The Student Room Group

What is classed as a modification?

As we know insurance companies require you to declare any modifications from non OEM standard when taking out a policy. But what is a modification?

Would the following count?

-Tyres
-Brake Pads
-Painted Calipers
-Stickers/Small Decals
-Addition of a CD multichanger?

I know about the obvious body kits, exhaust, coilovers, etc. Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Reply 1
RB59
As we know insurance companies require you to declare any modifications from non OEM standard when taking out a policy. But what is a modification?

Would the following count?

-Tyres
-Brake Pads
-Painted Calipers
-Stickers/Small Decals
-Addition of a CD multichanger?

I know about the obvious body kits, exhaust, coilovers, etc. Is there anything else I should be aware of?


Tyres: As long as they have >1.5mm tread, are the standard size and of the correct speed rating. Tyres are consumables.

Brake Pads: Also consumables not really a mod

Calipers: They would have to be pritty picky to make a fuss about that

Stickers: Nah

CD: Nah but it might not be covered if it were nicked
Reply 2
technically speaking, anything that differs from the oem specification IS a mod - weather they matter in the grand scheme of things is a different story. Stickers/decals, yes they're mods, yes they're something that can be added as a mod to your policy, no they are not likely to make a difference in a claim if not extensive.

brake pads and tyres, same applies and as mentioned are a consumable, any painting etc, are mods, unlikely to have an impact; audio equipment is usualy covered - You'll usually find that audio equipment up to a certain value is included.
Reply 3
Yeah thanks. All I wanted to know realy was if you don't tell them about it would they decline a claim.
Reply 4
It seems like a gray area, when I last rang around for quotes a towbar had to be declared but did not add any cost, whereas a roof rack did not have to be declared provided it was not left on the car all the time...

When I mentioned that the paint code I used on my new bumpers when reverting to the proper type for the car wasn't quite right they got very unsure wether or not it was 'a modification'... I gave up asking about various bits of restoration that aren't entirely original in the end.

At the end of the day my understanding is that an insurance company can, and generally will, use any excuse not to pay out, so if you think it could count as a modification its best to declare it.
Reply 5
terpineol
It seems like a gray area, when I last rang around for quotes a towbar had to be declared but did not add any cost, whereas a roof rack did not have to be declared provided it was not left on the car all the time...

When I mentioned that the paint code I used on my new bumpers when reverting to the proper type for the car wasn't quite right they got very unsure wether or not it was 'a modification'... I gave up asking about various bits of restoration that aren't entirely original in the end.

At the end of the day my understanding is that an insurance company can, and generally will, use any excuse not to pay out, so if you think it could count as a modification its best to declare it.

It seems to vary between insurers as well. Some I've spoken to don't class a towbar as a mod, others want it declared but won't charge extra for it, whereas one wanted an extra £150 for it! I've also had an insurance company advise me to remove the towbar as it would make my insurance simpler.. might make towing my boat a little more of a challenge though!
Reply 6
any RICE mods or consumable mods won't get you in trouble (I think air filters/intakes also count as consumables)
So...

Body kits, rims, disks, pads, neons/lights (must be only red at back, white on front and orange on side IF MOVING, only allowed other colours to shine when the car is stationary), head/tail lights, stereo speakers subwoofer interior boot (taking your spare tyre out won't invalidate your insurance, it'd just be a pain in the ass if you get a flat
Reply 7
skaarlaw
any RICE mods or consumable mods won't get you in trouble (I think air filters/intakes also count as consumables)
So...

Body kits, rims, disks, pads, neons/lights (must be only red at back, white on front and orange on side IF MOVING, only allowed other colours to shine when the car is stationary), head/tail lights, stereo speakers subwoofer interior boot (taking your spare tyre out won't invalidate your insurance, it'd just be a pain in the ass if you get a flat


Bodykits can affect insurance especially if fully comp. It can make your car appear "more desirable" (subject to taste) and therefore increases the risk of your car being stolen. For example adding a S-line kit to a standard Audi, although available on the options would be classed as a modification and possibly increase the premium.
Reply 8
Even factory added stuff can be considered a mod. (eg, a hard roof on an M3 convertible)
Reply 9
Hey is a subwoofer a modification??
Reply 10
Original post by Demsey
Hey is a subwoofer a modification??


Did you car come with one? No? It's a modification.

The question you need to ask is whether your insurer cares, which unfortunately we can't answer for you.

Please don't bump 8 year old threads.