Modified car insurance (Read 94 times)

[geordiechris]

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience (good or bad) with getting insurance for a modified car. I'm just about to put my Volvo back on the road (my Datsun is standard). The Volvo now has a V8 lump in place of the 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine it left the factory with. I've just tried the comparison websites...but they don't really seem to understand despite advertising that they do. I have also checked with my own insurer's website but it's difficult to be sure that the questions they ask will provide complete cover. For example, they ask what the modification is, and from a dropdown box you can choose 'non original engine' but they don't ask what engine you have installed...it could be a fighter jet motor! (well okay...that's taking it a bit far but you know what I mean).

I'm going to ring them tomorrow. I expect to pay a bit more but wondered if anyone had any advice?

Many thanks

Chris

[gainsb1]

Hi, Chris. Let us know how you get on with this, please. When I put period alloys on my standard Datsun they sucked their teeth but didn't increase the premium. They DO want to know of ANY alterations (electronic ignition, additional lights etc.....) but in my view this is just being a bit anal. However, their computer screen says what they want so I find it best to list everything.

Leigh (Area rep)

[Talking Hoarse]

Suggest a (walk in etc) broker or maybe a motorsport orientated broker (REIS springs to mind). Share your frustrations - whilst 1 insurer didn't care about period alloy wheels on my Bluebird, same will only consider (genuine Ford) mudflaps on my 3 year old Fiesta if fitted by factory or dealer, yet wanted an "engineers report" when I swapped the seats of a Clio many years back for those from another Clio that was slightly upmarket from mine.

I think it depends upon whom you speak to at the company - but maybe that is the key ie to speak rather than online. And do make sure that you are scrupulous to declare all of the mods. The Volvo sounds tempting by the way - are you going to tell us about it?
Ed

[geordiechris]

I found it quite easy in the end to get insurance but I'm still bewildered by the rules. I rang my insurance company (Performance Direct) who also cover my 81 Datsun Cherry and 67 Humber Sceptre. I told them I had fitted a non standard engine and waited for all the questions...but there weren't any. They were not interested in what engine had been fitted, only that it wasn't the original one. I also told them that the exhaust was non standard and this made no difference to the quote at all. £162 for the year limited to 3000 miles. I'm more than happy with that.

If you are interested. The Volvo was originally a 2 litre 4 cylinder but now has a 3.5 litre Rover V8. I made everything myself including the exhaust from stainless pipe. It sounds fantastic and turns heads. Everything on the outside is standard and that's the way I like it. I'm no speed merchant, I just love the noise of a V8 and wanted a lazy cruiser with a great soundtrack. The fuel consumption was never very good in an automatic car that weighs more than a house and has the aerodynamic qualities of a shed...but now it's even worse...but worth it!