Insurance company becoming more and more our worst enemy

[ultimateM3]

As most of us knows that if the insurance company finds out the car has been modify with lowering suspension, your chance of having an insurance termination is like 99%. (like me, but i talk them out) But today I heard from my friend that his friend last week got his insurance termination just for having a tower bar install in his subaru. He try to talk the adjuster out of it, but no luck. Now he is with a different insurance co. with the same amount that he use to pay. I guess until his name shows up on the bad names list. Now even for a tower bar install can mess up our insurance, i personally think that is BULL SH-T. :flaming

I can bet my life that tons of adjuster out there had their cars with some kind of mod in it and gets away with termination. Hopefully one of these days they can have a taste of their own medicine.

[kid_icarus]

As most of us knows that if the insurance company finds out the car has been modify with lowering suspension, your chance of having an insurance termination is like 99%. (like me, but i talk them out) But today I heard from my friend that his friend last week got his insurance termination just for having a tower bar install in his subaru. He try to talk the adjuster out of it, but no luck. Now he is with a different insurance co. with the same amount that he use to pay. I guess until his name shows up on the bad names list. Now even for a tower bar install can mess up our insurance, i personally think that is BULL SH-T. :flaming

I can bet my life that tons of adjuster out there had their cars with some kind of mod in it and gets away with termination. Hopefully one of these days they can have a taste of their own medicine.

not sure if you're allowed to say but can u name the insurance company that your friend used to be with?

[ultimateM3]

not sure if you're allowed to say but can u name the insurance company that your friend used to be with?

he is not my friend i dont know him. Is my friend's friend, so i wouldn't know which ins he had b4.

[shootemup]

Yeah, when my Sentra was hit, the mobile adjuster who took photographs told me that my claims adjuster might mention something about the strut tower bar and how they may not insure me anymore. When I told him that the STB was stock as it is standard on the SE models, he seemed confused. Funny how they accuse people of modifying things that are stock...

[JiNuWiNe]

Do insurance company do random checks on your car? SAY if I have prokits installed, they would terminate my policy ? Or do they only check when you get into an accident?

[Wild Weasel]

Well it matters most when you get in a crash, right?

[aris]

Last year my insruance was cancelled cause my truck was lowered...they wanted to put me in facilty ins.

The funny thing is i bought my truck brand new in dec 1999...eactly 4 years later when my truck came off warrenty i lowered it 2" the broker at the time new i did it cause i just got that ins. As the truck got older and i had a far bit of money invested in it i got it appraied last summer..after i got it appraied the i took the papers to my ins...well the guy i used to deal with no longer worked their and i had to deal with another guy...i screwed my self by getting it appraied cause he started rambiling on that my truck was not safe for the road..etc and i got cancelled and he wanted to put me in facitly ins...i found new insrance and never told them about the truck be lowered i fiigure i take a lost then go throw that shit again. The funny thing is my bro intalled the lowering kit and he a is a deaisl mechanic..their was nothing unsafe about it.

[aris]

Well it matters most when you get in a crash, right?

no it wouldn't just let them put the stock parts back on and you shouldn't have to worrie.....

[aris]

Do insurance company do random checks on your car? SAY if I have prokits installed, they would terminate my policy ? Or do they only check when you get into an accident?

they do not do random checks...and what ever you do to your car don't tell them anything

[Noisy Crow]

no it wouldn't just let them put the stock parts back on and you shouldn't have to worrie.....

Extremely difficult to do when your car is bent and mangled.

[aris]

Extremely difficult to do when your car is bent and mangled.

not realy..let them put stock parts that are needed to put it back together..

[shootemup]

no it wouldn't just let them put the stock parts back on and you shouldn't have to worrie.....

Works all fine and dandy if your car is drivable and you take it to there shop so they do not send out anyone to inspect it... but if it is mangled beyond driving, they will come out and look at it and then say... oh, you didnt tell us about these modifications. Sorry, we will not cover this and your insurance policy has been cancelled.

You're on your own. Honestly, it's a big price to pay should something bad happen. Especially if you're deemed at fault... you are screwed.

[aris]

Works all fine and dandy if your car is drivable and you take it to there shop so they do not send out anyone to inspect it... but if it is mangled beyond driving, they will come out and look at it and then say... oh, you didnt tell us about these modifications. Sorry, we will not cover this and your insurance policy has been cancelled.

