Rioja

Following on from the thread below;
http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=447610

I've done some further digging and the result is as follows;

Email I sent to NU;
Guy,

You sent me an email a little while ago, see below, regarding the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti type UK (2005) and the fitting of a Prodrive Performance Pack.

You have referred to the package as the 'Prodrive' kit, the car being listed on your system as; IMPREZA WRX STI TYPE UK (PRODR. I want to assure myself that you have correctly interpreted this as the performance enhancing dealer fit accessory pack of;

• Recalibrated engine management system

• High capacity fuel pump

• High flow catalyst

• Stainless steel sports exhaust silencers

And not the 'styling only' modifications of the WRX 300 Prodrive.

You may be interested in the following web site;

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=19 where allot of Subaru owners discuss the benefits of various insurers. Your reply to this email, and possible contribution to the web forum would be gratefully received.

Regards


They have replied as follows;

Sorry it has taken some time to come back to you on this.

I have checked with two separate underwriters who have both confirmed the model listed as the STI Uk (Prodrive) will cover these modifications as they form part of the Prodrive pack.

The Prodrive pack has only recently been added to our system on cars from 2002, as long as there is a listing which includes Prodrive we will cover it on normal terms if this is not shown then it would be a referral to our underwriters.

Regards

Guy Goddard

Internet Support Team

Norwich Union Direct

I hope I've been specific enough with the questions, and I hope this helps a few of you out who may have had a competitive quote through NU but been unsure as to PPP.

Cheers

jbwrx300

Nice one for keeping at it!

This could be a massive step forward especially if others follow. Well done Norwich Union.

So, you gonna take the plunge?
I noticed that the MY06 STI is nearly 26k as an import, so definately good value to be had if you get anything around the £23k mark especially if you can get PPP thrown in.

Rioja

Not just at the moment. I was, but personnal circumstances changed and I'll probably be looking after Christmas now.

With the current rises in fuel cost etc, I have been looking at alternatives but no luck. I've had my 98 turbo from new and still can't find a car I'd rather drive, or does everything so well!!!

Rum*

I am sorry but this is NOT correct! And I know I don't work for Norwich Union...but I think you will find the following IS correct...

The Subaru Impreza STI Type UK (Prodrive) vehicle that the underwriter is referring to is in fact the model/type that was manufactured and sold in 2002...and 2002 only! The UK had 2 STI's available to purchase through the UK Dealer Network...as follows;

1. Subaru Impreza STI Type UK

&

2. Subaru Impreza STI Type UK (Prodrive Style)

Both were only available in 2002 and the only difference was cosmetic i.e. the Prodrive Style version came with the high level rear spoiler (the same as we all get now on STI's), a deeper front bumper and blue gauges/dials...

...neither of these vehicles had a Prodrive Performance Pack fitted as standard...both of the vehicles came as standard with 265 ps

On the computer system it shows as ...

Subaru Impreza STI Type UK (Prodrive) - 2002 - 2002

The vehicles listed on insurer databases (at present) show only ABI listed vehicles...as such a 2005 STI Type UK with PPP would be as follows;

Vehicle: Subaru Impreza STI Type UK

Then later, on the appropriate form there would be a question/option to say "yes" to modifications....and clicked/ticked/accepted the appropriate modification can then be input...

For reference I do not believe that NU Direct will cover ANY modified vehicle and as such the PPP would be included within this statement.

NU via a Broker will accept the PPP...however it would have to be referred to a specialist underwriter (the NU Special Vehicle Unit in particular) and then the liklihood is they would load the premium by anything upto 25%....if they even agreed to accept it...

IMHO you should speak to a specialist broker who knows and fully understands the modifiations concerned...rather that risking a claim being thrown out due to the incorrect vehicle being insured...and yes I know the email below states that cover would be OK...but in the event of a claim I guarantee you would have fun and games receiving settlement...you might get paid....but how long would it take??

Best bet speak to either...

A-Plan

or

Greenlight

or ourselves (Subaru Insured)...it might cost you a little (or a lot!!) more...but at least you will know that we WILL issue the policy on the correct basis...

Sorry for the rant....but in the last 3 years I have spoken to too many owners who have originally believed their policies have been correct, only to find that the above has been correct and NU (and other insurers) have then voided their policies back to inception (refund obviously being allowed)...

Tom
Subaru Insured

Rioja

Cheers Rum, I thought my questions to NU where clear enough; ie, specifically NOT the cosmetic mods, and listing the performance mods: guess not!

My STi purchase is on hold at the moment, so I won't be doing any further investigation (thank god!)

Bartop

I'm currently insured through NU Direct - originally as just standard but they covered me for PPP which was added later at first service - took details of the modifications and quoted me for the additions which was quite reasonable.
That was in Jan this year..

andyfish

"And not the 'styling only' modifications of the WRX 300 Prodrive"

Have one of these and the WRX300 does give you the 40 extra horses! Although you can ask the dealer not to have them fitted when ordering the car (like yeah, who would?)

andy

jbwrx300

No No No No No No No.......how many times...............

Refer to Rioja's original thread where I initially had major problems getting the WRX300 insured. I had a discussion with an insurance company who are represented on this board whose agents tried to insure my WRX300 as a UK 300 prodrive style.

WRX UK 300 (prodrive style) is a 2002 wrx with styling tweaks (225BHP)
WRX300 is a 2005 WRX with PPP (265BHP)

bugsti

I am insured through NU direct and the policy has an endosement stating "this car is fitted with a prodrive performance pack". This, in my view, is totally un-ambiguous.

However, it did take several phonecalls to the Indian sub-continent to accomplish.

Bartop

Update on NU direct - rang them this morning to add to the list of mods added since PPP - list below. Only to be told there were too many mods for them to cover.

Insurance now switched to Aplan for £50 quid less and a lot lower excess..

Mods
PPP
C/F spoiler
C/F splitter
C/F mirrors
C/F scoop
18" Oz Prodrives
Subaru Quickshift
Prodrive Springs

jbwrx300

Bloody hell, can't blame them. More than two and you usually struggle in my experience with mainstream insurers.