Insurance and Modified Z3s

Steve Medlock

Zorg Guru (II)
British Zeds
Joined
May 11, 2016
Points
105
Location
Tenterden, Kent
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
My insurance is coming up for renewal and it got me thinking when I bought some tyres last week. 'Did your car originally come with run flats?' I was asked. I said I didn't think so but why was he asking. He explained that if I originally had run flats and now didn't, that I should inform my insurance company that I had modified my vehicle which surprised me somewhat.
So I started wondering about what constitutes a modification and what doesn't.... I've removed my sports suspension and restored it to original ride height but used Bilstein rather than OEM - still a mod? What about polybushes? I've no doubt my exhaust is a mod but I wonder what else. Although I can't get one on the Z, I've never declared that I've fitted a roof rack.
 

Jack Ratt

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
The West Country
Joined
Dec 3, 2013
Points
200
Location
TRURO, CORNWALL
Model of Z
2.8i AUTO and 2.8i MANUAL
Most cars on the road that are over 3 - 5yrs old will have non OEM parts fitted. Insurance companies would only be concerned about "performance" parts I would think.
 

Steve Medlock

Zorg Guru (II)
British Zeds
Joined
May 11, 2016
Points
105
Location
Tenterden, Kent
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
Most cars on the road that are over 3 - 5yrs old will have non OEM parts fitted. Insurance companies would only be concerned about "performance" parts I would think.
Good point. I've just filled in an online quote form and after I ticked the 'modified' box, a whole list of possible modifications appeared - maybe there's a standard ABI list perhaps.
 

Dino D

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 28, 2014
Points
176
Location
Kent
Model of Z
2.8 Manual
I wouldn't use any mainstream insurer any more on these cars- if you check the terms most won't pay out for modifications/additions and will give you glasses guide price which is way off what many of cars truly cost now...well we know the true cost of fitting bushes, suspension etc is a lot more than the purchase price. Not to mention finding a replacement car with the improvements a lot of us have made is impossible..

Hence an agreed value policy with an insurer that actually knows and accepts modifications is the only way to go I feel.
 

petecossie

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Points
158
Location
Teesside
Model of Z
Z3 M Coupe
Hence an agreed value policy with an insurer that actually knows and accepts modifications is the only way to go I feel.
Totally agree Dino, just done that with Manning using BMWCC agreed value.
 
Top