Insurance and downpipes

[kaymo]

Hi guys,

Apologies if i'm opening a topic that might have been covered already.

I'm just wondering if i need to inform my insurer that I have installed a downpipe on my car. 
Do I really need to inform them? If not, will this have a negative impact on my claim should i get involved in an accident? 

Has anyone ever experienced issues with their insurer because of a downpipe? 
Please share your thoughts...

 

[Dragon_ZA]

Also interested to find out what members have experienced regarding this and other upgrades like intercoolers and intakes?

 

[Danny2]

Yes you should inform insurance of modifications cause the car never came with it from factory and in the event of a accident or anything they will deny to pay a claim.

 

[TurboLlew]

I even have my carbon fibre listed as extras. Definitely downpipes and exhaust too. It doesn't affect your premiums that much.

 

[LOW BOOST]

When it comes to insurance honesty is the best policy.
Doubt it would impact the premiums that much.
With that been said,
I've seen the welds on a tmss downpipe for my vehicle, looks like it came out from the factory.

Sent from my SM-A307FN using Tapatalk

 

[Kashvir]

In my experience with my 1 series, it was nowhere near stock, had a 1m bumper, full carbon bits, downpipe, full exhaust, upgraded sound, etc.

With my accident it was pretty bad. The insurance didn't question the mods at all because my assumption is that my broker when insuring initially listed an additional amount for extras. But I could be wrong, It may have just been luck on my side. But I agree with the above rather be safe and insure every small bit, just to be safe. Prepare for the worst rather than regret in event of a claim.

 

[kaymo]

Thanks guys. I will give them a call [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif] [/font]

 

[Ralf*]

insurance = not in the business for paying out, if at all possible
The more open you are about the modifications, and the reason (power/speed/competitions etc) will help the insurance to determine the level of added "RISK" this means to THEIR BUSINES model.

The more "RISK" your modifications present to their business model, will determine the premiums that they will load.

Non disclosure of performance enhancements, could be reason for insurance to "BANK" your premiums, and wave you "GoodBye" when you are trying to claim for an accident, even if it wasn't your fault, even if it was in mundane bumper to bumper commute to work and back.

 

[Dragon_ZA]

@"kaymo" I just spoke to OUTsurance to inform them of the following upgrades:

DP R5500
Intercooler R7500
Intake system R4300

My monthly premium has gone up by R92, but when I want to claim for the modifications there’s an extra excess of roughly R2200.

I think that’s reasonable and will save any fighting/arguments with them going forward.

 

[ooovie]

They might not know what a downpipe is but the general option they have is free flow system, so note that. Should make like a R40-R70 difference on your premium as its seen as a performance enhanced modification.

R70 vs claim not being paid out in the event of a claim? R70 works out cheaper

 

[BeemerFanatic]

Nice thread, never thought of this. Will call my broker in the morning.

 

[lurendrin]

@"kaymo" I just spoke to OUTsurance to inform them of the following upgrades:

DP R5500
Intercooler R7500
Intake system R4300

My monthly premium has gone up by R92, but when I want to claim for the modifications there’s an extra excess of roughly R2200.

I think that’s reasonable and will save any fighting/arguments with them going forward.

Silly question but are the parts listed now on the policy and will they be covered in the event of an accident? I am just about to take insurance out of my stock car but was wondering about coverage when mods are done.

 

[TurboLlew]

@"kaymo" I just spoke to OUTsurance to inform them of the following upgrades:

DP R5500
Intercooler R7500
Intake system R4300

My monthly premium has gone up by R92, but when I want to claim for the modifications there’s an extra excess of roughly R2200.

I think that’s reasonable and will save any fighting/arguments with them going forward.

Silly question but are the parts listed now on the policy and will they be covered in the event of an accident? I am just about to take insurance out of my stock car but was wondering about coverage when mods are done.

If you are in a crash and your additions are not specified, your car will be repaired with OEM parts. Things like lips, intercoolers, intakes, grilles, spoilers: all likely to be damaged in a crash and will not be replaced if it is not a part found on a 'standard' car and not specified in the build of your car. M Performance parts must get specified. "I bought the car like this" and "these are BMW parts" won't work if you can't show your car was built at the factory with these parts. I found this out the hard way a long time ago. Just pay the few rands extra.