Insurance and Mods

[theliman]

Hey guys,

I just switched my auto insurance and started wondering about my coverage with my suspension upgrades. There's a few threads on here about the added value to enhancing your car with expensive mods. I'm not concerned about that, I'm more wondering if I'm in a wreck and they discover I have a lift (it's mild - see sig.), if they could refuse to pay. Still waiting on my policy to come so I can see if it's mentioned.

Makes me wonder where you draw the line. Eventually you have to replace most shocks - I went with a pretty conservative option (Bilstein 5100). Should I tell my agent about the replacement shocks, springs, and a rear spacer? (I don't even want to think about their response to wheel spacers). Will they just up my rate?

 

[DC runner]

You should ask your agent. If you do not inform them of modifications then they can refuse to cover them. Also, usually they are only worried about modifications that change the road behavior of the vehicle. In that regard really only your spacers would have any impact (raising your center of gravity, making you more tip prone). But it isn't extreme. Always ask.

 

[theliman]

You should ask your agent. If you do not inform them of modifications then they can refuse to cover them. Also, usually they are only worried about modifications that change the road behavior of the vehicle. In that regard really only your spacers would have any impact (raising your center of gravity, making you more tip prone). But it isn't extreme. Always ask.

Cool - don't care about the value of the mods, just don't want to be left without coverage in the event of a wreck.

Decided to call my agent, who happens to own two 4R's himself. He's familiar with the lifts and said it wasn't a problem at all, joking that in Colorado that's just about every other car on the road.

 

[CXS]

Some people go with a "stated value" policy which basically says you and the insurance company agree that your mods are worth $xxxx.xx and they agree to cover at those limits.

 

[DC runner]

Cool - don't care about the value of the mods, just don't want to be left without coverage in the event of a wreck.

Decided to call my agent, who happens to own two 4R's himself. He's familiar with the lifts and said it wasn't a problem at all, joking that in Colorado that's just about every other car on the road.

Nice. Figured. Always better to ask before hand.