You're on your own. Honestly, it's a big price to pay should something bad happen. Especially if you're deemed at fault... you are screwed.

first off when you get in to an accedent and you take it to the body shop the insurance ajuster goes to the body shop to check your car out....also leagly they have to fix your car...after that they can delete your insurance ..but before they do they legaly must pay all dameges on your car.

If you don't beleaive me then call your insruance company and ask them

[Wild Weasel]

Actually... no they don't. By making material changes to your car and not telling them about it, you haven't held up your side of the insurance contract and they are NOT legally required to cover you. If the decide not to, you could be in for a costly legal battle to argue your case.

Now... normally from what I've heard they will cover you and then drop you, but if they deem that the modifications had anything to do with the accident or that you were racing or something, then they'll put their backs up and you'll be in for a fight.

[whiteomega]

first off when you get in to an accedent and you take it to the body shop the insurance ajuster goes to the body shop to check your car out....also leagly they have to fix your car...after that they can delete your insurance ..but before they do they legaly must pay all dameges on your car.

If you don't beleaive me then call your insruance company and ask them

I am not sure what you mean by "legally must pay all damages to your car".

I don't believe that's the case; Legally, they must only provide you insurance; that insurance comes from an industry-managed group like Facility, or from an insurance company. If you do not tell them about modifications to your car, they can deny a claim, and since your contract stipulates you must tell them about any modifications to the vehicle, failing to do that constitutes breach of contract. At that point, whichever company you are with can drop you/move you to Facility, or if they choose not to drop you than can raise your premiums significantly as well.

My understanding is that, regardless of who is at fault, not telling your insurance company about modifications is grounds for claim denial and/or cancellation.

Check here for more info:

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=22812

[WeatherB]

Actually... no they don't. By making material changes to your car and not telling them about it, you haven't held up your side of the insurance contract and they are NOT legally required to cover you. If the decide not to, you could be in for a costly legal battle to argue your case.

Now... normally from what I've heard they will cover you and then drop you, but if they deem that the modifications had anything to do with the accident or that you were racing or something, then they'll put their backs up and you'll be in for a fight.

This is pretty much what my insurance company told me in regards to performance enhancing modifications a few weeks ago...

They did say cosmetic modifications are okay as long as the replacement part doesn't cost more than the stock part. If it does and you don't tell them, then they'll install the stock part in the event of a claim. Say for example you have $4000 rims and the stock rims are only $1000 and you choose not to inform them, they are only legally required to install the $1000 rims.

They also told me that they'll deny the claim if they find out you are modified. Probably exaggerated this point to deter me from modifying, but what WW said sounds fair.

[ShortBus]

first off when you get in to an accedent and you take it to the body shop the insurance ajuster goes to the body shop to check your car out....also leagly they have to fix your car...after that they can delete your insurance ..but before they do they legaly must pay all dameges on your car.

If you don't beleaive me then call your insruance company and ask them

you should just stop giving insurance "advice" because you don't know what you're talking about.

[shootemup]

first off when you get in to an accedent and you take it to the body shop the insurance ajuster goes to the body shop to check your car out....

Negative... as stated in my previous post, if you take it to their preferred shop, they do not send out an adjuster as they have a good raport with their preferred shop and trust their repairs are legit. However, if you go to just any shop, then yes, they will send someone... but I specified preferred shop.




also leagly they have to fix your car...after that they can delete your insurance ..but before they do they legaly must pay all dameges on your car.

If you don't beleaive me then call your insruance company and ask them

Negative again... in your insurance certificate (contract), it specifies that you are to notify your insurance company of ANY modifications to your vehicle immediately. Failure to do so is a direct violation of your end of the contract and they have the right to terminate your policy without refund and deny your claim. If this is the case, they DO NOT have to pay for anything relating to your claim, including the other parties involved. This makes you personally liable for the costs of repair and medical for all involved if you were deemed at fault. If you're not at fault, your insurance company still wont repair your car.

With this said, if the modifcations are minor in nature and were not related to the collision, then MOST companies will honor the costs involved, but will still terminate your policy.

Also, if they find that you have modified your car, or previous cars, they can ammend your contract to include annual inspections of your vehicle in order to be insured. You do not need that hassel.

