Law surrounding insurance

[Shad]

I'm after some links to govt docs containing the actual law regarding declaring modifications to cars.

As I understand it, when an insurer asks you a question the law says you have to answer truthfully. However, it is the insurers obligation to ask you questions, and not the insured's responsibility to inform them of changes regarding the vehicle after the policy start date.

This is what a friend of a friend who worked for an insurance company told me at least, and when I binned the Alfa it rang true. When I bought the car it was standard; then I fitted the cat-back and didn't tell them. Then they asked if it was modified when I claimed, which I said yes etc etc, and it was fine. I had reciepts to prove when it was purchased and fitted.

So what is the actual 100% accurate law about this??

[Lowe]

The "law" has one rule:

1) Never give them an excuse to avoid a claim...

They have better lawyers than you'll ever be able to afford so even if you're right, you'll be wrong...

[Barakka]

As I understand it, when an insurer asks you a question the law says you have to answer truthfully. However, it is the insurers obligation to ask you questions, and not the insured's responsibility to inform them of changes regarding the vehicle after the policy start date.

Then you can bet that it's part of the policy that the policy owner has to inform the insurance company of any changes to the vehicle.

Spoke to an insurance assessor (won't say which company ) a few months back and he told me that the 1st thing they do when a car comes in is "go over it with a fine tooth comb" looking for modifications. He then gave an evil smirk as he told me about a BMW 5 series they had in which he'd found a K&N panel filter in - Invaild Policy - I tell ya they're as cold as traffic wardens these days. I only got speaking to him because he came running towards me to cockily tell me my policy was invalid due to my exhaust - to which my reply was "and that's why i'm not insured with you any more"

[eUphoria]

Then you can bet that it's part of the policy that the policy owner has to inform the insurance company of any changes to the vehicle.

Spoke to an insurance assessor (won't say which company ) a few months back and he told me that the 1st thing they do when a car comes in is "go over it with a fine tooth comb" looking for modifications. He then gave an evil smirk as he told me about a BMW 5 series they had in which he'd found a K&N panel filter in - Invaild Policy - I tell ya they're as cold as traffic wardens these days. I only got speaking to him because he came running towards me to cockily tell me my policy was invalid due to my exhaust - to which my reply was "and that's why i'm not insured with you any more"

I bet! - Seems like its one of the most stupid things to do not to tell ins company about mods. That said mine are absolutely fine about a couple of minor bits ive done to my car; stainless free flow exhaust, decat, induction kit, alloys - hasnt increased my premium at all.

[Shad]

Comments appreciated.

[Butuz]

Yeh its a bit of a no brainer for me, im not willing to risk them voiding my policy just for the sake of an air filter, i specified my exact mods when i created the pilicy and on my propsal confirmation it says:

Modifications: Yes
Exhaust/manifold non standard
Suspension lowered <5cm
Filters (non standard)

Id rather be on the safe side, it was an extra £100 odd for that lot.

Butuz

[Nemeliza]

when i spoke to NU regarding my insurance i had to declare the allow wheels and non standard fit radio in order for the poly to be 'valid' as they like to put it.

And at the start of my policy this text is stated:

The law of England and Wales will apply to this contract unless:
1. You and the insurer agree otherwise.
or
2. You are in a different country at the date of the contract in which case the law of that country will apply.

I didnt know they were allowed to negotiate 'above' the law.(so to speak)