Insurance Gimmicks

[vnv8driver]

I phoned up my insurer today to update my details and i wanted to make sure that my stereo & accessories list was updated & correct.. I said i have a sports air filter system, my stereo, mags and an exhaust tip. With my insurer im only allowed 1 modification if i'm under 25 with a v8 (proper insurer not justcars!), and they stated that my mags were an accessory, my stereo was an accessory and the tip & filter was a modification? Fair enough the air filter is a mod but the tip (on stock exhaust) doesn't increase power, the way the operates or moves, or how loud it is...

The sheila that i was speaking to confirmed that the tip was a mod according to their 'list', and a mod to them is a part that alters performance. I stuck with a stock exhaust because i knew i wasnt allowed more than 1 mod, which is the pod.


In the end i don't really care about taking the tip off if it means keeping my insurance, although i know the tip isn't a mod is there anyway i can sort this out without having to find another reputable insurer or remove it?

Better still anyone know of a good insurer for a v8 owner under 25 thats cheaper than 47 bucks a month? (3rd party fire theft & vandalism)

[Cobez]

Pod filters are defectable anyway. Put a CAI and panel filter on. Sorry, a bit off topic there lol. I'm with RACV. $36 a month for a stock VS Senator with a factory optioned electric sunroof.

[vnv8driver]

mines 99% enclosed in a home made box, bolted down and has a pipe coming to the box from the bumper bar. ill give them a call now and see what they say.

QLD- where pods are legal even if there not enclosed!

[james_lives_here]

Insurance companies are funny things.
Mine see's mag wheels as a mod, but alloy wheels as an accesory, try and make sence from that

[Farlig]

if an insurance co didnt cover you in an accident cause you have an exhaust tip that would be bs, dont worry about it, only tell them things like loss of licence, major speeding tickets etc, and large power upgrades like cam,turbo, superchargers etc. i wouldnt even worry about cat back.

[Morton]

Go with Comminsure mate.

I got a quote from Comminsure for my V8 Statesman (I'm 20), with listed mods: stereo system, UHF radio, alarm system: third party fire and theft: $416 a year.

Don't tell them about air filters and exhaust tips, because frankly they won't care or notice. If an insurance assessor comes out to have a look at a writeoff, he's not going to pop open the airbox or check out your bling chrome exhaust tip.

If, however, you have the exhaust cut at the diff, and jet black tinted tail lights, they'll get suss. But otherwise, don't stress.

[Morton]

[DannyboyDS]

just make sure that whenever you let these guys know about something of yours that is on the vehicle, that you make them up the value of your car, otherwise if it is written off, they legally own all items listed on the policy.

if it's an item that you dont need to tell them about E.G full suspension rebuild without a change in height, tell them anyway, let them know youve rebuilt the suspension, it cost money and has added worth to the car, therfore they should add that to the agreed value, if you have one.

[Morton]

Nah, I think he's got 3rd party mate. No agreed value with 3rd party

[Troy711]

just tell them that you removed it and replaced it with a factory chrome tip.

[Tom_1569]

Nah, I think he's got 3rd party mate. No agreed value with 3rd party

I have agreed value on 3rd party fire and theft. Everyone I know does to, but it may be caus its fire and theft aswell?

[vnv8driver]

thanks for the replies everyone, some good tips.

Morton- ive tried to find the post where you told us about your insurance but coudnt find it.... probably the only thing im jealous of at the moment !!!

danny- when i told them about everything aftermarket, they asked what it cost, so im guessing it goes on the 'market value' on the car.. There is an agreed market value price if it gets stolen, burnt etc... but they told me if that happens, and the car is worth more they will asses my car and a value will be organized.

Troy- i might just do that, if they dont know the differance between a acc and a mod, they dont know the difference between a stock item.


Keep the replies coming, maybe we can make it a bit easier for people in the future when insurance companies strike back!