6 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Not many Minis are fitted with towbars these days but just a heads up below seen in the news this week, for anyone with a towbar fitted...or maybe to their daily driver.

Also the problems may apply to other modifications from standard if not declared on an insurance policy.

 

Cyclist denied car insurance claim for fitting bike carrier with removable towbar:-

https://road.cc/cont...-carrier-311579

 

Quote:

"Auto Express said it had been contacted by a motorist who was left with a six-figure bill when his insurer refused to pay out on a claim and cancelled his policy because he had not listed his car's tow bar as a 'modification' when running a quote via comparison website Money Super Market.
We were contacted by a desperate driver after his insurer, Allianz-owned Flow, cancelled his policy following an accident on the grounds that he had failed to list his car's tow bar as a modification when purchasing cover,' explains Chris Rosamond, current affairs editor at Auto Express."
https://www.thisismo...fitted-car.html

 

Advice below given on the Mk1 Forum from someone who works in the insurance industry:-

"Use a broker and the onus is on them to gather all the necessary information. If they don't do their job, you have come back under their Professional Indemnity cover if it goes wrong.
Do it online and you're on your own, as it's not classed as 'giving advice'......"

 

Edited by mab01uk, 06 December 2024 - 05:14 PM.

[PoolGuy]

I don't see that the chap has anything to complain about to be honest. Omitting to tell your insurance company that you have a tow bar is just plain daft, as the risks involved when towing are much greater. There's no helping some people.

[68+86auto]

Insurance companies are in it to make money. If there's any way they can get out of paying you, they will.

Could one argue that it or other mods were fitted by the dealer? (Even if they weren't but could've been).

[PoolGuy]

Insurance companies are in it to make money. If there's any way they can get out of paying you, they will.

Could one argue that it or other mods were fitted by the dealer? (Even if they weren't but could've been).

Of course they are, but when you look at the amount of people lying to them and making dodgy claims, you can't blame them for not paying out every claim without questions.

 

As for dealer fit, the onus is still on the owner to make sure they're insured properly. As has been pointed out above, a broker is still the best way of making sure that you're covered, yes it may cost a little more but it's preferable to having a claim refused. Cheap insurance is only cheap until you make a claim.

[sonikk4]

You do have to be careful what you don’t declare.

Historically a replacement windshield was just a thing, not an accident per se involving anyone or anything else other than say a stone. BUT as I found out a few years ago when I got a quote through a well known online comparison site and I took out car insurance with one of the companies, not long after I started with them I got a snotty letter saying I had not declared a replacement winsdscreen. Now after I had a lengthy phone call all was good and upwards and onwards.

So came the renewal, it was still within the five year window for declaring things like this so I declared the windscreen replacement on the quote. Took out new insurance with another company, gave them a call to make sure all was good and mentioned the windscreen. Their response was “ that’s fine Thankyou but no need to declare it!, ) I’m like W.T.F!!

So insurance companies are fickle things, where do you draw the line at declaring things??

[PoolGuy]

So insurance companies are fickle things, where do you draw the line at declaring things??

You tell the broker everything and let them decide what to do.

[sonikk4]

So insurance companies are fickle things, where do you draw the line at declaring things??

You tell the broker everything and let them decide what to do.

True enough but here’s the thing, historically using the windscreen as my argument here having had a few windscreens over the years even the insurance companies have not asked about a windscreen whether it’s been replaced or not when getting quotes and this was before we started online comparison sites, just good old fashioned ringing a company for a quote.

Now do not get me wrong anything else you do the car that alters it mechanically over and above standard there is a case to argue. The tow bar scenario as above is a weird one to be honest as how many people honestly declare their vehicles if they have one fitted?? I never used to and had multiple cars with them fitted , all by me. Again is it up to you to declare or the insurance company to ask. I know ignorance is bliss is not a answer here but I am sure many many people would use it.

A literal can of worms and I can see so many argument's/questions with this, who is installed it, are they a recognised installer, is it OEM or aftermarket, how often is inspected and by who etc etc. Now these should be questions asked by the insurance company if so when getting a quote.