Okay, so I received my insurance renewal paperwork, my question is; at what point should you tell your insurer that you're modified? On my app, there's just a check box, yes/no followed by a dollar amount (cost put in, I'd assume).

The only things I have that I would even consider a modification would be springs, and intake. And those could theoretically be on a car from the dealer.

So what counts as modification, when is it worth while to disclose any work to your insurance company?

Thanks.

BTW, I have Geico, if that changes anything.

 

 

Thanks Tomas! I figured you'd have an answer.

 

Keep in mind, too, that any and all mods must be legal or they won't be covered, and that some insurance outfits won't cover some mods that they feel increase the attractiveness of the vehicle to thieves, or reduce it's safety (in their sole opinion).

Often times the insurance folks actually suggest asking them before the mod is made if they will continue coverage, and for how much extra (if any).

Tom

 

oppp's

 

could you stil sue the other party for the damages done to the non covered parts? or ould that not fly in court due to the fact that they are not covered?

 

In states without "No-Fault" insurance, assuming an accident with the other person responsible:

(1) Try to recover for everything from their insurance if at all possible. If their insurance is stuck with paying, the only thing they can really fight paying is pre-existing damage or illegal mods. (They may also get out of paying 100% of the cost if you were "contributory" to the accident in same states. If it is somehow determined that you, for example, are 30% responsible, they will only pay 70%...)

(2) Try to recover from your insurance and let them go to battle with the other side to recover their losses.

(3) Try to recover from the other party in court.

For No-Fault states, I really don't have any experience, so I won't even attempt a suggestion.

If it is a comprehensive claim rather than a traffic accident claim, you are stuck with your insurance only covering what you paid them to cover, and they often won't cover what they don't know about. They assume a stock vehicle unless told otherwise...

In that case you (or your insurance company) may choose to go after the 'other person' if you know who did the damage and have good enough evidence to whup 'em in court. If you personally go after 'the other guy,' you of course will go after them for all losses.

Hope that helps a little?

Beyond that, an independent insurance agent may be able to answer more specific questions, and match the answers up to your state.

IANAIA (I Am Not An Insurance Agent), nor do I play one on the 'Net. (I'm just a guy who has been around the block more than once...)

Tom

 

From experience on my totaled out RS 3. I informed my State Farm agent over time as my mods increased in value.
They did not care, nor did they offer me a rider plan. Mainly because they don't offer it.

State Farm only gave me the maximum amount of $1000.00 for so called "add-ons" this did not even cover my rims.

The good part is, I bought it back. rebuilt it my self with discounted Toyota parts, and it lives again better than show room new with the Spie Heacker Paint.

Things to check with your insurance company other than rates:

1) Buy back your totaled car. This to me is the most important, and several companies do not allow the po to get their own car back for salvage cost (about $3000.00 for an xB)

2) Maximum add-on coverage amount. SF is $1000.00

3) Percentage to total your car. At what point to they declare a total loss. SF is 75%current market value. Some are over 80%

You would think this is why you have insurance. Warning they will make you pay for this on the back side.

Insurance companies do not want to give you anything at any time for any reason. They gladly take your money and prefer to leave it at that.

I now have a crap insurance record on my hide for 3 years, and paying for it on my RS 4.0 with some slick slide of the hands by SF. Nothing on paper related to my past claims. (BS)

Insurance companies look at how much they paid you in the last 3 years in claims. They don't care that it wasn't your fault. They count every windshield you got no matter what your policy says. Evey cent they paid out to you is all they care about.

My wife and I have a perfect driving record with the maximum coverage possible on all 3 b's. Every claim has been nature related, or acts of God.

No insurance agent returns my calls from other SF agents nor AIG, and Allstate.
They see the dollar amount given back to me PERIOD!