Mods and insurance

Jimsun

Jimsun

Well-known member
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Hey guys.
I have a 74 cb 550 full stock. Im planning on doing some mods. What would be considered a big nono for insurance companies?

Im aware that intake, exhaust and steering cant be changed without their consent or you won't be covered.

Or is what i know wrong and insurance companies are okay with this.
 
Intake and exhaust are usually ok but even then many companies have told me it's a grey area. Unless you're talking about super or turbo charging. Those are both huge no-nos. I know SF told me changing intake and exhaust was fine but the PowerCommander that would be required to tune it properly (and practically required on most new bikes to get them running efficiently from what I've read) would not be allowed. Probably not a problem for you since you'd be carbed.

For lowering I've had 3 companies tell me they wouldn't cover it but said other suspension mods were fine. Changing bars is not a problem at all if that's what you mean by steering.

Strangely a lot of companies seem to have something about "significantly altered appearance or body shape" but then told me removing the fairings was fine so I'm not sure what that is supposed to cover.

This should probably be in the insurance section.
 
unL33T said:
Intake and exhaust are usually ok but even then many companies have told me it's a grey area. Unless you're talking about super or turbo charging. Those are both huge no-nos. I know SF told me changing intake and exhaust was fine but the PowerCommander that would be required to tune it properly (and practically required on most new bikes to get them running efficiently from what I've read) would not be allowed. Probably not a problem for you since you'd be carbed.

For lowering I've had 3 companies tell me they wouldn't cover it but said other suspension mods were fine. Changing bars is not a problem at all if that's what you mean by steering.

Strangely a lot of companies seem to have something about "significantly altered appearance or body shape" but then told me removing the fairings was fine so I'm not sure what that is supposed to cover.

This should probably be in the insurance section.
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ahh i see thank you.
Im interested in modernizing the tails, signals, handle bars (superbike), electrical (rewiring).
 
Jimsun said:
ahh i see thank you.
Im interested in modernizing the tails, signals, handle bars (superbike), electrical (rewiring).
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What do you mean by modernizing the tails? A tail swap might be ok but I'd double check. As long as your signals meet the proper standards those mods sound fine to me.
 
unL33T said:
What do you mean by modernizing the tails? A tail swap might be ok but I'd double check. As long as your signals meet the proper standards those mods sound fine to me.
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well i want to delete my rear signal and mod the stock tail to have built in signals. The cb 550 tails are big enough for built in signals. Or get 2 tails that acts as a brake light and mod it to work as signal indicators as well

Thanks for the speedy response
 
Oh I see. Yeah they shouldn't have much of a problem with you fiddling with the rear lights as long as they're still decently visible. I'd make sure they are very bright, for your own safety.

I always think it's a good idea to check with insurance first but my broker for Wawanesa insurance called me annoying because I asked too many questions. On the other hand even though I'm not insured by StateFarm at all any more Katherine MacMillan (think that's her name, anyway, although I believe she changed it recently) who works for them will happily answer all my questions and chat about random stuff so I guess it depends on the company for what kind of customer service you'll get.
 
unL33T said:
Oh I see. Yeah they shouldn't have much of a problem with you fiddling with the rear lights as long as they're still decently visible. I'd make sure they are very bright, for your own safety.

I always think it's a good idea to check with insurance first but my broker for Wawanesa insurance called me annoying because I asked too many questions. On the other hand even though I'm not insured by StateFarm at all any more Katherine MacMillan (think that's her name, anyway, although I believe she changed it recently) who works for them will happily answer all my questions and chat about random stuff so I guess it depends on the company for what kind of customer service you'll get.
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Thanks. Ill make sure to bug the insurance company come time i start. Thanks again for the speedy response. I appreciate the time. Thank you
 
Jimsun said:
Thanks. Ill make sure to bug the insurance company come time i start.
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I wouldn't tell them anything if I was you, they less they know the better. Your alterations are mostly cosmetic and doesn't affect safety. They don't care about the little things, just say your bike is stock if asked.
 
RetroGrouch said:
I wouldn't tell them anything if I was you, they less they know the better. Your alterations are mostly cosmetic and doesn't affect safety. They don't care about the little things, just say your bike is stock if asked.
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wouldnt i be putting my coverage in jeopardy by pulling such move?
 
Jimsun said:
wouldnt i be putting my coverage in jeopardy by pulling such move?
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Not really due to the mods you mentioned. They won't care. I just suggested it because you seem really paranoid about it.
 
u pay the premium. something happens. adjuster assess the situation. the chick in the office never sees the bike u insured. maybe on the initial sign up, after that its just your adjuster that u have to justify the amount with. keep a log of all expenses.

secondly ride safe and keep ur bike in a safer place, no issues
 
CafeRay said:
..and there is really no reason to get comp and collision, so that won't change anything anyway.
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So no reason getting fire/theft and vandalism on a 70s bike because its old and cranky?
Although this bike may not look sporty like the 250/300 starter bikes, Im sure this old geeser can still keep up with these 250/300s. Unless u dont care about your machine, there reallyis no point.
well thatd how i see it
 
unL33T said:
Not really due to the mods you mentioned. They won't care. I just suggested it because you seem really paranoid about it.
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I know a few people from work whose friends insurance didnt cover them because of unstated mod such as exhaust, intake and being lowered.

I just dont want it to happen comw the time i need it. Youknow what i mean?
 
Jimsun said:
I know a few people from work whose friends insurance didnt cover them because of unstated mod such as exhaust, intake and being lowered.

I just dont want it to happen comw the time i need it. Youknow what i mean?
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then tell your insurance provider everything you are going to do to the bike.
 
Jimsun said:
I know a few people from work whose friends insurance didnt cover them because of unstated mod such as exhaust, intake and being lowered.

I just dont want it to happen comw the time i need it. Youknow what i mean?
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Those mods are all different than just fiddling with the lights a little.
 
Jimsun said:
So no reason getting fire/theft and vandalism on a 70s bike because its old and cranky?
Although this bike may not look sporty like the 250/300 starter bikes, Im sure this old geeser can still keep up with these 250/300s. Unless u dont care about your machine, there reallyis no point.
well thatd how i see it
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It has no matter how much you value your bike. If you have theft on a bike that insurance thinks is worth $500 (just an example, I have no idea what your bike is worth) then that's all you're going to get for it. The extra annual cost may not be worth while.
 
RetroGrouch said:
Not sure if you have the right "devil may care" attitude with vintage bike ownership. Perhaps something newer would be up your alley?
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No no, just trying to argue my case and also see how epople approach mods and insurance.
unL33T said:
It has no matter how much you value your bike. If you have theft on a bike that insurance thinks is worth $500 (just an example, I have no idea what your bike is worth) then that's all you're going to get for it. The extra annual cost may not be worth while.
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Yea, I get your point. I'll consider this when the time comes.
unL33T said:
Those mods are all different than just fiddling with the lights a little.
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I see
Thanks guys
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