Chip tuning and insurance

[davesc]

Hi All,

I put this question at the end of the 'tuning chip' thread, but didn't get anywhere, so I'm trying again in a new thread:

I've just ordered a chip from John of JohnGS1100 fame, for my surging 1100 and want to know of those that have fitted the chip to their bikes, whether or not they informed the insurance company and what their response was if you did?

Did the company bump up your premium and if so, by how much?
I assume it's possible to tell if the bike's been chipped

I'm really looking forward to running a bike that's a pleasure to ride at low speed!

Dave

 

[ralphy]

I’ve fitted one but not informed the insurance company. I doubt very much that any insurance assessor would become aware that the chip had been changed.

R

 

[MarkShelley]

Chances of getting discovered probably minute. Why even give them the opportunity to shaft you?

 

[Steptoe]

I assume it's possible to tell if the bike's been chipped

Nope, no sign whatsoever, it doesn't make a slug into a race horse, it's still a slug
Your vastly overestimating the potential of the words "tuning chip"

When i get insurance assessors turn up to check on a bike they haven't a got a clue if it has ABS, standard exhaust or what's standard or been fitted as an aftermarket add on.

If i can't tell if a bike is chipped by looking at it or even riding one that's been chipped then certainly no assessor is going to have a clue.

 

[Disaster Area]

Nope, no sign whatsoever, it doesn't make a slug into a race horse, it's still a slug
Your vastly overestimating the potential of the words "tuning chip"

When i get insurance assessors turn up to check on a bike they haven't a got a clue if it has ABS, standard exhaust or what's standard or been fitted as an aftermarket add on.

If i can't tell if a bike is chipped by looking at it or even riding one that's been chipped then certainly no assessor is going to have a clue.

So what are the advantages to fitting one then?

 

[mpriestley]

the admiration and respect of your peers

 

[samz]

Some people worry to much!

Be a rebel, we won't tell em if you don't.

 

[fizzer]

why would you ever mention that to an insurance co

 

[davesc]

Nope, no sign whatsoever, it doesn't make a slug into a race horse, it's still a slug
Your vastly overestimating the potential of the words "tuning chip"

Ha ha... I'll be happy if it just stops the surging on my bike.

Seriously though, this chip and many others like it are designed to increase horsepower, torque and/or economy compared to the standard, which does sound like a bike modification to me. Fair enough if the assessors can't tell or don't have the knowledge to look in the right place or ask relevant questions, so perhaps it's not an issue. However, according to my insurance documents (Bennetts), 'engine tuning' (described as modification of the ECU to increase power or economy) does count as a notifiable modification. It's not clear what the consequences are of not telling them is, over and above those parts not being covered for loss or damage. A top box is also counted as notifiable too, for example which I've also fitted, but not told them. It didn't even occur to me that I should.

Perhaps I'll just give them a call and ask.

Dave

 

[Nick591]

I fitted one and I'm not saying anything per Steptoes remarks. It does improve the way the bike runs IMO. But I think maybe that the careful set-up steps you need to do to get the best from the chip like zero=zero, throttle body balancing and cable adjustment etc would probably make a big difference to surging without the chip.