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

I am not a motor insurance expert, but if an owner of a modified car were to be involved in an RTC and the insurer refused to pay out, I think they would have to show that the modifications made a material contribution to the cause or outcome of the accident.

But having said that, what reason could there be to not drop an email to the insurance company listing all the modifications from standard? If the answer is "They might increase the premium", then as far as I can see either the mods are indeed a material change that should have been notified, or you are with the wrong insurer.

When I told Headley about the change in engine, they didn't change the premium, and that was going from something 97bhp to 165.

In most insurance policies in the small print there are cleverly written sentences that could null and void the policy if changes are made to the vehicle without due notification.

Yes it's on my proposal every year on the front page, Headley are a very open honest business to deal with. We have the three cars plus house and contents with them and find them competitive and a very professional company to deal with and a single point of contact for me for the last 17 years.
Just a satisfied customer.

The last line says it all.

I see it as quite simple really, I am asking the insurance company to take the risk of insuring my vehicle against theft or damage. Therefore I need to tell them exactly what it is they are insuring, particularly if I increase it's potential value. By modifying the vehicle say, by adding AeroMax alloys to the car. I can't see the insurer being prepared to cover the additional value of these in the event of a claim, if they weren't aware of them beforehand.

A lot also depends on the individual insurer and if they really understand the performance car scene. In my experience the specialist guys are usually quite switched on and not particularly phased by modifications, if these are discussed with them.

Yes, the last line does say it all. There must be some Mog owners submitting very lengthy lists to their insurers. Thanks everyone for your comments.

Yep, similar requirements here in Australia with reputable companies. Most are usually relaxed so long as you tell them about your car.

It used to be the case that insurance companies operated on that sensible basis and didnt wriggle in the way you now suggest. But sadly, customers mostly buy insurance only on cost so companies compete on cost and that means being sharp about claim handling. However, this only comes to the surface when there is a decent sized claim warranting investigation by the coimpany or their loss assessor. When you take out insirance only the most rudimentary checks are done - the fine print is examined at claim time.

What this all boils down to is that the wise man infomrs them in writing of absolutely every modification when he takes out the insurance. Usually it wont affect the cost at all, but it will covber your backside if there is a big claim. All according to SWMBO who spent her working life in insurance.

I ended up giving a short list of original parts rather than a list of modifications.

Phone just rang - the call I've been dreading. Hello, this is Footman James with regard to the email you sent detailing modifications......

Bear in mind, this was the list, but I'd said in the email that the modifications were primarily for comfort, safety and visibility.

Bumpers from later model fitted front and back
5 ¼ inch Spotlights
Clear Indicator lens front and back
Bonnet Belt
1” Wider steel wheels and tyres
4 Pot HiSpec Front Brake Calipers
Braided brake hose front and rear
Brake Reaction bars
AVO Front Dampers
Librands Stainless Steel Exhaust Manifold
Stainless steel side exit exhaust
Cooling Fan replaced by Electric fan
K&N Air Filter
Additional Klaxon Horn
Folding Front screen and Aero Screens
14” Wood Rim Steering Wheel
Librand Door stays
Electric heated front seats
Car heater replaced with newer model
4 leaf rear suspension springs
Panhard Rod
Additional Rear Axle Bump stops
High level LED rear brake lights
High visibility LED bulbs in Stop/Tail and Rear Number plate lights
LED Reverse Light
LED Rear Fog light


End result, no extra charge. Modifications were too many to list on the policy so would be held on my file but would be taken into account if a claim was made. Asked if I wanted to increase insured value from £20,000 and I declined (think that's about right with the mods). No admin charge. Asked about the proposed 4 to 5s peed Gearbox conversion, and they said to just email again when completed. Finally requested confirmation in writing and she said an email was on the way.

Can't guarantee every insurer would be as good, knowledgeable and understanding as Footman James, but personally feel a lot happier and confident about the legitimacy of my insurance now,

Well done TBM! The thing with Morgans is that there isn't a lot of premium difference between the trads, any difference will be down to the agreed value, so adding performance parts generally won't increase the risk.