Mods and Insurance

[STeeLy]

I've read through some of the threads on insurance, including Skarboro and FLIPDADY's threads in the FAQ section, but I didn't exactly find my answer.

I know that with performance enhancing mods, you are supposed to report it to your insurance and risk getting dropped, or not report it and if you get into an accident, they have every right to deny you claims...

For the members here have actually reported their mods to their insurance company Which company was it (if you don't mind saying)? What was their response? Did your premium stay the same, increase or did they drop you completely?

I'm currently with Bel-Air direct, has anyone dealt with them about mods before?

And I guess this will just be an opinion question... outside of facility (which I guess HAS to provide insurance after you were denied), which insurance is actually not overly anal with performance enhancing mods?

[Mazda3X2]

I just spoke to guy from Belairdirect about this.

I told him about what I have and what my plans were for this year to get an idea of what I was looking at for insurance etc...

1st a list of mods I mentioned.

CAI
Short Throw Shifter
Lighting mods interior & exterior
Boost Gauge

As I expected, the only one they were really concerned with was the CAI as it affected power and performance. After speaking with the underwriter he confirmed that the CAI alone wasn't a cause for concern, but if I do more performance related modifications it is up to the underwriter how that will change my rates or even if they will continue to insure me. As for the other things, up to $1000 would be covered providing proof without any increase in my rates although he said I should let them know so they have it on file and keep my receipts.

[STeeLy]

Wow, thanks for the response! I'm getting my CAI put in probably at the end of the week.

Did they tell you if your rate went up any?

[imhungry493]

so i have HIDs in my Mazda 3 ,,,, if i get totaled insurance wont cover me CUZ HEADLIGHTS???????

[STeeLy]

so i have HIDs in my Mazda 3 ,,,, if i get totaled insurance wont cover me CUZ HEADLIGHTS???????

They won't cover the headlight portion most likely... and I wouldn't exactly call HIDs performance enhancing mods.

[condor888000]

Odds are they won't even notice HID's...

[Mazda3X2]

so i have HIDs in my Mazda 3 ,,,, if i get totaled insurance wont cover me CUZ HEADLIGHTS???????

I don't know where you get that idea from what was written here. Whatever you do to your car that you choose not to tell your insurance co. about you run the risk of either A) Them not covering the cost of said modifications. or B) Them canceling you coverage all together without warning, putting you SOL.

STeeLy,

My rate didn't go up from what I disclosed. All was within their $1000 inclusion and would be covered as long as I am able to prove I had these things installed. (receipts, pictures) As far as the performance improvements, he mentioned the CAI being about the upper limit seeing as the kind of gain it gives on the MS3. After this, they would have to contact the underwriter with the mods and estimated performance gains and it would be their decision from there if they choose not to insure you or simply place your vehicle in another category, increasing your rates.

That's what I got from the conversation today anyways. Good luck.

I know I'm going to go the route of disclosing the mods I do to be on the safe side.

[x_o_k_x]

When i had accident in 04 GT with HIDs, the bodyshop repaired my car but burned my hids, cuz they noticed they were flickering.. anyways they had to pay full amount of replacement, after fighting with bodyshop and insurance adjuster. They costed $300 almost 3 years ago..

[froggy]

another thing to look out for too is that some insurance companies will only cover the modifications if they are installed professionally. Especially with stuff like electrical components hid's, fogs, stereo's, ICE

[aris]

When i had my truck my insraunce was pilot and they cancelled me after 4 years of my truck been lowered and never made a claim...as soon as they seen pics of my truck when i got it apprasied i got a registered letter saying i have 15 days to find new insraunce

[Mazda3X2]

When i had my truck my insraunce was pilot and they cancelled me after 4 years of my truck been lowered and never made a claim...as soon as they seen pics of my truck when i got it apprasied i got a registered letter saying i have 15 days to find new insraunce

That sucks. I used to be with Pilot years ago too. Becuase they dropped you, do you now have to tell insurance companies that you have been cancelled by another company? Just curious if you do and how that affects your rates.

[aris]

That sucks. I used to be with Pilot years ago too. Becuase they dropped you, do you now have to tell insurance companies that you have been cancelled by another company? Just curious if you do and how that affects your rates.

When i scrambled around trying to find new insurance i never told them what happened...i throw out the apprasil papers and told theem that i am up for renewel. ING was my next company after that i and i never told them anthing about my truck been lowered.

Every year when i am looking for insrance i never tell them that i was dropped. Every time i get quotes all they ask me is if my insraunce has ever been cancelled for non payment and i tell them no since i always pay...so since they never ask if its been cancelled for any other reason i don't tell...but i am pretty sure they would know when they do checks on your wreakered??