[ShortBus]

but most likely they'll refund some/part of your premiums and tell you to suck a lemon.

[aris]

you should just stop giving insurance "advice" because you don't know what you're talking about.

relax....and what makes you such a pro with insrance...

And yes i do know what am talking about..i have had my insraunce cancelled for having a modifed truck....if the accident was not caused by the modifations they WILL cover you but after worlds they might cancel you...

You don't need to take it so personal...Do you work for an insraunce comapny..cause if you do then i will keep my opion to my self but if you don't work for one what makes you know everything about this issue?

[aris]

you should just stop giving insurance "advice" because you don't know what you're talking about.


Negative... as stated in my previous post, if you take it to their preferred shop, they do not send out an adjuster as they have a good raport with their preferred shop and trust their repairs are legit. However, if you go to just any shop, then yes, they will send someone... but I specified preferred shop.




Negative again... in your insurance certificate (contract), it specifies that you are to notify your insurance company of ANY modifications to your vehicle immediately. Failure to do so is a direct violation of your end of the contract and they have the right to terminate your policy without refund and deny your claim. If this is the case, they DO NOT have to pay for anything relating to your claim, including the other parties involved. This makes you personally liable for the costs of repair and medical for all involved if you were deemed at fault. If you're not at fault, your insurance company still wont repair your car.

With this said, if the modifcations are minor in nature and were not related to the collision, then MOST companies will honor the costs involved, but will still terminate your policy.

Also, if they find that you have modified your car, or previous cars, they can ammend your contract to include annual inspections of your vehicle in order to be insured. You do not need that hassel.

Yes their is an insrance adjust that goes to the body shop where your car is...in Blleville their is Hacket collison and their is an adjuster their always and car star has an adjuster their to!

[JashiK]

relax....and what makes you such a pro with insrance...

And yes i do know what am talking about..i have had my insraunce cancelled for having a modifed truck....if the accident was not caused by the modifations they WILL cover you but after worlds they might cancel you...

You don't need to take it so personal...Do you work for an insraunce comapny..cause if you do then i will keep my opion to my self but if you don't work for one what makes you know everything about this issue?

No offense, but you shouldn't try to educate people, with misinformation.
I say this only because I do work for a car insurance company and for any material changes they are not legally responsible to repair your car.

If you keep your mouth shut and don't disclose mods and you get into an accident, you've agreed to a non-disclosure statement when applying for insurance. If they find you lied and didn't disclose info = termination of your policy.

Doesn't matter if you have a F1 team install lowering springs on your car. The height of your vehicle must be within manufacturers specs or it = termination.

It's up to you if you want to hide info, just know that if you're not lucky in the end the only person that screwed you is yourself.

All that being said i'm not saying that it's fair or not, but it's just the way insurance works.

[aris]

No offense, but you shouldn't try to educate people, with misinformation.
I say this only because I do work for a car insurance company and for any material changes they are not legally responsible to repair your car.

If you keep your mouth shut and don't disclose mods and you get into an accident, you've agreed to a non-disclosure statement when applying for insurance. If they find you lied and didn't disclose info = termination of your policy.

Doesn't matter if you have a F1 team install lowering springs on your car. The height of your vehicle must be within manufacturers specs or it = termination.

It's up to you if you want to hide info, just know that if you're not lucky in the end the only person that screwed you is yourself.

All that being said i'm not saying that it's fair or not, but it's just the way insurance works.

They would be legaly responsible to replace oem parts right? Which this what i have been saying from the beging...i have been in this situation with my truck..when i got new insraunce the new broker told me that they are not going to mentin anything about the truck been lowered...

[Dave_The_BMXER]

What if I purchased my vehicle with mods, but was not asked if there were any modifications done to the car when I insured it?

[ShortBus]

They would be legaly responsible to replace oem parts right? Which this what i have been saying from the beging...i have been in this situation with my truck..when i got new insraunce the new broker told me that they are not going to mentin anything about the truck been lowered...

no they don't, you replaced the parts without telling them so you voided the argreement, they don't have to replace anything.


What if I purchased my vehicle with mods, but was not asked if there were any modifications done to the car when I insured it?

you can either list them over the phone and they'll either say yay or nay (most likely anything that changes how the car drives they'll just tell you to look elsewhere) if they decided to insure you they will probably send someone to look over the car.

