Insurance-declare mods or not?

[Stu]

Originally Posted by bobit69

As far as I am aware 'MODS' are anything that you put on, that are not a consumable part.

If I was being pedantic, I could say my aftermarket can was a consumable, especially my Blue Flame one by all accounts!

Well I've never declared mods. The only thing I've added thus far is an aftermarket exhaust which makes little difference to the performance. It's a road legal can and is only worth £120 but when declared to Bennetts they want an extra £300 for the privelage. Thanks but no thanks. Besides, aftermarket parts are sometimes much cheaper than OEM ones (SV standard can £400 - £600!). I've made several claims and never once had a problem (never say never though). I am up for renewal next week so will shop around to see fi I can get my can added intoa premium at a reasonable price. I am currently paying £320 FC.

I've not told the insurance about my mods.... but then how can a screen, tail tidy, belly pan, LEDs and clear lenses make it go faster...

maybe the Blueflame makes it go quicker but I can't tell the difference....

[northwind]

Originally Posted by DoubleD

I've not told the insurance about my mods.... but then how can a screen, tail tidy, belly pan, LEDs and clear lenses make it go faster...

Nothing to do with speed- it's replacement value, and theft.

Replacement value's not such an issue, this works on common sense- undeclared mods aren't insured, generally. Most companies will use their brains and allow garages to quote for replacement "mod" parts when they're cheaper though. So, you can save money by not declaring, but increase your own risk. Check your small print, though, it can be considered fraud.

Theft, though, is a real issue. Your bike with mods is potentially more valuable to a thief- aftermarket parts have good, quick resale values and are basically untracable.

So, here's a real scenario. Your bike is stolen and recovered, but sustains damage durin the theft. Your insurers respond "the bike was targeted for theft as a result of its cosmetic modifications." But you didn't declare them, the policy wasn't weighted for it, and so you actually haven't paid for the theft cover. Insurers can and will refuse to pay out for the damage in those cases, and if this happens you're going to need a pretty good lawyer.

Originally Posted by northwind

So, here's a real scenario. Your bike is stolen and recovered, but sustains damage durin the theft. Your insurers respond "the bike was targeted for theft as a result of its cosmetic modifications." But you didn't declare them, the policy wasn't weighted for it, and so you actually haven't paid for the theft cover. Insurers can and will refuse to pay out for the damage in those cases, and if this happens you're going to need a pretty good lawyer.

I think I need to talk to my insurance company

[northwind]

You can think of it as a gamble... The actual cicumstances needed to cause these problems are fairly uncommon- it's got to be stolen, recovered, and then have a claim against it. If the bike just disappears forever, the problem goes away, since your insurers will never know... I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

[anna]

To be honest it is up to you but I wouldnt take the risk I would want the peace of mind that it is covered and that eventuality is sown up.

[northwind]

Me too. Life's complicated enough. Policy weighting tends not to be massive either, it's worth getting a quote in any case- phone up and say "I was thinking of getting these parts, what would it add" rather than "I'ev fitted these, what will it cost" "Oh, better not then". Too late. It's like asking your boss for a day off then taking a sicky when he says no

i declared my scorpion to bennetts they said thanks very much for letting us know, no extra payment required. my policy covers me for 300 quids worth of pounds for any after market can

[anna]

Originally Posted by keithd

i declared my scorpion to bennetts they said thanks very much for letting us know, no extra payment required. my policy covers me for 300 quids worth of pounds for any after market can

did they not ask if it affect the bhp of bike before they agreed to that?