When Is A Mod Not A Mod?

[Teesix]

Hope someone can clarify this for me.

Basically, can someone please tell what elements are considered as being a modification. For example, my van is about to be converted to a camper next month and I was wondering if all the elements are regarded as modifications or just some.

I get the fact that an engine remap is considered as a mod because it's performance enhancing but, would something like changing the front twin-seat with a single seat be considered as a mod? Adding a rear window or adding a diesel heater etc?

Is it just performance enhancing changes that are classed as mods or do I regard every single change as a modification?

 

[Deaky]

Every single change from factory spec is considered a mod.

 

[Jean-Louis Bourdon]

changing normal H4 bulbs to high performance bulbs?
changing tyre brand (same type, size, loading) just brand?
dashcams that do reversing cameras?
seat covers?

 

[Deaky]

changing normal H4 bulbs to high performance bulbs?

If they change the beam pattern then I would say so.

changing tyre brand (same type, size, loading) just brand?

If they're the same type, size and load rating then you're not really changing the spec.

dashcams that do reversing cameras?

Not sure this would fall into the mod category but I'd still probably inform the insurance if I had one fitted.

seat covers?

Leather re upholstery then definitely, a cover over the original seat then probably not.

End of the day, you don't want your insurance company refusing a claim because you haven't told them about something. You might as well not bother insuring your van.

 

[Martinf]

I changed from 16 inch alloy wheels to 17 inch steel with 4-season tyres and informed my insurer but they did not consider this a ‘modification’.

 

[Tourershine]

Talk about a misleading title.

I thought this was a juicy thread about a Moderator that had upset someone

 

[Teesix]

Thanks for the feedback. Very interesting.

I'm surprised that alloy wheels don't count as a mod despite being a different size to the originals. I guess the insurers pick and choose the 'mods' they feel they can achieve a premium on.

Things such as a DC-DC charger or a heater are really add-ons rather than mods, in my eyes, so I was wondering if the insurance companies regard them as a greater risk than if they'd been factory fitted.

 

[Deaky]

Thanks for the feedback. Very interesting.

I'm surprised that alloy wheels don't count as a mod despite being a different size to the originals. I guess the insurers pick and choose the 'mods' they feel they can achieve a premium on.

Things such as a DC-DC charger or a heater are really add-ons rather than mods, in my eyes, so I was wondering if the insurance companies regard them as a greater risk than if they'd been factory fitted.

But surely if you don't tell them you have a heater fitted and your van gets nicked you can't then claim for it afterwards... am I missing something

 

[Tourershine]

I'm surprised that alloy wheels don't count as a mod despite being a different size to the originals.

I suspect if you swap a factory 16" wheel for a factory 17" wheel, then this is not classed as a modification, because it's fitted by the manufactures on the same vehicles.

It might be a different conversation if you swap a 16" factory wheel for an aftermarket 17-18-19-20" wheel.

 

[Loz]

I always weigh up what would happen in a write-off situation where they would look for modifications that they could use to wriggle out of a claim.

eg, you put oversize types on and then fail to stop and run into the back of someone, they see your tyres and then claim you have reduced the braking efficiency and say this was your fault and refuse to pay for the repair to your vehicle.

But had you declared the modification and they had not refused insurance then they have to pay etc.

Also some modification would not be known as the chances of them being recognised might be slim....

 

[Teesix]

But surely if you don't tell them you have a heater fitted and your van gets nicked you can't then claim for it afterwards... am I missing something

No, I'm happy to let them know of everything that I have done with the conversion. Was just wondering if there were some things that weren't actually regarded as mods that I may wish to add at a later date. The camper will stand me in for almost £40k so I wouldn't do anything to risk not being paid out with a claim.

 

[Teesix]

I suspect if you swap a factory 16" wheel for a factory 17" wheel, then this is not classed as a modification, because it's fitted by the manufactures on the same vehicles.

It might be a different conversation if you swap a 16" factory wheel for an aftermarket 17-18-19-20" wheel.

This is the sort of grey area that I was hoping to understand. I'm planning on putting the 17"s on following the conversion but will still notify them of the change.

 

[Pauly]

Its a funny one, basing this on using VW wheels, if you change your wheels after taking the van home its a mod but if the dealer fits them for you its not ?!?!

 

[Skyliner33]

Its a funny one, basing this on using VW wheels, if you change your wheels after taking the van home its a mod but if the dealer fits them for you its not ?!?!

Yes, its still a mod if the dealer fits. Anything that is not as it comes out of the factory is a mod.

 

[Loz]

I object to them adding a premium for things that you can order from vw, so I would swap those wheels and not say anything..

 

[Skyliner33]

I object to them adding a premium for things that you can order from vw, so I would swap those wheels and not say anything..

Agreed

 

[Pauly]

Yes, its still a mod if the dealer fits. Anything that is not as it comes out of the factory is a mod.

Not according to my insurance companies, if it’s fitted before first delivery it’s not classed as a mod and doesn’t need to be listed according to them

 

[Skyliner33]

Not according to my insurance companies, if it’s fitted before first delivery it’s not classed as a mod and doesn’t need to be listed according to them

Another inconsistency then, mine said the opposite :/

 

[xpfloyd]

With my insurance company the only mods they list on my policy are the alloys/tires and blistein suspension. The full camper conversion whilst declared is not listed in the mod section. They did however note all the info and receive photographs to allow me to revalue the van with them to take account of the conversion

 

[Lord Mfwic]

I'm pretty sure I know the answer but is adding a leisure battery classified as a mod?