Hi Guys!

Just a general enquiry here, Been passed about a month and been insured for that, I'm with LV= for 3k on a 1.2 Grande Punto.

I've got a pair of Wind deflectors and was wandering if they need to be declared, and if so how much would it affect the price?

I'm also thinking of putting a Badgeless grille on there (either a FK one or ZunSport one) and was wandering if a badgless grille needs to be declared and how much it would affect it?

Cheers!

Welcome to the wonderful world of driving! No you do not need to declare anything unless it changes performance, colour of the vehicle or number of seats (i.e. van conversion). However, installing a insurance recommended alarm or immobiliser can lower your premium.

Happy motoring!

Ah thats great! Thanks alot!

Dcthebear said:

Welcome to the wonderful world of driving! No you do not need to declare anything unless it changes performance, colour of the vehicle or number of seats (i.e. van conversion). However, installing a insurance recommended alarm or immobiliser can lower your premium.

Happy motoring!

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Not true.
Declare everything. And i mean, everything. Insurance companies are trying to get out of claims any way possible and by not declaring a single thing, they could leave you millions of £'s in debt. So your choice really.

If you think it changes the value of the car or performance I would agree. But a badgeless grill and a wind deflector? Up to you but if your not sure ring your insurers customer service and ask before you buy and fit. Being an HGV driver myself I see modified trucks all day long, stainless light bars, grills, wheel trims, wind screen visors etc that can run into thousands of pounds to buy and fit. Never known one yet to up a premium and if they're damaged in a smash, its more a case of tough luck. Your car will have an insurance value that will rise if you declare mods thus rising your premium. For interest on the parts in question I agree with the previous post and ask your insurer but make it quite clear to them you have not fitted them yet. May well be different for car owners to heavy goods. Better safe than sorry.

In short, yes. As mentioned above insurers will try anything to get out of paying a claim.

In LV's list of definitions is

Cosmetic modification

Found in: Car Insurance

Cosmetic modifications are alterations to a vehicle which affect its appearance but not its performance.

It wouldn't be there if it's not in the small print on their policies & the terms you signed up to. Wind deflectors shouldn't alter the premium at all while I'd expect a changed grille to possibly increase the premium (the insurer will probably deem it to make the car more attractive to someone stealing it or damaging it ).

The only safe way is to declare everything, ideally in writing. Sorry, probably not the answer you wanted........

Ah go on, stick a Kelsa light bar on it with a set of Hella spots and an exhaust stack. Now that would be one hell of a mod!

wind deflectors are a manufacturers accessory and as such are not really any more of a modification than the air freshener they don't affect the aesthetics the performance or value unlikely an insurance company would used them to wriggle out of a claim however if you break em or they get stolen it would probably be tough.

the grill however is not a manufacturer produced part and the important thing to remember is as it forms part of the front of the car is in a vulnerable area for pedestrian impact and is not crash tested like the original grill will be. so the insurance has to satisfy them self that in the event you run someone down if your grill does damage to someone then you have paid a higher premium as the insurance co have taken a risk on the aftermarket part.

as for trucks and bolt on bling, all trucks are covered under trade policies which covers the vehicles loads and anything else you add to them, one trailer could cost millions another a few thousands and thats not taking the load into account so they generally are not going to argue about your stainless steal wheel trims, although most trucks are owned by the hauler and not the driver so they can get pretty pissed off about adding things especially on lease trucks, and why would you spend upwards of £500 on accessories for a vehicle that doesn't even belong to you!

Thanks for the help guys, will give them a ring!

AndyRKett said:

wind deflectors are a manufacturers accessory

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accessorys have to be mentioned to insurance as well. As to if they deem it needing to be listed on a policy is another matter. Some will define certain things as a mod while others won't.

If it wasn't on the car prior to being ticked on an option list then it's not standard, regardless of being factory or dealer fitted.

Unless said people who are saying yes work for LV I'd advise not giving a leading point of view that could potentially lead the OP into some serious issues come a claim by either themselves or a 3rd party.

OP, for the sake of 5min of your time and a phone call give LV a call. Only they can tell you if they want said items declared or not.