Insurance Implications

[VW Convert]

Hi Folks,

Does anybody know what implications, if any, there are with insurance if you install an ECU upgrade?

I'd suggest you read your policy, I'm certain that conditions regarding modifications will be mentioned. Anything that changes the insurer's risk can have drastic implications, if in doubt, contact your insurer.

Cheers

George

[gh172]

So if we are to assume that most people have informed their insurance companies, and that your modifications have to be RTA approved. Can I ask what the response has been from your insurance company when you've told them you have an APR or GIAC, Bluefin tune and so on. I haven't informed mine yet as I haven't been sure about how to describe the tune .I can't see how it could be RTA approved.

[wai]

So if we are to assume that most people have informed their insurance companies, and that your modifications have to be RTA approved. Can I ask what the response has been from your insurance company when you've told them you have an APR or GIAC, Bluefin tune and so on. I haven't informed mine yet as I haven't been sure about how to describe the tune .I can't see how it could be RTA approved.

I seriously doubt that the RTA would approve any re-chip modification as it would be altering an ADR system from that certified by the vehicle manufacturer. If in the extremely unlikely event it is RTA approved, it will have a sticker attached to it saying so. I also doubt that a re-chip manufacturer would go to the trouble of getting ADR certification, particularly for an emissions system. I know how difficult it can be to do the accumulation kilometre test, and how the major car manufacturers have to start again because the accumulation kilometre vehicle suffers a fault that sees it having to be replaced, or repaired to the extent that the accumulation kilometres have to be started al over again.

On my Hiace I had an RTA approved additional bench seat, and it DID have a sticker saying it was RTA approved.

So, ask the people supplying the kit to provide that to you.

[gh172]

That's why I'm wondering the response people are hearing from their insurance companies when advising them of their tunes. Most people are saying you'd be mad not to tell your insurance company. So I'm assuming they've done so. What are your insurers saying in regards to your tunes?

[hazrd]

I've just gone through all of this myself. Had to find something other than AAMI as they would no longer cover my Pog. Found it difficult to find someone who would provide me with a reasonable premium after mentioning an ECU flash.

You pay 10/20/30/40+ k for a car, spending an extra 1/2k a year for insurance whilst declaring absolutely everything is definitely worth it

[dopey]

But really with a ECU flash, how would they know unless you told them?

[hazrd]

True, you could always not declare a flash. But is it worth the risk? If for whatever reason you ended up with an insurance assessor that was "over-thorough" and was able to have your ECU checked, it wouldnt end well

[gh172]

At least if you had bluefin you could remove the flash provided you have the opportunity.

[Large Fruit]

Use an insurer who deals in modified cars and it's a non issue.

I pay $1,600 with just car insurance for a tune, intake, exhaust, IC upgrade, fuel upgrade.

I'm pretty sure that was the cheapest option to (I increased the excess).

[Bora Sport]

But really with a ECU flash, how would they know unless you told them?

My sentiments entirely. So your car is a write off or even has just had a minor ding. The insurance company is going to send someone over with a laptop to check to codes in the computer to see if it has been recoded. I don't think so. I had a custom Code reflash on my Pog and Gav sent me a nice bunch of Custom Code stickers. Sorry Gav but I decided that I didn't want to advertise the fact on my car.