insurance on modified vehicles - who uses whom?

[evanism]

Hi all,

I have a VX HSV Clubsport (LS1 donk). Held for 7 years (since 2002, bought when 3 months old).. Its super schmick, I clean it thoroughly weekly and drive it nicely.

I'm a bit "fast" but not a hoon or a burnout king. Nothing dramatic in the "trouble" stakes. Its STANDARD, as per factory except for a MAF back and a yella terra air intake pipe (big whoopie doo)

Its a place of pride for me. Only I drive it and I'd never let anyone else behind the wheel.... ALWAYS garaged securely.

My drama? Fracking insurance companies. :soap:

I can get NRMA and QBE to agree to comprehensively insure without too much drama as is, buuuuttt... the lure of the Maranos boys, a monster brake kit, a big stroked crank, harrop supercharger and a barple barple exhaust system are really starting to bite me hard.... I'd looove to have that grumble..... but speak to the insurance companies of these plans and they shut the conversation down faster than John Howard.

I'm 38 and hardly a huge risk. I want it for the sound, the look, the cruise and easy neddies, not the track, burnouts or hooning.

Who, for those who DO MODIFY their rides, do you use???? I found out about RYNO from the forum and will call monday... but ALL ADVICE IS WELCOME !!!

Regards,

Evanism

[Wonky]

I'm with AAMI and they know of all my mods (lowered, rims, tune, extractors and exhaust) - doesn't cost me anything extra over a stock car. They are fine with cams too, however I'm sure they draw the line at blowers and turbos though.

[ss ute 01]

i'm with 'just car insurance' i found them to be resonable when it comes to owning a modded car

[bush_basha]

what about Shannons?

[craig2510]

I use shannons they have no problems with any of my mods.
Also only heard good things from people who have had to make a claim

[macca33]

I'm with Shannons as of this year. Decent price and ALL mods listed. Also, VERY easy to deal with - I recommend them.

cheers,

Macca

[OZChris]

You can also do a limited mileage insurance policy if your car is not a daily driver with Shannons. :)

[CeeVee8]

When I rang shannons for a quote I told them about basic mods, cat back, headers and mafless tune.

Shannons guy: Whoa there, a mafless tune, isn't that an illegal modification ?

Me: You have to joking right ?

Shannons: No, in the case of an accident our claims assessor would have to determine if such a modification contributed to the accident and if so you may not be covered.

Me: Are you for real ?

Shannons: Most definitely sir.

My advice is ask all your questions before you need to make a claim, and don't take it for granted that Shannons are totally ok with modified cars.

[maloo brent]

I was with RACQ with all my cars and house and when doing major mods to the Maloo they would not insure it, so I am now with Shannons every thing insured there house and contents etc and because I have about 4 cars with them I get cheaper insurance. all the mods on the Maloo are listed on the policy, and because it is only driven every now and then limited use its cheaper again. I would highly recomend them to anyone.

Brent.

[ratabro]

I'm with AAMI and they know of all my mods (lowered, rims, tune, extractors and exhaust) - doesn't cost me anything extra over a stock car. They are fine with cams too, however I'm sure they draw the line at blowers and turbos though.

I'm also with AAMI. Had no problems with insurance for my harrop blown vy ss. Give them a call.

[zorro]

When I rang shannons for a quote I told them about basic mods, cat back, headers and mafless tune.

Shannons guy: Whoa there, a mafless tune, isn't that an illegal modification ?

Me: You have to joking right ?

Shannons: No, in the case of an accident our claims assessor would have to determine if such a modification contributed to the accident and if so you may not be covered.


Thats interesting, mine is down as a minimal use vehicle, insured for agreed value AND the clincher on my paperwork has EFIlive tune. Being under 25 (just) I made sure they knew of every mod done (cam, springs, stereo etc etc) to ensure no hassel if I ever do make a claim.

Surprised on how good heir over the phone knowledge is and how easy they are to deal with.

I reccomend Shannons.

[flyingdoc]

I'm with Shannons too, they have no problems at all insuring mods, and they are cheaper for me than most others. I've got the bike with them too.

