I have been reading this article

The insurance company is suing cos they didn't declare their modifications on the car. Now things like alloys, lowering, bonnet scoop etc you obviously need to declare. What's got me thinking is the bit where it says other changes included extra lights, rear lamp clusters, foot pedal covers, gear lever knob, carpet mats, seat covers, multi-disc player and head unit.

What is your view on this, do we really need to declare the mats and seat covers etc? I fitted some new wiper blades the other day, they're the flat style ones that seem to be very popular. Now the car didn't leave the factory with these on so are these classed as a modification and do I need to declare them?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.a...20Think%20again!

Depends on the insurer though doesn't it as to where you draw the line on what are classed as modifications? I think they're pushing it in that case cos they were fronting plus someone died in the accident.

It seems they may be pushing hard to show fronters what will happen if they get caught with out saying it outright.

As you say the death could cost them alot as well so could be trying to claw it back.

Insurers are so strict now, I recommend declaring all changes though it wouldn't affect our premium.

Thanks Tim...so as I'm insured with you shall I declare the wiper blades and car mats I have? It does seem petty but I would rather cover myself if the worse was to happen.

Can I do this by email like I asked in this thread - here?

when i first got my mr2 i declaired all modifications, from steering wheel to retrim to bodykit. nothing was left undeclaired, it cost me £1600 at 23 years old to insure my car fully comprehensive. The following year i again declaired all modifications and having had the car off the road for 6 months any further modifications i had completed and at 25 it cost me £700 fully comprehensive.

my friends thought i was stupid as its such a difficulty getting anywhere with some insurence companies in the event of an incident, as i found out earlier this year when i was lightly bumped into and attempted to claim through the ladies insurence (aviva). suffice to say it was a complicated to and fro. but if i were to be involved in an incident and through my own neglect failed to mention something i had altered on my car i know that i would be up a certain creek with no padle and the feint sound of the banjo closing in on me.

so i now just declair everything. As mentioned it rarely increases your premium unless its a large performance modification

Hi ER!
No problem, just email the team.

How about this then..... The Lotus is factory fitted with coil-over-oil suspension and i'm going to change them for aftermarket coilovers which is essentially the same thing "coil-over-oil", would i need to declare that?

I would say 'yes'. It wouldn't affect our premiums but some insurers have strange rules!

Thanks for the reply.

Must say, fair play Tim, no one could deny your not interactive being online a 9.45pm, i don't think many of your competitors are quite on the pulse.

Thanks Tony. I like to keep ahead!