[aris]

no they don't, you replaced the parts without telling them so you voided the argreement, they don't have to replace anything.



you can either list them over the phone and they'll either say yay or nay (most likely anything that changes how the car drives they'll just tell you to look elsewhere) if they decided to insure you they will probably send someone to look over the car.

Your not understanding me....the broker is the one who told me that she is not going to tell the company anything and that if anything were to happen to the truck she told me to let them put stock parts back on...so i don't uderstand how all you guys would know better when my broker at the time told me she was not going to mention it to the comapny that my truck was lowered.

[Noisy Crow]

Your not understanding me....the broker is the one who told me that she is not going to tell the company anything and that if anything were to happen to the truck she told me to let them put stock parts back on...so i don't uderstand how all you guys would know better when my broker at the time told me she was not going to mention it to the comapny that my truck was lowered.

So what you are saying... is because your broker lies to your insurance company on your behalf (thereby violating her contract with the insurance company) they won't hold you accountable if they catch you violating your insurance contract? The one you signed? :loco Good luck on that one!

And yes, we all understand the concept of putting the vehicle back to stock before the insurance company gets a chance to look at it. But that isn't always possible. If someone smacks you hard enough you won't be able to switch parts.

[b3GS]

this has been going on for years now

I'm not sure why anyone acts surprised at it anymore

there's nothing you can do about it. Insurance companies got us by the balls. Rates are high, having insurance is required by law, and the government doesn't regulate the industry. So of course they look for any excuse to NOT pay out. It's a business.

[silvermist99]

No offense, but you shouldn't try to educate people, with misinformation.
I say this only because I do work for a car insurance company and for any material changes they are not legally responsible to repair your car.

If you keep your mouth shut and don't disclose mods and you get into an accident, you've agreed to a non-disclosure statement when applying for insurance. If they find you lied and didn't disclose info = termination of your policy.

Doesn't matter if you have a F1 team install lowering springs on your car. The height of your vehicle must be within manufacturers specs or it = termination.

It's up to you if you want to hide info, just know that if you're not lucky in the end the only person that screwed you is yourself.

All that being said i'm not saying that it's fair or not, but it's just the way insurance works.

There is a bit of a grey area here on whats considered aftermarket performance modifcation and whats not. What about things like brake pads/rotors, rims/tires.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

you can either list them over the phone and they'll either say yay or nay (most likely anything that changes how the car drives they'll just tell you to look elsewhere) if they decided to insure you they will probably send someone to look over the car.


Well what I mean is they never asked, I never told them. They never asked to see the car when i got the insurance either.

[Byaaahhh]

Well what I mean is they never asked, I never told them. They never asked to see the car when i got the insurance either.

Did they ask you to sign the OAF#1? The Ontario auto application. If they did, which they should have (but some direct writers are lazy and don't follow up for signed applications) then there is a question on it which mentions has the car been modified? Therefore, technically they always ask but they don't always ask verbally.

Please see section 3 of the auto app here http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/English/forms/autoforms/endorsement/oaf1-11-05.pdf. Also please pay specail attention to Note 1 on page 2 which refers to modifications. Now answering "No" to has your vehicle been modified would be misrepresenting yourself if your vehicle has been modified in any way. Also, if you notice in the special note it does mention tires however the insurance company usually does not car what rubbers your rocking. The rims they are around are another story altogether.

Also, here is a copy of the actual policy wording http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/English/forms/autoforms/endorsement/OAP1_23-10-2006.pdf


....and the government doesn't regulate the industry. So of course they look for any excuse to NOT pay out. It's a business.

This statement is incorrect. Auto insurance in the province is regulated and is HEAVILY regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). An insurance company must file all their criteria for declination, rates, etc. to FSCO. All this information is approved by FSCO. A third party regulator whom does not a vested interest in whether an insurance company makes a profit. (***Mind you like big oil the insurance industry has lobbyists who are probably a little influential when they need to be***)

[aris]

Did they ask you to sign the OAF#1? The Ontario auto application. If they did, which they should have (but some direct writers are lazy and don't follow up for signed applications) then there is a question on it which mentions has the car been modified? Therefore, technically they always ask but they don't always ask verbally.

