Well I certainly hope that my improved torque in lower rev range and possibly 5 extra horsepower will not be seen as something that could contribute to a possible collision.

1.2ltr is a beast of an engine after all.

PZ500 said:

Well I certainly hope that my improved torque in lower rev range and possibly 5 extra horsepower will not be seen as something that could contribute to a possible collision.

1.2ltr is a beast of an engine after all.

Click to expand...

It won't. Which is why if you declare it properly, a sensible insurance company isn't going to load your premium significantly, if at all. There are plently of folks who've posted recently saying exactly that.

However they will view someone who fails to declare a modification in an entirely different light. Deliberately trying to obtain a service by deception (on most proposal forms, the question about modifications couldn't be clearer) is insurance fraud.

Lying about modifications on a proposal form will be seen as having a certain attitude toward risk, and that attitude may be something which contributes to a collision.

jrkitching said:

I don't have personal experience of ECU programming but do have some knowledge of smartphone firmware. The nearest equivalent to a remap would be overwriting factory firmware with an unapproved hacked kernel and modifying the bootloader so that it will run.

Click to expand...

Interesting comparison. A modified bootloader can be detected easily. If a modified bootloader is found, then there is no need to search for a hacked kernel. The modified bootloader itself already reveals the tampering.

jrkitching said:

An internet search will quickly find many examples of remapped cars being refused warranty claims after major component failure, even when reflashed with an original map before being taken to the dealership. The general theme is that, whilst dealer software usually won't pick up any evidence, in depth analysis by the manufacturer almost always does. I'd be surprised if Fiat weren't able to do the same.

Click to expand...

If both flashing and reflashing are performed well, then reflashing back to original shoudn't leave any traces....
except for the flash counter.

AGH1965 said:

Interesting comparison. A modified bootloader can be detected easily. If a modified bootloader is found, then there is no need to search for a hacked kernel. The modified bootloader itself already reveals the tampering.

Click to expand...

But who's to say that the remap resulted in extra power? It could have been done for a number of other reasons.

UFI said:

But who's to say that the remap resulted in extra power? It could have been done for a number of other reasons.

Click to expand...

It does not matter if the power is altered, a re-map is a modification and must be declared. Even cosmetic changes likebadges or stripes should be declared. Some modifications can reduce your premium.
See http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...n-car-modifications-insurance-costs-soar.html
Many won't have an effect, I did this to a range rover, no additional premium.

Robert G8RPI.

So if you did everything in the top 10 you'd be up for a 500% increase

It's amusing as the UK is the world home of the kit car and at the same time a set of decals will cost you dearly...

Fortunately, things are a bit more relaxed in other parts of the world. I can do as many legal mods as I like, the only exception being 'power' upgrades. An ECU could be flashed to disable (or increase) EGR, for example. Expensive wheels won't be covered if not declared of course, by my cars are always insured at the top end of the market to cover such things in the event of a total loss.

I basically won't drive in the city without a towbar. I've twice been saved from damage by mine - definitely an insurance lowering item.

That is because the basic level of insurance is covered by the government scheme.
Certainly in WA there are rules on what you can do with and without approval
http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/modify-a-light-vehicle.asp
Brake mods seem to be out unless factory options and fuel system mods need approval.

Robert G8RPI.

UFI said:

It's amusing as the UK is the world home of the kit car and at the same time a set of decals will cost you dearly...

Click to expand...

:Offtopic: alert!

We've moving to a world in which the business model is to undercut your rivals by offering a cheap headline price, then getting back into the black by charging a fortune for anything bought after the initial sale. I was once quoted almost half what I'd paid for a year's insurance just to change my address (and both addresses were in the same risk group) . Fortunately this was in the last month of the term so I just took out a new policy elsewhere.

You can find examples of this business model just about anywhere; low cost airlines are as good an example as any. I noticed yesterday that Jet2 are now charging passengers to guarantee they won't put their carry-on baggage in the hold. £2.59 per bag, each way.

If you think you're going to be modding your car (or even just changing it or moving home in the next year) bear this in mind and do your homework before you take out the policy. Some companies will charge little or nothing for changes which don't materially affect the risk; others may charge a fortune. Once cover has commenced, you either have to pay what they're asking, or start again. And find out what it'll cost to 'phone if you need to call them; once you're signed up, some will only speak to you on numbers which aren't part of your call package; it all adds up.