16 replies to this topic

[Narrowwater]

I am trying to be honest and truthfull about getting insurance for a classic mini that I wish to buy but a little puzzled on how far I need to go in documenting any modifications.  For instance, how many people actually run an OEM exhaust on a classi mini, I for instance want a stainless steel one.  What exactly was the original spec for a particular vehicle anyway as I find that difficult to work out.

 

Probably need a new head as well so quite difficult to find one for a 998 that is not a stage 1 or greater, I am sure others can point me at some.

 

The interior will not be the original velour either for very long, is that a modification?

 

Sorry but new to this game after several decades out of it and a noob in TMC.

 

Any ideas?

 

Peter

[Northernpower]

I have always found it best to declare all modifications. If you use one of the specialist insurers they will be aware that very few Minis remain standard and by shopping round you will find a competitive premium. Don't be afraid to list the differences for yours. In todays litigious society you need to feel comfortable you will be covered in the case of a claim. My list of extras extends to over three pages; I know I will be covered in the event of a claim and the premium was very competitive.

[Narrowwater]

So on that basis down to recovering the seats will need listing out, which is so going to happen?

[Magneto]

Wow.....what you guys go thru with your licensing and insurance agencies......over here I simply submitted some pics of my car from all sides and one of the engine and interior, then we are on an "agreed value" type policy, where if it gets wrecked they simply pay the agreed amount and the car either goes to them to be sold for scrap or I can buy it back for the scrap price they would get for it via auction. Some companies do put restrictions on our classics - mine has to be kept in a garage and I'm not allowed to use it for my daily commute to work - I have to have another car for that, however it does not have to be insured by the same place.

 

Medical and liability are handled the same as for any car, you choose the limits you want and they adjust the premium accordingly.

 

We have no yearly MOT inspections (some states do, most don't) nor do we have to report modifications etc.

 

Listing 3 pages of mods just to make sure of insurance coverage seems crazy to me!

[Van13]

Only one way to go with insurance be HONEST

[Northernpower]

So on that basis down to recovering the seats will need listing out, which is so going to happen?

Entirely up to you, but for the sake of a few lines typed on the computer to know you'll not have any problems seems a no brainer to me, (especially as so many insurance companies nowadays look for any opportunity not to pay out), but as I say, entirely up to you.

[sonikk4]

A comprehensive list of everything done will let the insurance company assess your car correctly.

Not telling them everything means you stand the chance of loosing everything and be seriously out of pocket.
Yes I have no doubt we will get the " I don't tell them every thing" crew and good luck to them, however come the day they have an accident and the insurance company engineer has a good look around the vehicle then there is every chance they will decline any payout.

Have a good think about the ramifications of what could happen. Insurance companies are clamping down hard now so don't give them the chance to screw you over.

Your choice, your car.

[Sag]

I find it better to list as much as possible,a friend of my sons has just gone up £500 due to them coming out to fit a black box and seen he had a k&n air filter and sub and different alloys,they said they were cancelling it at first,

[Ethel]

It's not just the supposed added risk of a souped up car, but the cost of repairing or replacing all the none standard bits. You could look on it as a way of vetting prospective insurers - those that aren't interested in being told about your £800 wheels 'n tyres or want to sting you an extra fortune for a stage one kit are probably best avoided. You could probably blag something like a stainless exhaust, of near standard pattern, as a standard replacement, but don't expect to get it included in any payout if the worst happens.

[Narrowwater]

The reason why I made the Original post was that this is a new car to me and I simply do not know what is non standard apart from the obvious things. For instance the exhaust is a maniflow I now know, but the seats are just recovered standard in period ones with. A fair amount of wear. The wheels are alloys but nothing special that have been kerbed a few times and I would like to replace with something better when I can afford it. Air box and filter are standard as far as I can make out and I am removing some non original spots etc. As I said I just want some honest insurance for an honest car that is new to me.

[deanc]

 I would say declare what you can and know has been changed. and I wouldn't over worry about accidentally missing things. 

In the event of an accident you have plausible deniability 

[robminibcy]

that is something ive always wondered about! I think the mini community generally know their cars very well but many other even so called enthusiasts wont have the entire parts catalogue imprinted on their brain to know whether a car has been modified or not.

[Narrowwater]

I am sure that in 6 months or so I will know a lot more than I do today about things but it has been 20 years for me since my last mini.

[paulrockliffe]

My 'Mini' is actually a kit car registered as an Austin Mini Minus.  What was standard on a Mini Minus and what's a modification?  Does it follow the mini that went into it, or is it what ever was fitted when it was built?  Other than the details on the V5, it's impossible to say what is a modification and what went on when it was built.

[sonikk4]

Some things on car stand out like a sore thumb, big wheels, arches, bucket seats, modified dash, big boy exhaust, air filter, Carb (s) modified brakes and so on (4 pot calipers for example.) so these are pretty much straight forward if you go pre armed with a bit of info of what the standard car should have (Google or even ask on here)

 

Engine modifications can be a whole different story though so without a strip down its impossible to tell.

 

I hear all too often people saying don't bother telling them everything, well as an example, you crash into me with your Modified car (undeclared) and the Police get involved along with the insurance company. Now the first thing that happens is the Police (if involved) will look at the scene and both cars. They will issue out a form to me stating who they are, the drivers involved etc which can then be passed onto the the insurance company i will be claiming off (ie the person who crashed into me)

Now depending on the state of the vehicles they are towed away as they are no longer driveable. The insurance assessor will then visit these vehicles to see whether they can be repaired economically. He reports back and mentions that the car that caused the crash has what appears to be modifications and so the insurance company WILL check to see if they are declared.

 

They find they are not which then nulls the insurance. Myself will be informed i cannot claim against that policy and will have to claim against mine. This may or may not affect my NCB, etc etc etc. You the person who has caused the crash will have a damaged car and an insurance company chasing you for fraud and other things like damages etc etc. I will then chase you for expenses incurred through the courts if required.

 

Now certain people will say "this will never happen" good luck with that is all i will say. The grief i went through with the serious RTA i had over 5 years ago shows the lengths Insurance companies will go to.

 

I do know that age and cost plays a very significant part, been through all of that with my son and god help us when we finally get Project Erm on the road with whatever power plant he decides to install.

 

My 'Mini' is actually a kit car registered as an Austin Mini Minus.  What was standard on a Mini Minus and what's a modification?  Does it follow the mini that went into it, or is it what ever was fitted when it was built?  Other than the details on the V5, it's impossible to say what is a modification and what went on when it was built.

 

Hopefully in your case a decent insurance company will recognise the car for what it is and what is fitted to it. I suspect you would have gone to a more specialised company.