Trout

iTrader: (1)

I know that this topic has drifted a bit, but I would like to emphasise a couple of points.

A specific first - Gary - as I said earlier Insurance engineers are typically motor engineers along the lines of the expertise of a Steve Lawson type chappie. Therefore they would not have to be either a petrol head or an expert to see that 4-pots are not MY98 spec and so may have been changed. Insurners will have access to full parts/spec information from all manufacturers so it is not hard to check.


More generally however, this thread is discussing what may or may not be material in the event of claiming 'after the event'.

The crucial point is the word 'material' as Robski rightly introduced. If you look at any insurance contract you will see that it if your responsibility to advise your insurer of ANYTHING that may MATERIALLY affect your insurance.

So the moral again, is that tell them EVERYTHING and then negotiate (as Gary has done). Then there can be NO misunderstandings.

I would also underline that I have nothing to gain by this, I work in the sector, but not for any insurer directly. It is in your own interests to make sure you are properly insured, it's a bummer, it's expensive, but anything less is a gamble with all your personal possessions. Many people on this board wouldn't think twice about spending upwards of a grand uprating their car and then risk it by avoiding a couple of hundred on the insurance premium!

R

Gary Foster

Cheers Rannoch

I checked the wording on my policy and it says accessories are OK, but some accessories may be deemed to be modifications. I assume this is probably different depending on your insurer, so the only thing to do is check with them re whats an accessory and whats a modification (as you've already stated

Any chance of someone setting up insurance entirely for Scoobies (as the RS Owners have with Dominion Plan ?)

I'd be happy to pay more money for more flexibility in my insurance, this probably applies to the majority of us on the board.

Gary

Rum*

I suppose its time for me to make an entrance...

I think most things have been covered already..

re the Scooby only scheme like the RS guys'n'gals...well this is something that I am looking into at the moment.

I also run a scheme for P1's...to date I have managed to add certain other vehicles onto it, subject to the security being to a specific standard i.e. GPS Tracking to match the P1...RAC Trackstar/Telematics eGuard/Tracker Horizon.

However it seems obvious that there is a need for an underwriter to be involved where they "understand" the modifications to our vehicles...

As soon as I know of a suitable carrier I will obviously make the information available to SIDC, P1WOC, IWOC, Scoobynet Admin etc.

However I am only prepared to set up a scheme where I know that the service (in particular the claims handling and settlement) is second to none...for example the existing P1 scheme via Independent Insurance (the same underwriters that underwrite the TVR scheme) is excellent - I should know! I've had to use it when my P1 met with a tree

The modifications issue is a completely different kettle of herring (?? ) - as stated above if in doubt...declare it! Insurers would rather know about it prior to cover and then make an underwriting descision at that point. If you have changed the steering wheel to a Momo, or the Gear **** to a nice stainless steel one, or upgraded to Graham Goode clear side repeaters - then there will probably not be an increase...however changing wheels and spoilers could be argued as making the car more theft attractive - thus higher rates....uprated exhaust - could argue higher performance - thus higher rates - ECU...same again etc etc...

Independent Insurance and ourselves do not charge for for the following mods to the P1 (brakes, seats, stereos, Sat Nav, wheels, exhaust, bump steer, armourfend, lights/bulbs)...to be honest they probably would not change the rates for a changed ECU in most cases - but they are special and having worked closely with ourselves now have an understanding of the vehicles they are covering...

....If only other insurers were the same...

Nuff said, I will keep you informed of any future schemes...

All the best

Tom

Rum*

Whoops ...sorry for such a drawn out response

Gary Foster

Yipee !

Cheers *Rum. Fingers crossed it'll be in time for my next renewal (6 months), I promise I'll be good and inform you of all my mods.

Now how do I get that tracker turned on ? I'll go dig out the manual ..

Gary

Edit PS, just to re-iterate I don't mind paying more if the insurer is more flexible and understanding you pays your money etc

[This message has been edited by Gary Foster (edited 22 January 2001).]

PeterPerfect

Gary..see my thread in the lighting section about declaring driving lamps

Opps..just seen you've declared everything anyway Gary.....

[This message has been edited by PeterPerfect (edited 22 January 2001).]