Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Insurance and modifications

Is there any definitive reference about what modifications / additions should be notified for car insurance? I always assumed that performance related upgrades were relevant but I have seen comments that just about any undisclosed changes to the car could void insurance.

It depends on the insurance company. They seem to have different views on how mods affect liability/risk.
Generally, performance mods tend to be the ones they look for. Another aspect is that claims for damage might be restricted to standard parts costs. Expensive after market parts may not be covered, just the equivalent standard part value.
It is always advisable to ask the insurer. I have never had problems as never gone in for expensive mods.
For a Morgan I think the specialist insurers will be more amenable and understand the mods situation than a general insurer. The specialist insurers would be aware of known aftermarket suppliers as being good as opposed to non specialists suppliers.

Speak to your broker.

Was advised that a change to a 5 speed gearbox in my seventies 4/4 did not need to be declared even though I would consider it a performance mod. However, however a change to stainless wire wheels would be due to the increased cost of a replacement wheel

Arwyn

I recently had the Clubsport exhaust and remap and new stainless wire wheels to replace the painted wires - I let Headley know and there was no increase in premium. I think this is the general experience if using one of the Morgan" specialist" brokers but it is still important to let them know even if it is a cosmetic type upgrade.

I informed my insurer, NFU, that I'd fitted winter wheels and tyres.
Their response was "good".
But no premium reduction....

TBH why wouldn't you let your insurer know about any changes when it's common knowledge that they will look for any excuse to save paying out unless you are with an established Morgan Specialist company who I have found faultless in my dealings with them.
Having said that I don't like bolt on bits and pieces so my changes are just inclusion of younger family members on various occasions over the years.

I let my insurer know I was having the SSL suspension fitted, I was expecting them to dream up a reason to charge me but just requested a small admin fee to make a note of the work.

I was happy with that.

I've bit the bullet and advised my insurer (Footman James) of all the changes from standard spec. Everything from Wider wheels, AVO shocks,4 pot calipers, 4 leaf rears, to LED bulbs, door stays and bonnet belt. Will let you know how I get on.......

I agree. If I was having a flash upgrade it would only be sensible to notify it. On the other hand it wouldn't occur to me that thermal wrap on the intake trunking was an insurance issue, but owners wouldn't be doing it unless it was beneficial so arguably a minor performance upgrade. Is it hat type of minor 'tweaking' that may be questionable?

I understand totally where you are coming from and had you have asked me the same question ten years ago I would have taken a far more relaxed approach. The world is a lot more chasing the money these days so yes I would always give the insurance company the option of including any modifications onto the policy nowadays however minor they might appear to us.

I guess an insurance expert is what you need to comment really, if we have one onboard maybe they would like to take a step forward, we can only comment from the end user perspective.