SEAT SOUND RETROFIT & INSURANCE!

[Walone]

Hi, my car insurance is due for renewal in a few weeks time and the quote was reasonable, less than last year!
Anyway I decided to notify them of my 'recent' modifications as follows;-

'I contacted someone by phone on the 14th of November with regards to adding some recent modifications to my car insurance policy,
These are the modifications discussed;-

1. Front & rear Nextbase dashcams (hardwired), - accepted.
2. Larger Infotainment screen, was 6.5", changed to 8" as per later facelift design, - accepted.
3. Different style of alloy wheels, exactly the same diameter, width and ET distance as original wheels, made by VW, part number 5H0601025AF, - accepted.
4. Retrofitting of Seat Sound System - NOT ACCEPTED! ---- I'm a bit surprised by this decision as this was an OEM optional fitment when new, I think that maybe the information I provided may not have been fully understood, nothing is visible when fitted, which entails fitting a small speaker under the existing grille on top of the dashboard and a speaker mounted in the recess in the back of the space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.

I would be grateful if someone could review the decision on item 4 please!'

This is the reply I received this morning;-

'Upon referring the modifications to our underwriter's team , They have suggested the modification listed as Entertainment Screen: Upgraded to a larger screen. Alloy Wheels: Changed to a different style, but the same alloy and size. Dashcams: Installed both front and rear dashcams. as accepted

However the modification of Seat Sound System: Added a new sound system to the seats is a decline we would not be able to accept this modification , as advised earlier you are provided with 7 days to remove this modification to have your policy cover valid , if failed to do so unfortunately could result in policy cancellation.'

Wish I hadn't bothered to declare!

 

[H Rafiq]

I’d tell em I’ve removed it. You can remove it if you want to, or not. That’s up to you. You can probably guess what I’d do. I normally call my insurance company n say I’m considering x, y, z modification, and see if there’s a price change etc. Usually, there isn’t. But admin charges apply if done over the phone, so I just say thanks, I’ll do it online.

 

[Walone]

I’d tell em I’ve removed it. You can remove it if you want to, or not. That’s up to you. You can probably guess what I’d do. I normally call my insurance company n say I’m considering x, y, z modification, and see if there’s a price change etc. Usually, there isn’t. But admin charges apply if done over the phone, so I just say thanks, I’ll do it online.

Yes, I'm thinking along the same lines as you, although I'm going to phone a broker tomorrow to see what they can come up with.

 

[H Rafiq]

Have you tried the forum sponsors, Adrian Flux and/or Chris Knott?

 

[SRGTD]

@Walone - might be worth phoning them.

Looking at their response in relation to the Seat Sound System, it states ‘Added a new sound system to the seats is a decline’. To me, that suggests the underwriter making the decision not to provide cover has misinterpreted the modification - i.e. could they possibly (bizarrely) think you’ve installed some sort or sound system into your car’s seats .

I can‘t think of a reason why they‘d refuse to cover an upgraded audio system that’s available as a factory fitted option. What does your policy booklet state the cover is for audio (and similar) equipment? Normally, cover would be provided, but there may be either a higher excess or a lower limit applying, or both.

 

[Walone]

Have you tried the forum sponsors, Adrian Flux and/or Chris Knott?

Not yet, but maybe tomorrow.

 

[Walone]

@Walone - might be worth phoning them.

Looking at their response in relation to the Seat Sound System, it states ‘Added a new sound system to the seats is a decline’. To me, that suggests the underwriter making the decision not to provide cover has misinterpreted the modification - i.e. could they possibly (bizarrely) think you’ve installed some sort or sound system into your car’s seats .

I can‘t think of a reason why they‘d refuse to cover an upgraded audio system that’s available as a factory fitted option. What does your policy booklet state the cover is for audio (and similar) equipment? Normally, cover would be provided, but there may be either a higher excess or a lower limit applying, or both.

Yes, I noticed that and thought the same as you, even though I had pointed out to them where the new speakers are fitted.
I will phone them again tomorrow.

 

[ViperSlider]

That is surprising, especially as Insurance companies will usually happily insure aftermarket audio (and historically used to offer up to £1000 audio cover as standard) so to not cover a factory optional audio upgrade which is substantially cheaper than aftermarket items is bonkers.

Could you simplify the wording and just describe it as "Factory optional audio upgrade" without using the term "Seat Sound" or similar?