Please see section 3 of the auto app here http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/English/forms/autoforms/endorsement/oaf1-11-05.pdf. Also please pay specail attention to Note 1 on page 2 which refers to modifications. Now answering "No" to has your vehicle been modified would be misrepresenting yourself if your vehicle has been modified in any way. Also, if you notice in the special note it does mention tires however the insurance company usually does not car what rubbers your rocking. The rims they are around are another story altogether.

Also, here is a copy of the actual policy wording http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/English/forms/autoforms/endorsement/OAP1_23-10-2006.pdf



This statement is incorrect. Auto insurance in the province is regulated and is HEAVILY regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). An insurance company must file all their criteria for declination, rates, etc. to FSCO. All this information is approved by FSCO. A third party regulator whom does not a vested interest in whether an insurance company makes a profit. (***Mind you like big oil the insurance industry has lobbyists who are probably a little influential when they need to be***)

ok in my situation when my broker (no longer with them) told me that she is not going to mention anything about my truck been lowered how would that work when she was told but didn't want to say anything to them cause she new about my preivse insuance got cancelled for non discloser.

Also can someone insuance get cancelled for non discloser when i did tell them and they cancelled me cause of it.

[whiteomega]

My understanding is that your broker does not represent your insurance company; brokers are just middle-men between you and the company. When it comes time to sign your insurance contract, *you* are the one signing it (or your broker is *on your behalf*). From my point of view that means anything you do in violation of the policy (aftermarket mods, etc) is *your* responsibility, regardless of what your broker says.

Having your insurance cancelled for non-disclosure means you're supposed to answer "Yes" to the question "Have you ever had insurance cancelled for any reason?" when you sign up. If you falsely answer "no", and the insurance company finds out about it, your claim can also be denied, and your policy terminated.

In cases of doubt, ask before you buy; in the long run, it saves you a lot of hassle.

[aris]

My understanding is that your broker does not represent your insurance company; brokers are just middle-men between you and the company. When it comes time to sign your insurance contract, *you* are the one signing it (or your broker is *on your behalf*). From my point of view that means anything you do in violation of the policy (aftermarket mods, etc) is *your* responsibility, regardless of what your broker says.

Having your insurance cancelled for non-disclosure means you're supposed to answer "Yes" to the question "Have you ever had insurance cancelled for any reason?" when you sign up. If you falsely answer "no", and the insurance company finds out about it, your claim can also be denied, and your policy terminated.

In cases of doubt, ask before you buy; in the long run, it saves you a lot of hassle.

I see....it doesn't sound fair if you get adivse from the broker to do something and then when you need them they don't cover you when you are going by the adise of the broker

[bhrm]

I see....it doesn't sound fair if you get adivse from the broker to do something and then when you need them they don't cover you when you are going by the adise of the broker

Always read what you sign?

Brokers don't really care, they just make a cut from you signing those papers. They might say ridiculous things or have no idea what they're talking about to get you signed on.

Brokers just find you the best deal, that's about it.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I don't think I signed that who knows.

I will worry about it if anything happens I guess.

[Byaaahhh]

I see....it doesn't sound fair if you get adivse from the broker to do something and then when you need them they don't cover you when you are going by the adise of the broker

If you have told your broker all this and they choose to ignore it and not inform the insurance company it is still unfortunately on you in the event of a claim. You can attempt to file a lawsuit against the broker alleging against them that they led you or told you they weren't going to tell the insurance company about the mods. In the long run though its your word against theirs and they have a signed auto application indicating you said no mods or whatever.

Now, for your broker I would file a formal complaint with RIBO. As brokers are subject to their own Self-Governing body they are fully investigated and disciplinary action will be made against a broker if they can prove your complaint. You may think your complaint is going to be thrown out but they take a serious look at every complaint that comes in. They are logged by broker so maybe you and other people are filing the same complaints. This is the link for the complaint dept info at RIBO http://www.ribo.com/complaints.html

Let them know the BS that is going on with your broker. You know its not a problem now but you never know if it will be in the future. Better safe than sorry.

**Rant** Its lazy bastards like your broker who cut corners, eventually wind up screwing their insured in the long run that give brokers and insurance a bad name.

[megaxyu]

As far as modifications go is any change a violation ??

would rims be a violation ?

