Insurance and modifications

[Josha]

Hi all,

Wondering what to do. Have you told your insurance companies about all the modifications/add ons on your bikes?

I haven't (Because I didn't think I had too), but a mate told me that the insurance companies are getting really funny regarding pay outs on claims because of unreported modifications?

I always thought that a modification (Which you need to tell insurance companies about) was a performance enhancing thing, i.e race pipes etc, not new seat, lights, bar risers, new screen and the like, but MCN seemed to think all were considered mods for insurance purposes?

So do I legally need to tell my insurers as I don't want to be suddenly uninsured in the event of an accident/loss.

Can someone please tell me what's what?

Cheers

Josh

 

[nig5]

I have BMW insurance and have told them of ALL mods including hand guards.
Need to tell them about top box, presume because you might have something valuable in it and this makes the bike more vunerable?

 

[Backroader]

Where is the line drawn ?

If I mention anything to my insurance company it opens a whole can of worms where most likely they will charge more.

I am with Carol Nash and whilst I pondered this question I decided I would not complicate matters.

I've got a 1200GS with panniers, top box, higher screen, HID lights, tarty bits, which would have nothing at all to do with having an accident.

I have got spotlights but I really only bought them for use during the day as running lights and never have them on at night as I do not do a lot of night riding anyway.

 

[Josha]

Hi Backroader,

I've been told (Again only by a mate) it's not just to do with accidents but that some modifications make the bike more appealing to thieves than a standard bike and that's why the insurance companies charge extra for modifications?

Josh

 

[nig5]

Hi Backroader,

I've been told (Again only by a mate) it's not just to do with accidents but that some modifications make the bike more appealing to thieves than a standard bike and that's why the insurance companies charge extra for modifications?

Josh

That was my point!! a topbox makes it more liable to be nicked/damaged, it doesn`t mean you are more liable to crash it!

 

[brassmonkey001]

If you need to make a claim in the event of a crash or theft, how can you reasonably expect them to pay out for replacement panniers or a GPS unit that you haven't told them about?

 

[Greggers]

Don't forget that their main job is to pay as little as possible for any claim - they don't need any excuses to minimise their exposure by claiming you're in some part responsible by not declaring any item - some might say that even extends to using non-approved tyre fitments ... eeek!

I told my guys about all the engine mods and the pipe - that was all they were interested in. There's a specific clause that discounts any aftermarket accessories - they just won't be included in any claim.

G

 

[MrsGUZZZI]

Yeah you do need to tell them of all modifications & extras, they will find some form of smallprint excuse not to pay out otherwise. I didn't get charged for telling them ( Carol money grabbing Nash) but when I asked for a letter confirming everything I mentioned I was told there would be a charge for that.