lift kit & ECP Coverage Impact

[jacal]

I am about to do a daystar lift. I have 3/60K km ECP. (Canadian) I called Toyota Canada for the official word on aftermarket mods and ECP.

Basically
1) "if anything breaks during the install, and it isn't being installed at a toyota dealer no coverage"
I find that acceptable.

2) "if you try and claim ECP later, and we can prove/show that the failed component relates to the aftermarket product, we will not cover that component" I asked for an example: "if something stresses a shock and the shock fails, we won't cover that shock"

Given #2 what possible relations could a lift have with the rest of the vehicle? I guess shocks are one, what else?



Other Canucks:
Any chance that "Autopac" insurance (we have public & required insurance in Winnipeg) can cause a claim issue with this kind of mod?

J

 

[boston_kevin]

Not that these are likely scenarios, but possible...

Brake line stretches due to lifting past OEM range of articulation - brake line and possibly the rear distribution block would not be covered (but most lift kits have extended brake lines).

Brake pads/rotors fail due to the increased weight of the new wheels/tires added following the lift which now exceeds OEM values (this is the same for axles) - although this becomes more difficult for them to prove.

Basically the burden of proof is on them, and providing you aren't asking for a new engine or transmission, they would most likely cover it anyway...

 

[Bluto]

CV boots/joints and shocks/struts.


Spacer shouldn't be a problem with insurance.

If you a running a 6" lift, huge tires, and roll over in an accident or t-bone someone bad, the insurance adjuster or police may bring the suspension modifications into question.

 

[jacal]

update: I called Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation (MPIC). They have a book for $2.10 that lists legally allowed modifications. They have a formula for lift that goes by wheel base and determines how much more you would be legally allowed to lift.

Over the phone, the representative told me "get in an accident with illegal modifications and we won't cover you". Also, police will ticket modified vehicles.

Note: in my province we must have insurance, and it must be through our public insurance provider MPIC. It is also 'no-fault' insurance which is a whole other ball of wax.


J

 

[jacal]

And the final answer:

all vehicles must meet our local vehicle standards. Lifts are as follows, for vehicles under 4500kg

front tread width / (highest point of frame+any lift) = X

X must be less than 1.8 if wheelbase is 254cm (100") or more and not less than 2 if wheelbase < 254.

So my runner checks out, even with a fairly significant lift I would still be under the "motor vehicle alterations and modifications" spec.

I measured the top of the frame near the rear and found a generous margin given this calculation.


J