[WeatherB]

As far as modifications go is any change a violation ??

would rims be a violation ?


Call you insurance company and ask them... Mine specifically said performance modifications are a no-no but cosmetic stuff is okay, which explains why I changed my lights and not my engine.

[Byaaahhh]

Call you insurance company and ask them... Mine specifically said performance modifications are a no-no but cosmetic stuff is okay, which explains why I changed my lights and not my engine.

Yes. Rims are considered a modification BUT it is a modification that the majority of insurers will allow. The majority of cosmetic stuff is ok as stated above like lights.

Full out body-kits and custom paint and the such though should be appraised so you are correctly covered in the event of a loss.

[whiteomega]

I see....it doesn't sound fair if you get adivse from the broker to do something and then when you need them they don't cover you when you are going by the adise of the broker

You're right, it's not fair at all. Unfortunately, that's the way the system is. If you want to mod your car, your best bet is full disclosure with your insurance company. As others have said, most companies are OK with cosmetic modifications, but not performance enhancing ones.

There is a grey area in the definition of these (for example: are lighter wheels cosmetic, or performance-enhancing?) but for the most part, power-adder mods (turbos, supercharges, sometimes intakes, etc) are a no-no; suspension mods will depend on the insurer.

At some point you have to trust what your broker says, otherwise there really is no point in having a broker; but you should always do some research on your own.

[MSMitch]

I spoke to one insurance agent a few years ago (State Farm) about engine mods - basically, if in an accident, they won't cover the mods, but the rest of the "normal" car. As for exterior mods - would need to get appraised (as many exterior mods are more expensive than engine mods!) - otherwise, the car woud go back to stock after the accident. Now, IF you blew your engine on the road and you had mods and then got into an accident - you're basically SOL as they will try to blame any engine failure on the mods. Of course, this was their specific guidelines at the time. Always check with your insurance policy for clarification.

Only 3 certainties in this world:
Death,
Taxes &
Taking it up the rear by insurance companies!!!! :whoa

[b3GS]

I spoke to one insurance agent a few years ago (State Farm) about engine mods - basically, if in an accident, they won't cover the mods, but the rest of the "normal" car. As for exterior mods - would need to get appraised (as many exterior mods are more expensive than engine mods!) - otherwise, the car woud go back to stock after the accident. Now, IF you blew your engine on the road and you had mods and then got into an accident - you're basically SOL as they will try to blame any engine failure on the mods. Of course, this was their specific guidelines at the time. Always check with your insurance policy for clarification.

Only 3 certainties in this world:
Death,
Taxes &
Taking it up the rear by insurance companies!!!! :whoa

this isn't the case either. I had a close friend who had his car insured with State Farm and drive a very lightly modded (suspension, intake, strut brace) and he got t-boned in an intersection. It was not his fault, and the car was a write-off. Once the adjuster came to look at the car though and saw he had modifcations, they refused to cover anything. He got NOTHING.

All he could do was try to salvage what he could from the car to sell.

what I think is strange, is all the different circumstances you hear from people and what the insurance has or has not done for them. It all seems like there really is no rules, and it's all at their discretion. Which is not right.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

My old car was rear ended.

Lowered and Exhaust - Covered

My truck was broken into and written off
Rims, System, slammed - Covered

Both state farm.

I agree no rules, none at all. I went to get a quote at RBC and they said they won't cover me so long as my car is dropped. Which reminds me they owe me a gas card.

[matt]

this isn't the case either. I had a close friend who had his car insured with State Farm and drive a very lightly modded (suspension, intake, strut brace) and he got t-boned in an intersection. It was not his fault, and the car was a write-off. Once the adjuster came to look at the car though and saw he had modifcations, they refused to cover anything. He got NOTHING.

All he could do was try to salvage what he could from the car to sell.

what I think is strange, is all the different circumstances you hear from people and what the insurance has or has not done for them. It all seems like there really is no rules, and it's all at their discretion. Which is not right.

Why shouldnt it be. If someone gets into an accident and their car is lowered, the lowering may have affected the resulting damage and what needs to be fixed. Why should insurance companies have to pay for what someone else causes to their own car. And no, im not for insurance companies, i.e. living in woodbridge and being a young male, they nail us, even with a perfect record!!! Just think about it, what if your friend pays you money and you agree to insure his car, but he alters the car from what you agreed to insure, and now he wants money to fix it??? I dont think thats fair. Its plain and simple, insurance companies are that way, if you dont like it, then dont mod, I dont for that reason and more. Only fool around with what you can afford to lose, and for most of us, a car isnt it.

