Modifications and Insurance

[Simonnn]

Hi Guys,

During a discussion at work today the topic came up around car modifications and insurance claims.

I've heard that if an assessor sent out by an insurance company deems that your car was not roadworthy due to certain modifications more often than not they can decide not to pay you out. This can be the result of small things like exposed pod filters etc.

Just wondering what the general consensus is out there amongst the 1addicts community as obviously a lot of us here are driving modified cars. I'm with RACV at the moment and it just occurred to me that this may be an issue.

I currently have DCI, Charge Pipe/BOV and a JB4 coming next.. would these modifications be considered "roadworthy"? I'm not sure if they could even say the blackline LCI tailights are too dark?

Not sure if this question has been asked before, I did do a search and it did not come up with anything. Just thought that it would be an interesting discussion. I do know that Just Car ensures modifications as long as the car is roadworthy but that is probably a separate discussion altogether!

[DR-JEKL]

The insurance co wouldnt know you had a jb4. With a dci cp etc i cant see how that would void an insurance claim e.g you run up the arse of a car and they say nope were not paying up since you have a intake.

Its a grey area with mods and insurance, but i believe its more in the scenario of you mounted some crazy wide rims with low offsets, snapped a stud and crashed the car. The insurance co would most likely state you're not covered, or if you had an aftermarket turbo kit fitted, the car caught fire due to a shoddy installation oil line fuel line ruptured etc etc

[Kabnine]

I always use Shannon's for my insurance. They are a good enthusiasts insurer and don't charge extra for mods. I figure if they ever did try to reject a claim, a bit of bad publicity about how they aren't really enthusiast orientated for refusing a claim due to 'tasteful' mods should take care of that.

Having said that I have had a claim on my old RX7 a while back and it had modified turbo, clutch, exhaust, lowered, ECU etc and there was never even a question about it. The assessor even came to my workplace to see the vehicle.

I am really really happen with them.

[flinchy]

Unenclosed air filter is legal now - since the ncop stuff

Tune technically not but they cant tell

Catless dp they TECHNICALLY could...

[jerra-roo]

Originally Posted by flinchy

Unenclosed air filter is legal now - since the ncop stuff

Flinchy, is it legal in NSW and ACT?

[DR-JEKL]

FPV's have had unenclosed conical filters for years!

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by jerra-roo

Flinchy, is it legal in NSW and ACT?

You'd be best to call the RTA to make sure, but i'm 99% sure all modification laws nationwide are NCOP now, so the same accross the board for all states

which would mean yes, as long as it's fully secured

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

FPV's have had unenclosed conical filters for years!

from the factory is magically different to aftermarket, obviously.

[Simonnn]

Yep.. definitely seems like a bit of a grey area even after our discussions here. I remember calling RACV back in the day when I had installed coilovers on my previous car and they just told me that they would insure the car as long as its roadworthy.

I just hope no one gets into a scenario where an assessor comes out and deems the car unroadworthy due to a shiny CP/BOV or pod filters in the engine bay.

[melbv]

just wondering.....
window tint to under legal limits ie: 0-20%? tint will affect your vision and limit your sight to look out.... insurer can easily argue any accident is cause by that.....

i think its all a bit grey and it all depends on your insurer ultimately.

[Simonnn]

Originally Posted by melbv

just wondering.....
window tint to under legal limits ie: 0-20%? tint will affect your vision and limit your sight to look out.... insurer can easily argue any accident is cause by that.....

i think its all a bit grey and it all depends on your insurer ultimately.

On this topic, a local window tinter advised me that the rear windows can be as dark as you like as long as the front and side windows are within the legal limit. That's what I've heard is the case in Melbourne anyway..

Just adding another unconfirmed rumour to the bucket..

[yawn]

I don't think it's even legal to tint the front windscreen.

[Simonnn]

Originally Posted by sharkatron

I don't think it's even legal to tint the front windscreen.

Yep, correct. I was referring to the front side windows haha

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by Simonnn

On this topic, a local window tinter advised me that the rear windows can be as dark as you like as long as the front and side windows are within the legal limit. That's what I've heard is the case in Melbourne anyway..

Just adding another unconfirmed rumour to the bucket..

you can put 20% on the rear windscreen (privacy glass) + windows but NONE on the front (driver/passenger seat)

means you get PIMP looking back half of the car at least? haha

Originally Posted by melbv

just wondering.....
window tint to under legal limits ie: 0-20%? tint will affect your vision and limit your sight to look out.... insurer can easily argue any accident is cause by that.....

i think its all a bit grey and it all depends on your insurer ultimately.

as soon as you have <35% on the front windows, you're unroadworthy

i really wish you could go ~25% legally. even 30% over 35%.... 35% is just that TINY bit too light.