Insurance question - wheel colour

[AntStark]

Ok this isn’t at all Zed related but I thought I would ask the great and good on here for their views or experiences ( or views from our resident insurance brokers)
So ..I recently bought a Polo for my son to learn to drive in. The alloys on it could do with a refurb after 10 years and my son was asking to get them done another colour (are Silver now ..thinking gun metal grey). My question is, is this something you need to declare to an insurance company? ..they are the same factory fitted wheels afterall . Ditto with things like painting calipers. Are these considered mods?
Thank folks

 

[Duncodin]

I wouldn't call "paint on a wheel" a "modification" so I wouldn't report that to my insurer.

 

[Toby]

Nope, you'll be fine.
Some folks have two sets of wheels and they may be diferent colours / styles without the need to declare every time they swop over.

 

[Duncodin]

One problem with notifying or even enquiring with insurance company about a potential modification is that the person on the other end of the phone is not an automotive engineer capable of making a decision. It's just the spotty kid off of the Simpsons sat there with a computer screen with a checkbox "Modified Yes/No". Just the fact you're phoning to 'ask' if it's notifiable makes it notifiable and spotty youth puts a checkmark in the box and up go your premiums.

 

[BoxClever]

I'm not sure about the "spotty kid" comment above but having insured and modified a number of cars all i'd say is check your policy as it will state simple things like this.. or check the FAQ's on your insurers website, they're not going to be bothered by a simple wheel colour change though.

I've changed and updated wheels (much bigger wheel and tyre packages too) and most insurers are just glad you've told them rather than look to add premiums for the hell of it.

 

[Pingu]

I always ask myself the question "would it be an obvious modification when I bought the car?"

A big exhaust - yes
Bright yellow shocks - yes
Obviously non-standard wheels - yes
Bright pink wheels - yes
Painted wheels that look standard - no

 

[AntStark]

Wonder what @ClassicLineInsurance think ?

 

[AntStark]

I always ask myself the question "would it be an obvious modification when I bought the car?"
..
Bright pink wheels - yes

So why Pink wheels - yes? Is it because it has an impact on the insurance value (book value) of the car? Could be negative or positive depending on how you look at it I guess , because it makes the car more or less attractive to thieves? Because pink wheels make your car go faster ?

 

[Pingu]

So why Pink wheels - yes? Is it because it has an impact on the insurance value (book value) of the car? Could be negative or positive depending on how you look at it I guess , because it makes the car more or less attractive to thieves? Because pink wheels make your car go faster ?

Obviously non-standard.

It's not up to you to say whether the risk is higher or lower. That's the insurance company's job.