Direct Line No-Mods Policy

[dirtbiker]

Hi,

I know i should probably just ring them but i don't particularly fancy spending hours on the phone running up a large bill right now!

I've got a policy on my mk2 Ibiza with Direct Line and, because i'm under 25, they say they won't allow modifications.

What do they mean by this, someone told me that i could fit the Seat Multi-spoke alloys as they were fitted to the mk2s, anyone confirm that?

Also if i was to want to fit a remote central locking and alarm kit from eBay would this be classed as a modification even though it makes the car more secure?

Also i'm thinking of getting a dash with a rev-counter (as mine is only a 1.4 and has a stupidly sized clock where it should be), would i be invalidating my insurance if i do that?

Any thoughts appreciated!

Chris

[tris]

I think they mean engine mods
as i am with them and i could not have anything till i was over 25
but had a modded BM before with them since i was 21

[dirtbiker]

Hmm, I think i'll give them a ring later on then and see what they say.

Will post back here for anyone that's interested...

Cheers

[RobM]

They mean all mods, period.

I was with them when I had my Celica. I changed the wheels on it from one type of Toyota Celica wheels to another that came on a later model - same size for what it's worth - and they kicked up a real stink when my car went in for repair after someone drove into me, wanting extra money to cover it and even threatening to void my policy! :blink:

They are totally against mods for anybody under 25, no matter how innocent the mod is. It's just not worth the hassle.

[dirtbiker]

Hmm, that's rather lame, looks like i'll have to keep it standard for the mean-time then. Can't really complain as it was pretty cheap due to having no claims on my dad's car as a named driver...

Ah well :(

[RobM]

Is this a new policy or one that's been going for a while? If it's a new policy, try searching around places like Greenlight (if you're over 21) as they were the same price as Direct Line for me but covered all my mods like-for-like :)

[dirtbiker]

I've only had the policy since the beginning of the year but I couldn't find anywhere much cheaper. I'm 20 with one years no-claims...

Might have a little check around i guess though.

The only mod I really want is to fit the rev counter dash, do you reckon i'd get away with this seeing as it will look totally stock? Also does my aftermarket CD player constitute a mod? I'm guessing not but would be good to know.

[RobM]

I'm not familiar with the dash mod you mention, so I might have got the wrong end of the stick here, but if you're changing the dials on the dash to similar ones from another model of the same car but with a rev counter, I can't see them even looking twice at it! It's not as though a rev counter is a rare thing to find!

CD player shouldn't count as a mod. In fact, I think Direct Line offer automatic cover for in car audio and electronics as part of your policy?

[cupra r rob]

Im with direct line and was wondering the same thing. At the mo i just want to change the rear lights and re-furb the alloys antricite. Would that void it you think? :confused:

[beefy]

I had the same problem

I got told the only aftermarket modifications you are allowed to make is the in car stereo system.... Which tbh I think is a little strange as it makes your car much more of a target to thiefs. I got the impression you could do what you like with the stereo and it was automatically covered but anything like alloys, body kits, remaps etc etc are a big no no.

Although I dont think your rev counter will cause a problem at all, as said asbove it is not very noticeable lol.

Although, i think if you managed to get alloys from another seat which was released around the same time as your car, could you not possibly just get away with saying you thought they came as standard with your car, after all the person who bought it new could have just asked the dealer to fit the new alloys.

[RobM]

Although, i think if you managed to get alloys from another seat which was released around the same time as your car, could you not possibly just get away with saying you thought they came as standard with your car, after all the person who bought it new could have just asked the dealer to fit the new alloys.

Sorry for the late response... but that doesn't work. Direct Line kicked up a stink when my Celica went in for repair with a different type of Toyota Celica wheel fitted.

The standard wheels, from the post-facelift Sports Pack were 17", Diamond cut, Team Dynamics alloys, the design was a twin-spoke, 6-spoke design.

I changed them to the 17" alloys from a later edition Style Pack Celica. The wheels were Fondmetal 6 flat spokes in a light silver.

Celicas had been fitted with these wheels since a year or so after my car was made so were very common. But, Direct Line kicked up a big stink about them not being standard fit and threatened all sorts of things. All sorted in the end, but a lot of hassle.

So if your car didn't come with alloys in the first place, expect similar results if you ever need to claim. They wont like it.

[tris]

I had something loke that happen had my wheels on since new and never thought anything about it till one day when reading my insurance and seing it says any mods ie wheels so i called them and there was no charge they just want to no

[dirtbiker]

Well I went ahead and fitted my Polo clocks so fingers crossed it'll be ok if I ever need to claim!

Now i'm debating getting a badgeless grill and clear side-repeaters. I think i'd be ok with the side repeaters (they'll be Polo ones so will look pretty stock) but I'm thinking the grille could be a bad plan, any thoughts?

Cheers people...

[TllEWL]

:lol:


Just pushing the envelope ;)


I think the grill is a big fat no ! Sounds like they're giving people hassle for the fun of it, so I just wouldn't bother - get the 'repeaters, and stick them in the glovebox till you can insure the car with someone less anal about modifications.



(or fit the indicators in secret on the driveway ... or in a carpark, take some naughty pictures of them and put the old ones back on to drive home with) :p

[dirtbiker]

Haha, I like it...

Needless to say I won't be sticking with Direct Line when my renewal date comes up!