[macca_779]

I've been with RACV, NRMA, Shannons and now Lumley for my Senator. They know about my mods and my premium is $750. Shannons was $1500 from memory. O and I'm with TIO for the Subaru Outback but its stock except for my tune which they would never detect.

[AFAR]

exactly how does a maff-less tune contribute to an accident?

Are they likely to say "If you had 30 less hp your car would have avoided the accident"? :lol:

[VTR8Clubby]

Shannons are the best and well priced. They also have my mafless tune listed as one of my mods.

[macca_779]

exactly how does a maff-less tune contribute to an accident?

Are they likely to say "If you had 30 less hp your car would have avoided the accident"? :lol:

Like any modification that improves performance mate. Insurance company's deem it a higher risk. MAFLESS bring in all sorts of emission related discussion too. You and I know that you can still remain compliant when MAFLESS. But the insurance company may deem the MAF a mandatory sensor if OEM fitted. Its basically there mis education of the modification that may lead them to just crack off and not insure a car with this modification.

[AFAR]

Guess it makes sense.
I better go review my insurance policy tomorrow and make sure everything is listed.

Though they still somewhat refuse to write 'Over The Radiator Cold air intake' on my policy only because "we already have a cold air intake listed for you".
Lets see how they go with specifics of tunes :).

[BLACK 346]

Shannons for both my Vehicles, been with them since leaving
the Territory 2 years ago. My Policy lists Custom Cam Package
and Custom Mafless Tune along with my other mods, so not
sure what that bloke was on about CeeVee8 :confused:

[SS Enforcer]

Shannons are the best and well priced. They also have my mafless tune listed as one of my mods.

I found Shannons to be about $300 dearer than AAMI. I listed all my mods to my VE and Aami don't have a problem with that.

A few years ago when I had the VU I was getting bent over by NRMA and took it to their underwriter who offered about $50 off their rip off premium. So I took 3 properties and 2 cars and gave em all to AAMI. It helps that I almost have grey hair and have never had an insurance claim and have 12 points on my licence I think.

cheers

[lukey73]

All depends on a huge number of factors when they work out a premium. Age / Car / Postcode / Storage / Mods / Driving & Claims history will all be the factors as to what premium they charge.

I was with Ryno and they were good but have moved to Shannons as i dont drive my car and they do home insurance. They work for me but might not be not be right for the bloke next door.

Dont just look at the premium though, make sure you read the PDS as there are some funny things happening out there. One insurer doesnt allow you to have a car parked on the street anywhere between 10pm & 5am as 1 condition. I know we all want to sabe a dollar but the premium should be only part of the reason you take the cover.

[evanism]

I should have mentioned this is a daily driver. I've had it constantly insured since ownership, 7 years, ZERO accidents my fault... so history is on my side.

The real question is who used what.... there are some beautiful and expensive modified cars rolling around out there, and I refuse to believe that they are uninsured !!

Daily driver, sane driver, not particularly price sensitive... whether its 700 a year or 1600 is not really a factor.... its getting these bastards to agree on terms with full disclosure and not screw me when I need them most.....

There are a considerable number of highly discouraging remarks here.... Shannon's agreeing to a mod for one dude and not another, weirdness with AAMI (who look like they might get my biz)....

Keep cruising...... Ev

[VTR8Clubby]

I found Shannons to be about $300 dearer than AAMI. I listed all my mods to my VE and Aami don't have a problem with that.

A few years ago when I had the VU I was getting bent over by NRMA and took it to their underwriter who offered about $50 off their rip off premium. So I took 3 properties and 2 cars and gave em all to AAMI. It helps that I almost have grey hair and have never had an insurance claim and have 12 points on my licence I think.

cheers

I think individual circumstances dictate the price a fair bit as they were actually cheaper than others I got quotes from. Mine being a HSV meant some companies wouldn't insure me at all.

Shannons also give you choice of repairer. I believe AAMI make you go to whoever they choose, unless this has changed recently.

[Dee Jay]

So far i think you are all missing the point.
Just because they say yes give us the money doesnt mean they will be that happy to give YOU the money!
I would like to know what they take into account when they do an assessment after a crash, ie The mafless tune the exhaust the wheels etc are they just as likely to say "as that is not a road worthy modification your insurance is null and Void" ??