Hi, quick question, I have read numerous times recentley people mentioning declaring mods on their kit cars, now when I signed up to my insurance with Adrian flux they said it isn't possible because there isn't a standard model to go from which I thought made sense.

What is actually considered as a modification and should certain things actually be declared on a kit? I can't see how it's possible?

I'd class things like an engine change or turbo/super charging to be a declarable modification. Other than that, the lack of standard reference model and the fact the insurer doesn't inspect the car when issuing the policy, I can't see there's much to declare.

Change of engine I suppose and any major chassis change like changing a 3 wheeler to 4. Oh and colour change

Can't see what else you could tell them. Suppose it depends on the exact details they have and what's insured.

The addition of a high value item like for instance split rim alloy wheels would need a mention.
Sureterm had to phone me back when i mentioned my wheel & tyre combination would be in excess of £1500 to replace as they had to check with their underwriters.

Also adding a Turbo or Supercharger would need mentioning, Better to be safe than sorry....

It all depends on what it's registered as and therefore what details they hold.

Do they not ask you for specifics on the build, on a separate form? Not insured my kit with them, but I I is my modified Land Rover Defender 90 had a specialist form to declare any modifications from "standard" - or more precisely how it left the factory.

Suppose that's the difficulty of not having an "off-the-shelf" car!

I built it to my specification so everything is standard as everything is bespoke!

The only exceptions would be a complete kit, something like a Caterham for example.

Whatever you do, give them a run down of your vehicle and IN WRITING.
Detail the components of the build, in a letter.
Then they cant come back on you and say you didnt tell them.

They will try any ploy not to pay out in the event of a claim.

So PUT IT IN WRITING.

Just my 2d's worth.

Right so it's worth ringing up and declaring my dry sump then do you think?

My renewal is due in about 3 months so next time I will send of off a breakdown of my car in writing

I declared my switch from single carb to twin 40s. Flux asked me what I expected as a power increase. I guessed an answer and they said 'OK, no additional premium'

How do they know it was single carb to begin with though? Never have I been asked for a complete run down of the car

I would have assumed that most kitcars would be insured with agreed values and as such would have had to submit details and photos of the specification for evidence?
Thats certainly what I had to do when ensuring my old track car as a 'classic' with an agreed value.
I would hate to think of the arguments you could get into with insurers if you had to make a claim on kitcar, its hard enough to argue the real world value of regular cars.

If they would be able to show that the car has been modified from what you told them when you took out insurance, then I would tell them. E.g., different engine or power output, etc.

Otherwise there's obviously no point as they couldn't possibly know about the change.