Free Online Article Directory. For Article Authors & Publishers
Drivers Who Modify Their Cars Must Inform Their Insurer Or Risk Losing Cover
If you change anything on your car that can affect its safety, or performance, or the odds of it being vandalised or stolen, then you must tell your insurer. This can even apply to fitting new alloy wheels, built in entertainment systems or satellite navigation. However, the Financial Ombudsman Service says car insurers must prove that there has been a significant change to the insured risks before cover can be withdrawn.
In one case, a car owner claimed after a Mercedes he bought second hand for 22,000 pounds was badly vandalised, causing 6,000 pounds of damage. The problem was that he was not aware that some of the car's features resulted from modifications that were requested by the original owner. When the insurance assessor noticed modified seats and headlamps, it refused to pay out until he paid an extra 1,000 pounds on his premium and the claims excess.
Being over a barrel, the driver agreed, but thinks it was very unfair. He said, "I should not have been penalised as I did not know that the car had been modified." It is clear that insurance companies differ in their policies over what modifications they expect drivers to inform them about.
Many insurance brokers have also seen other examples of controversial decisions. A spokesperson for the British Insurance Brokers Association, commented that whilst drivers have a duty to disclose important changes, some insurers push the definition too far. "We have even seen silly situations where an insurance company has tried to throw out a claim on the grounds that the car had a roof box."
One of the big name insurers has confirmed that it has several hundred such disputes each year, which on the evidence hardly seems surprising. The insurer exempts any modifications made before a car leaves the factory, but requires any later alterations to be declared.
There motor underwriting strategy manager said, "We price the insurance risk on the information the owner of the car provides and if that information proves to be incorrect we are within our rights to void or reassess the policy." But some insurers do admit that some modifications, like tweaks to the engine, may be impossible for many people to detect. In the end unresolved disputes like that can end up at the door of the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Ombudsman's, says the onus is on the insurance company to explain their actions. "We expect the insurer to justify why the modification was relevant. It has to be something that increases the risk they are taking on."
Which? the consumer group, tells anyone buying a second hand car to check with the seller if there have been any modifications and they are still not sure, to consult a local dealer. But to be honest, few would even think about the necessity to declare something like satellite navigation.
But please remember if there is one item you must not economise on, it is your child's safety seat. These are absolutely essential from the day the baby arrives and right through the following ten to twelve years. There are laws and regulations governing their use - so make sure you are aware of the legal requirements.
Author Resource:-
Do you own a high powered car? Well I bet the insurance is expensive!. Visit Brokers Online to see if we can give you a great deal on Car Insurance . Brokers Online supplies its customers with articles and information surrounding Life Insurance Critical Illness Insurance, Mortgages and Home Insurance plus many more.
Fleet insurance needs to be obtained when you have a fleet of vehicles. This could be a fleet of cars, vans or trucks to name a few. A good insurance plan will ensure every vehicle is adequately covered in the event that something unforeseen should happen.
Medical billing services come as a welcome respite to medical practitioners that are hard-pressed for time and resources. They take over the load of billing and associated managerial jobs from the health care provider and increase their income. Medical billing services are quickly becoming the industry standard because of the many benefits they have to offer.
When you want to be on top of the business and have the most number of health insurance deals you need to know how to effectively generate health insurance leads for free.
Motor trade insurance is something every business owner needs. This is the first thing they have to take into consideration, and is also the first thing they should think of spending on before deciding to sell anything in their motor trade.
Some people simply love collecting cars, while others may just own several cars. If you are one of these people, you could save a lot of money on insurance if you opt to cover all of your cars under a single umbrella while having the chance to apply different terms and limitations on each car separately.
The taxi business market in the UK has more than doubled since the past two decades. From a low of about 16% many years back, about 32% of the growing population today ride a taxi at least once a month.
The taxi business industry is one of the most common businesses you will see worldwide. In the UK, there are a lot of taxis that can be found in every corner, block, and street because the demand for this service is very high.
When you operate a business that utilises more than three vehicles, or you are a car collector of several units, the most practical and convenient insurance coverage for you is a fleet insurance.
The World Wide Web is truly an innovative tool and great information source. Regardless of what you might need, there are great chances of you finding it online. If you happen to be a taxi driver, it even comes in handy as it can connect you with your friends and give you the chance to discuss new equipment and newly-placed laws, to boot.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlelisted.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Michael challiner's Author Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 