Insurance and mods
- Thread starter Ducati911
- Start date
Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on the insurance company. Depends on the nature of the modification. Some of them "officially" will not cover any modifications whatsoever, and if in good faith you report that you have made a modification and want it to be covered, the response from the insurance company may be to cancel your policy. Some of them are OK with minor cosmetic things but won't cover "show bikes" (whatever that is!) and most of them won't cover anything that has had "performance modifications" - but sometimes a slip-on muffler is OK, but a Power Commander (even if it's only to fix a driveability problem and not really adding any power!) is not OK. Aftermarket supercharger ... forget it. OEM supercharger ... no problem!
Rightly or wrongly, "don't ask, don't tell" is common. Just don't expect the insurance company to pay for your modifications if there is a claim. It also means that it's probably not a good idea to put a $20,000 paint job and carbon fiber bits on a bike that you are going to be riding every day unless you can afford to take your lumps if something happens.
Rightly or wrongly, "don't ask, don't tell" is common. Just don't expect the insurance company to pay for your modifications if there is a claim. It also means that it's probably not a good idea to put a $20,000 paint job and carbon fiber bits on a bike that you are going to be riding every day unless you can afford to take your lumps if something happens.
Hi Ducati911,
Most companies would not cover mods, especially mods that increase the power of the bike. Think of it like this, if its not Manufacturer supported then we cannot cover it. There may be however some cosmetic mods that may be covered, but that will definitely increase your premium. Different insurance companies have different guidelines, so best thing to do is to ask.
A lot depends on the claims adjuster in the event of a claim. Manufacturers and dealer after market add ons are generally ok as long as you can provide receipts.
What actually makes your vehicle handle and perform better isnt viewed in the same way by the insurance company.
Insurance brokers that specialize in motorcycles are best to consult. Direct writers and others not familiar are oblivious and let the language of the policy back them up when things don't work out. You signed and agreed to.......sorry.
Harley cruiser for example. Convert that 883 to a 1200. Happens all the time. Performance mod. Plenty of Chrome and aftermarket mods. Springs, air cleaner, etc.
Gets lifted.
You'll get a check for replacement value.
Wipe out and need repairs?
Wading into troubled waters.......some have no issue. Others met with disappointment.
That Busa with extended swing arm and turbo? Good luck with that.
What actually makes your vehicle handle and perform better isnt viewed in the same way by the insurance company.
Insurance brokers that specialize in motorcycles are best to consult. Direct writers and others not familiar are oblivious and let the language of the policy back them up when things don't work out. You signed and agreed to.......sorry.
Harley cruiser for example. Convert that 883 to a 1200. Happens all the time. Performance mod. Plenty of Chrome and aftermarket mods. Springs, air cleaner, etc.
Gets lifted.
You'll get a check for replacement value.
Wipe out and need repairs?
Wading into troubled waters.......some have no issue. Others met with disappointment.
That Busa with extended swing arm and turbo? Good luck with that.
Ye they would be covered. We would need a copy of your receipts, and add the total customization amount to the policy.
