Modified Car Insurance Valuation

[Norfolk n Chance]

Anybody know of any specialist valuers for modified cars??

My friend unfortunately was involved in an accident yesterday which has written her car off, thankfully she's ok bar some severe bruising.

She has a Corolla 1.4 Colour Collection which she's spent a small fortune modifying

Basically she's worried that her insurers will try and value it as close to a standard Corolla value as possible, is there anywhere that offers a valuation based on mods carried out???

[Raistlin]

Not after an accident,

You can use specialist brokers up front to cover additional work and mods but at an increased premium.

Most adjusters will try to beat you down to the minimum they can get away with...

[Boro Sera]

some specialised policies have an agreed valuation option, whereas you document the cars additions, provide photos etc.

One other thing though, if the mods weren't declared on the original policy it's not unheard of for insurance companies to reject the claim under the basis that the car isn't the same as stated on the inception of the policy.

[awade]

It's hard to tell after an accident. I can't imagine it being too cheap anywhere. However because it's a 1.4 then it shouldn't be through the roof. Try some of the less known insurance brokers. I'm with ibuyeco and they seem easy to deal with and understanding although I haven't dealt with them with any sort of accident.

[jw67]

One other thing though, if the mods weren't declared on the original policy it's not unheard of for insurance companies to reject the claim under the basis that the car isn't the same as stated on the inception of the policy.

Exactly what I thought.All mods must be declared to your insurance company as the car won't be as standard spec.This applies to sound systems,wheels etc as well as performance/body mods.

[Daveyonthemove]

From personal experience 7 years ago, wheels aren't a big deal to insurers IF they are the same size and width as the original wheels and they probably won't void the insurance, BUT they won't cover the cost of replacing them. That was my personal experience.

Any engine modifications will most likely invalidate the warranty, leaving the owner fully responsible for the cost of the car, any third party vehicle or property (hedges/fences etc) and cost of recovery and emergency services. After my accident i was sent a bill for over £10,000 which i forwarded on to my insurers and it was dealt with (thankfully), and that didn't cover the cost of my car, the other persons motorbike or the (considerable) compensation claims he was paid.

Hopefully none of that will effect your friend, but for future reference i would consider declaring all modifications no matter how small, and try some specialist insurers.

In the past i have either been insured with, or received good quotes from:

Adrian Flux

Greenlight

Sky

Brent Acre

Chris Knott

Hope some of that info has helped.

[bothwell_buyer]

I insured with Saga and told them of the engine etc mods. They accepted the lot, but I worry about any claim value if anything happens. On the classic car policies I used to have they are more thorough and you need valuations by a classic car garage or valuer, together with photos etc. No harm in taking photos of the car as it is and add in any that you had from before to help your argument. Loss adjusters are a bunch of complete fraudsters and crooks.- get everything in writing and keep copies.