[Byaaahhh]

Only fool around with what you can afford to lose, and for most of us, a car isnt it.

Amen.

[aris]

Why shouldnt it be. If someone gets into an accident and their car is lowered, the lowering may have affected the resulting damage and what needs to be fixed. Why should insurance companies have to pay for what someone else causes to their own car. And no, im not for insurance companies, i.e. living in woodbridge and being a young male, they nail us, even with a perfect record!!! Just think about it, what if your friend pays you money and you agree to insure his car, but he alters the car from what you agreed to insure, and now he wants money to fix it??? I dont think thats fair. Its plain and simple, insurance companies are that way, if you dont like it, then dont mod, I dont for that reason and more. Only fool around with what you can afford to lose, and for most of us, a car isnt it.

i think its wrong what they do....

[silvermist99]

Why shouldnt it be. If someone gets into an accident and their car is lowered, the lowering may have affected the resulting damage and what needs to be fixed. Why should insurance companies have to pay for what someone else causes to their own car. And no, im not for insurance companies, i.e. living in woodbridge and being a young male, they nail us, even with a perfect record!!! Just think about it, what if your friend pays you money and you agree to insure his car, but he alters the car from what you agreed to insure, and now he wants money to fix it??? I dont think thats fair. Its plain and simple, insurance companies are that way, if you dont like it, then dont mod, I dont for that reason and more. Only fool around with what you can afford to lose, and for most of us, a car isnt it.

+1. Lowering a car maybe not be a big mod but its lowering the entire car's ride height, lowering the bumpers, the side beam door guards, lowering the crumple zone etc will change how the car react to crashes. This will severely change the way the car protects its occupants in crashes especially against higher vehicles like suvs. If a SUV smashed a lowered car head on and climbed over the slammed’s car roof because it is dropped and crushes the driver’s arm & leg, insurance company will have to pay out for these things. Changing the vehicle's height /suspension system also will effect how the car will handle in emergency maneuver which ‘may’ cause crashes to unfamiliar drivers.
Cancelling insurance on mods such as intake is quite stupid tho imo. It does not effect how the car handles or crashes, does not cause fire hazard etc. But I guess they could be dumb enough to argue that aftermarket intake could break/fall off then destroy the engine and kill you when the engine stops working 8-)

[silvermist99]

Why shouldnt it be. If someone gets into an accident and their car is lowered, the lowering may have affected the resulting damage and what needs to be fixed. Why should insurance companies have to pay for what someone else causes to their own car. And no, im not for insurance companies, i.e. living in woodbridge and being a young male, they nail us, even with a perfect record!!! Just think about it, what if your friend pays you money and you agree to insure his car, but he alters the car from what you agreed to insure, and now he wants money to fix it??? I dont think thats fair. Its plain and simple, insurance companies are that way, if you dont like it, then dont mod, I dont for that reason and more. Only fool around with what you can afford to lose, and for most of us, a car isnt it.

+1. Lowering a car maybe not be a big mod but its lowering the entire car's ride height, lowering the bumpers, the side beam door guards, lowering the crumple zone etc will change how the car react to crashes. This will severely change the way the car protects its occupants in crashes especially against higher vehicles like suvs. If a SUV smashed a lowered car head on and climbed over the slammed’s car roof because it is dropped and crushes the driver’s arm & leg, insurance company will have to pay out for these things. Changing the vehicle's height /suspension system also will effect how the car will handle in emergency maneuver which ‘may’ cause crashes to unfamiliar drivers.
Cancelling insurance on mods such as intake is quite stupid tho imo. It does not effect how the car handles or crashes, does not cause fire hazard etc. But I guess they could be dumb enough to argue that aftermarket intake could break/fall off then destroy the engine and kill you when the engine stops working 8-)

[Ex-Rolla]

Weird... i never had a problem with The Personal when my car was stolen and subsequently found. A number of parts were replaced (paid for by the insurance company) including suspension parts (springs, struts etc). They were all mazdaspeed parts.