Bennets insurance and mods-Please read

[Kenzie]

There has been an article in MCN in regards to Bennets insurance. It relates to modification to bikes and the validity of insurance. As most people are aware, if you don't declare mods then your insurance may be invalid in the event of an accident. When I took my policy out in March, their attitude was if it doesn't increase power then there is no need to declare it. I added a rad shield and phoned to check. I was told as it was cosmetic it didn't matter. Since then I have added a new screen, mirror extenders, a tank pad, a fenda extanda as well as having a scotoiler fitted by the previous owner. On reading the article I phoned Bennets and was told I can only have three "mods" on the bike. As none were listed I would need to declare them and pay a £25 fee. Too remain vaild I need to remove the fenda extenda and mirror extensions. It seems Bennets now view accessories that are non-oe to be mods. If I leave the two accessories on they won't insure me. I questioned this and they said that most insurance companies operate like this. When speaking to Carole Nash they say only mods that increase power by more than 5% need to be declared. As I am within 4 months of renewal I have no choice but to stay and avoid losing a years no claims and getting a £35 cancelation fee. I'm so annoyed as they didn't write to say their T&C had changed. When renewal comes around they won't be getting my business.

Basicaly for all those who don't want to read the above, more than 3 mods and they won't cover you.

I hate insurance companies! They always seem to have some ridiculous clause somewhere to prevent them actually paying out in the event of an accident all the while quite happily taking your money off you every month. Thanks for reminding me to phone up mine and tell them about my mods.

[MisterTommyH]

Funny, When I asked about my screen (because I already have 3 mods) they said if you wouldn't be bothered by getting a OE replacement in the case of a crash then it's not a problem.

So Do I have to declare my 12V charger? and my luggage? Screen, satnav? as well as my exhaust and fork upgrades? It's balls. You wouldn't declare that on a car.

[Kenzie]

Ranges from a simple sticker to satnav to NOS. Simple things like I have listed, it covers huggers, lights, fork springs and anything Suzuki didn't fit at the factory. Even a tank pad FFS!

[Kenzie]

Been on the phone again to Bennetts, they are having a meeting tomorrow about this issue, loads of people are annoyed. Hopefuly the mod limit will be review. Will let you know.

Stickers!?!?! WTF? That's ridiculous.

[Kenzie]

Yep, even stickers. Anything that was fitted at the factory as part of a new bike order is fine. Anything else is a mod.

Originally Posted by Epic Monkey

Stickers!?!?! WTF? That's ridiculous.

yep, when I listed the mods done to mine at insurance time they have a drop down list on the web form and included was tank pad, decals etc, yeah like Id mention them!

Oh dear, best I remove the small black vinyl flag squares on the fairings if I bin the bike

So if I were to have an accident and there was a sticker on the bike which I hadn't told them about. Would that void my policy?

they would have reason to wriggle out of it yeah, according to the drop down list I had to go through, includes grips, screen, pretty much anything you can think of that is usually fitted to a bike.