Petrol is not as combustable as you think. You can drop it onto a hot Manafold and it will not catch light. It requires a spark. Nothing round the tank produces a spark. This plate therfore offers very little safty. It's more to stop any vapours going into the cabin. And it also creates a solid wall to protect the pipes and tank. If your not putting anything behind the seats all will be fine.
Well call me a spoil sport but I would not trust any insurance company not to deem the plate removal as a "structural modification" and rule against you in any furture insurance claim. And remember it is not your insurance company who can complain. If an accident/claim is not your fault then the insurance assessor of the insurance company you are making a claim against can and will use ANY means to reduce their payout or not pay out at all.
Make no mistake all insurance companies willingly exchange data. This works in their favour and to your loss/detriment.
If you have ever been present when an insurance assessor crawls over your car then you will know what I mean.
I had my Uno, parked off road and shunted by a works wagon out of control that left the road, crossed the pavement, entered my drive and then sped across the neighbours garden.
The independant insurance assessor tested everything. Brakes, lights, tyres etc. all to a formal "crib sheet". No credance or lattitude was given to the fact thay my vehicle was off road, parked on private property and legally did not have to be taxed, insured, MOT'd or road worthy.
They are like robots. Record all (including go faster stripes, flashy alloys, other non standard bits and required road legal matters, even if the car is not on the road). This is then all handed over to the insurance companies for them to do with as they wish.
And for one minute don't think your insurance company will be on your side. Even if the accident/claim was not your fault, if you having anything non standard/undeclaired about your car then most insurance companies will wash their hands of you. You lied / hid risk detail from them so they do not want you on their books. Also any legal cover cover your policy has will be null and void.
Then that favorite insurance question when doing a new insurance quote... "have you ever had insurance declined/refuse, subject to special conditions, later withdrawn.... etc. etc.". The last insurance saga is already loaded against you when you go for that new quote. You will probalby only ever find out you were 'marked' when you have to make a future claim and by then it is too late. They have had your money for 'n' years and then claim you are unisured for incorrect details and leave you to the police for driving without insurance.
Signed, Doom & Gloom Merchant
