Alterations Could Render Your Vehicle Uninsured
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday September 23, 2000
The Motor Traders' Association of NSW (MTA) warns motorists to think about insurance when they fit accessories or otherwise upgrade their motor vehicles.
In the case of an accident or theft, insurance companies may not cover accessories and added extras that are fitted to your car unless they are itemised on your insurance policy. Major insurance companies have refused the replacement of bullbars, low profile tyres, protective paint coating and roof racks, simply because these accessories were not itemised on their insurance policy, In the case of a new vehicle that is fitted with an air conditioner which is not standard or a sound system that is not original equipment on the vehicle, these items may not be insured unless they are reported to the insurance company and duly itemised on the insurance policy. Forget the six-stacker CD unit if it is stolen from your car unless it is standard equipment or added to your insurance policy. For the last 20 years many insurance companies have paid out on accessories and additional extras fitted to insured vehicles without insisting that extras be notified. However, repairers are now reporting that insurers are now refusing to replace damaged `add ons` unless they are noted on the insurance policy. In once case MTA was informed of a major insurance company refusing to replace a bullbar on a forward control van. It would only pay for the fitment of a standard bumper bar simply because the bullbar was not noted on the insurance policy. It is not clear at this stage whether insurance companies will be increasing premiums to cover these additional items, so it would be wise to check with your insurer and secure an answer in writing as to what is covered and what is not. In the absence of specific cover your insured motor vehicle, it seems, is only covered for factory fitted items and any alterations could render your car uninsured or only partly covered. A number of MTA's Body Repair Division members have reported the number of claims refused due to the `small print` on the policy has increased dramatically over the past few months. So it would be prudent to immediately check your vehicle and report any changes made to your vehicle since it left the manufacturer's factory. More importantly, have them added to your policy immediately.
In this way you will have peace of mind if you have the misfortune of being involved in an accident or have your motor vehicle broken into, you are fully covered and not out of pocket when having it restored to its original condition.
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald
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