For example, my scoob was supplied from new with the following options from the official Subaru price list: 18" alloys, PPP, CD changer. I also got the dealer to fit Morettes, and since then I've gone for some more exhaust mods from Scoobysport.

Just wondered which of the above are "modifications" that have to be declared? I usually bring up the 18s, the PPP, the Morettes and the extra exhaust bits and that's enough to put most people off. Isn't there a viewpoint that some of these aren't mods at all? For example, how do BMW drivers go on, because half the spec seems to come from the options list???

Gareth

ANYTHING THAT AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OR LOOKS OF A VEHICLE THAT MAKES IT FASTER OR MORE DESIREABLE TO A THIEF COMES UNDER A MODIFICATION. MULTICHANGERS/SAT NAV ETC ARE COVERED UNDER AUDIO EQUIPMENT IN YOUR POLICY WHICH SOME INSURERS WILL INCREASE THE LIMITS.WHEELS.SPOILERS ,BODYKITS ,EXHUASTS ECU'S ETC ALL INCREASE PREMIUM. HOPE THIS HELPS YOU

yes thats right .i can only speak for NU direct . if you use genuine parts .e.g 18'' subaru wheels thats ok with no loading but oz wheels etc incur a loading . OTHER COMPANIES MAY BE DIFFERENT

Modification:-
Anything that changes a standard item basically, this includes things like window tints etc.

Tony:D

Kev - just for clarification are you saying that NU would not treat the 18" Prodrive/OZ alloys as offered by Subaru as a mod?

G

if you get a pair of furry dice the scumbag insurance will want more for money

I have just been on to Tesco and the guy said that my options for my new WRX (STi spoiler, 18" 10 spokes and WR Exhaust) were fine - if I had bought aftermarket options then there would have been a loading I think.

John,

Thanks for posting that info - the lack of definitive guidance on this subject is doing my head in!

Gareth

No worries.

I guess it depends on each companies take on modifications etc....

I also think the way you tell them might help - anything is worth a try!! :)

For example, I started by telling him that I had chosen some accessories out of the brochure and asked whether that was an issue, and then he wasnt really that interested about what they were to be honest.

Just gone with Tescos - declared everything that's "different" :)about my scoob including total performance increase up to 20% and they still came in with a decent premium.

Wow, Tescos were my worst quote.
Wanted £1171 for STi7 UK PPP.
40 yrs old, Full NCB, No claims, Clean Licence, self + wife, rural area, garaged! Can't get much better risk unless I get older!

Steve

Steve,

36 yrs, garaged etc, one fault claim, 7 yrs NCB, MY01 wagon, PPP, 18s, morettes, exhaust mods worth total +20% bhp, £650.

Doesn't seem consistent does it? Guess it's the STI bit (even though I'm pushing 265bhp, 267lbft :) ).

Anyway, won't hold my breath til the paperwork's in my hand.

G

just spoke to greenlight re. Prodrive suspension and quickshift I have had installed.
Do you think there will be an increase in my premium, considering ther fact that they didn't increase it when I had the Prodrive brake upgrade fitted???

I agree with that - but the advice that I got was that any options that you buy when purchasing the car shouldnt have any affect.

Was that bad advice?


On the subject, a dealer actually said the same too (though obviously perhaps a dodgy attempt to flog the extras!). Technically, it is not as if you are adding anything to the car that wasnt there in the first place, you have just opted for a different option. EG, on my new WRX I have specified the STi spoiler and 18 OZ ten spokes - the dealer felt that the car comes with a spoiler and alloys....

However, I agree that they make it more flash/nickable etc....

At the end of the day, guess it comes down to individual companies....

[Edited by JohnMcC - 3/9/2003 4:20:43 AM]