Bennetts three Mods rule!

[canazei1200]

Sat nav rear mudsling and been there stickers on my gsa new braded brake lines abr sticker differnt wheels and homemafe pannuers that have been on my wifes africa twin for years means she would not be covered.hiw does this madness affect tank bags and stufg sacks???? Always have these on for touring holiday are they mods or not utter madness

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[Gas_Up_Lets_Go]

I wouldn't worry about your current insurance. They cannot just issue a change without telling you, if it changes the suitability of the policy for you then technically it's mis-selling as the product isn't fit for purpose. But you need to check your policy details.

My wife used Bennetts to insure her 125 'dero. She rang them to say it had been sold (the whole policy was about £50) after 8 months (long story) and they told her they needed some more cash off her as there was an 'admin fee' and the repayment from the cancelled policy didn't cover it. Simple answer, they were told to keep the policy running and don't bother calling about renewal.

I've used Carol Nash for ever, this year I listed all the mods, about 20 of them and they weren't bothered. I insisted and wrote to them detailing all the mods, just to cover myself if I need to make a claim really.

I suspec the reason Bennetts don't have many bikes with mods is because many rider won't tell them.......

[Morph]

I smell an ABR orientated (obviously unbiased) "Insurance article" here for the MAG with some probing Q's for the Insurance selling fraternity?

Go one further and ABR could start offering insurance for modded bikes!

[Vindaloo]

It is worrying... :unsure:

I have:

Akrapovic cans
Metal Mule pannier frame and boxes
Zumo 660 with TTech mount
Rugged Roads engine guard
KTM frame protectors
KTM heated grips
KTM crash bars
KTM Powerparts anodised brake and clutch reservoir covers (because they look nice)
Orange anodised valve caps from a mountain bike shop (because they look nice)
I also drilled 3mm holes in my swing arms to let water drain (extremely common mod on the KTM Adv)

I'm sure this isn't an unusual or excessive list for an adventure bike.

The first three items listed have been included in my policy as there was the facility to do this when applying online. The other items either didn't fall within any of the categories they seemed interested in or I'd have thought were too insignificant to mention.

My hope is that unmentioned items (unless they are performance / security related) would not invalidate the policy but would just not be covered in the event of write off or theft. Also if a modification that I hadn't mentioned directly caused an accident etc. then it's fair enough that I'd have limited / no cover.

However if my policy was with Bennetts it seems I would effectively be uninsured full stop.

So If I go down to my KTM dealer and buy a little orange anodised 'Powerpart' accessory, for example an anodised bolt I'm expected to notify the insurer or face invalidating my cover???

I'm also guessing that this is a bigger risk in our category of biking. Race reps are likely to have power / handling enhancements which owners would expect to tell their insurers about. Many of our bikes have countless small accessories and adaptations to suit our individuals needs / comfort etc. which we'd never think of mentioning.

This is something that needs to be highlighted and addressed somehow, before it becomes the norm for insurance. We could quickly be is position where our bikes are uninsurable.

[-Ralph-]

Ha, ha, ha! What a bunch of muppets. Thought they were supposed to know a thing or two about motorbikes. I won't be asking Bennetts for a quote at renewal time then.

[-Ralph-]

BTW - on a more serious note, read this thread on the SV650 forum. There are two users on there, Tam SV and Neeja who know their onions when it comes to insurance. Bennetts can't void your insurance half way through your policy, indeed Bennetts are not even your insurers, they are the broker.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=172792

[nick]

Just read through my exisitng Bennets policy ....

Accessories
Additional or supplementary parts of your motorcycle not directly related to its function as a motorcycle. These include radios that form an integral part of the motorcycle, top boxes, tank bags and other luggage carriers while fitted to your motorcycle.

Loss of or Damage to Your Motorcycle
Subject to the exceptions set out below and to the general exceptions and general conditions contained in the policy, if your motorcycle is stolen, damaged or destroyed, we will, at our option, either:
• pay for your motorcycle to be repaired
• or replace your motorcycle
• or pay the amount of the loss or damage.
The same cover also applies to accessories and spare parts relating to your motorcycle while these are on your motorcycle.

I can't find any other reference to Accessories or Modifications.

My bikes have countless "changes" from when they left the factory, but none of which increase performance.

Has anyone got a NEW policy document to compare the wording?

[Freeloadeur]

I too just tried a quote with Go Compare, put in four common accessories; heated grips, top box, panniers and sat nav. Not one of the 20+ insurers would give a quote, ask down to the listed"modifications".

Now I'm grudgingly ok with certain accessories not being covered, although I tend to think if I'm prepared to list them they can work out a quote appropriate to the total value, and I can decide if I want to pay it or not. I'm prepared to take the risk that I may have to replace some lost or damaged items out of my own pocket. I also understand that if I modify my bike such that it affects performance, don't tell them, and that as a result of this I cause or fail to prevent an accident, they have the right not to pay out.

But it seems totally unreasonable to say they will not insure some very common accessories, unless supplied with the bike, by the manufacturer, when first sold.

It just seems far too similar to the proposed anti-modification legislation the EU is trying to push through, perhaps they realise they can't get it through and instead have put pressure on insurers, thereby introducing the legislation by the bank-door?

How long till you're not insured because you happen not to be dressed from head to toe in high-vis?

[2 wheeled tourist]

Just rung Carole Nash and they say that they have no problem with bikes having accessories i.e. SatNav, panniers, stickers, top-box et al, but, if a bike have been MODIFIED (such as engine or frame for example) to enhance the speed/bhp then they would want to know.

They, Carole Nash, count mods & accessories as two individual things, and as I have done, given them a list of accessories that are on the bike (XT660z Ténéré, 2008) and they’re pleased for me to have them on, as long, again, as they don’t increase/improve/modify the frame and engine etc…

When I asked them if this was the thin edge of the wedge they said that they shouldn’t think so and it’s down to other Insurance Co. to deal with how they deal with their Policies etc.

So, here is the phone No. for Carole Nash if anyone is interested:

0800 298 5511.

Good luck, and don’t forget, keep an eye on this area and KEEP EACH OTHER INFORMED!!!

[LargeWayRound]

Good work 2wT ..

I am with Bikesure at the moment , but was thinking of changing next year when it comes up for renewal. They do not have a crazy system like the one at Bennents, but I have heard great things about Carole Nash so will give them a try .

Thanks again for bringing this to light ..

p.s. I have at least 10 stickers on my bike .. plus the other mods I have done.
aftermarket chain guard, alloy sump guard, heated grips, windscreen, tyres (tourance), Cant buy the original tyres anymore.. GPS, alloy chain slider thingie, 12volt socket, low seat, soft pannier frame, topbox, the list goes on .

p.p.s Funny I noticed on the MCN link they were running a google ad next to the article .. Yes guessed it .. BUY bennents bike insurance , we are the best .. I got a bit of a laugh there... !!