilovers, sound system including amp, sub and RCD510 (which they covered up to £2000) and aftermarket wheels. What they did say is that spoilers and aftermarket bumpers (which I have anyway ) you have to be 25, and no amount of money will change that. For now I'm just risking it, but when my renewal is up will be switching to a specialised insurer, especially with my roll cage and seats coming soon.

They didn't bother noting black badges etc as they said that didn't count as a modification.

[Ash6R]

Seems like directline is pretty lenient on mods . I will definetly contact them soon.

[Ricmondo]

Just risking it!

I have my fingers crossed that you do not have or cause a bump. Your insurance is no longer legally valid and you can't even claim ignorance.

Not preaching just showing concern for you over something that could cause you very long term grief. Have you enough in your box under the bed to pay out for long term physical injury caused to another motorist or pedestrian? I certainly haven't.

I think the insurer refusing to cover your bodywork mods under any circumstances is petty and downright stupid but, in the final analysis they make the rules. It's difficult to like them isn't it!

[SRGTD]

Just risking it!

I have my fingers crossed that you do not have or cause a bump. Your insurance is no longer legally valid and you can't even claim ignorance.

Not preaching just showing concern for you over something that could cause you very long term grief. Have you enough in your box under the bed to pay out for long term physical injury caused to another motorist or pedestrian? I certainly haven't.

I think the insurer refusing to cover your bodywork mods under any circumstances is petty and downright stupid but, in the final analysis they make the rules. It's difficult to like them isn't it!

6R_09, if you're finding that Direct Line won't cover your bumpers and spoiler, it might be worth going to a mod-friendly insurance broker who'll find an insurer who will; I wouldn't wait until renewal either. It may work out to be more expensive than staying with Direct Line but that's the price you pay for having a modified car. At least you'd have the reassurance of being fully insured.

I agree with Ricmondo; If I were you, I wouldn't want to be insured with a company who won't cover parts of your car. They could get awkward if you're unfortunate enough to need to claim, saying that you and your car aren't an acceptable risk because of your age and bumper/spoiler modifications, so no valid insurance cover.

If It was me and I was to stay with Direct Line, I'd want something from them in writing to confirm that your policy operates in full and the only thing not coverered is damage to or theft of your bumpers and spoiler, and that they will cover third party injuries, damage to third party property and third party vehicles, plus loss or damage to your car apart from the non-standard bumpers and spoiler.

If they can't or won't do this, I'd cancel the policy now and go the insurance broker route to find a mod-friendly insurer.

[6R_09]

I've been putting it off for ages because I hate the hassle of calling the insurance people and haven't had much time, but I guess it is irresponsible for me to do it, especially as they could cancel my insurance and make me uninsurable for life. The car isn't driven very often so the chances of accidents aren't as high as some, but its about time I get some proper insurance. Thanks for everyone's stern words, anyone recommend a specialist insurer?

[SRGTD]

I've been putting it off for ages because I hate the hassle of calling the insurance people and haven't had much time, but I guess it is irresponsible for me to do it, especially as they could cancel my insurance and make me uninsurable for life. The car isn't driven very often so the chances of accidents aren't as high as some, but its about time I get some proper insurance. Thanks for everyone's stern words, anyone recommend a specialist insurer?

I've not used them myself, but you could try a broker like Adrian Flux, who'll be dealing with mod-friendly insurers on a daily basis.

[6R_09]

Yep, called them this afternoon and we're working out a deal. Just hope the cancellation charge with Direct Line isn't too bad