Mod-Friendly Insurance?

[JohnyGT]

Ok, time for my insurance renewal is near, though they are offering $15 less per month this time, im looking for a mod-friendly insurance company(itd be great if low in rate too) for peace of mind… can anyone recommend one and the amount per month if that’s cool?
Thanks

[mazdabetty]

bel air allows up to $1000 in mods or something close to that, without raising premiums.

[JashiK]

bel air allows up to $1000 in mods or something close to that, without raising premiums.

I think that's cosmetic and audio mods... usually not the case for performance mods.

[JohnyGT]

I think that's cosmetic and audio mods... usually not the case for performance mods.

Does that cosmetic apply to body kits as well?

[jonjon72]

I moved over to Belair from the Personnel (not mod friendly). Advised them that I was planning on lowering the vehicle and some other mods and they were ok with it. Ended saving $600 a year, getting better coverage and no deductible.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I loooove Bel Air. ^^ Same story with me

[mazdabetty]

I think that's cosmetic and audio mods... usually not the case for performance mods.

I dunno, I think I remember a rep telling me it was for performance. Cuz I called to find out if I needed to claim my tints/tail lights etc and he said no... I could be wrong tho but if it's not for cosmetic things like that then what else is it for?

[JohnyGT]

Guess ill have to check with both companies about the current mods ive done :) Thanks!

[jonjon72]

I dunno, I think I remember a rep telling me it was for performance. Cuz I called to find out if I needed to claim my tints/tail lights etc and he said no... I could be wrong tho but if it's not for cosmetic things like that then what else is it for?

Thats correct. They had asked if I planned any performance modifications such as a turbo or nitrous. Told them a CAI or muffler down the road and they said no problem.

[JohnyGT]

Thats correct. They had asked if I planned any performance modifications such as a turbo or nitrous. Told them a CAI or muffler down the road and they said no problem.

Great info, Jon! Thanks, so are you with personnel now then?

[jonjon72]

Great info, Jon! Thanks, so are you with personnel now then?


Nope, With Belair. . Even tell them you have winter tires and they'll reduce your rate further. Plus I get AeroPlan points! woo hoo

Thanks Mazda betty.....made the edit!

[mazdabetty]

^ u mean ur with bel air right?

And yah winter tires saves ya some $$ too... as does an alarm! (I was hoping tints would count as a security feature too but no luck with that one :chuckle)

[JashiK]

Johny double check with the belair agent. By the sounds of it from other members it seems they allow mods . . .

[Aitch]

BelAir offers Aeroplan, AND is mod friendly? Time to check them out when mine is up for renewal!

[mazdabetty]

LOL... so many threads are turning pro bel air... you'd think we get paid for this :chuckle

We should get a discount for recruiting hahahha

[JashiK]

ash they payin' u with Reese's?

[yearoftherat]

I've been with Belair for almost 3 yrs with my car and tenants insurance and have no complaints so far. But like with any insurance company your age and driving record dictate your rates.

[Broxn]

Sooooo calling BelAir tomorrow!
Thanks fellas!

[condor888000]

BelAir offers Aeroplan, AND is mod friendly? Time to check them out when mine is up for renewal!

I've heard both yes and no. Sometimes they seem ok with mods, sometime they seem like they hate them.

[aris]

All i got to say is make sure it's in writing what mods you have done and it's in your policy..just cause one person in the insurance says it's ok doesn't mean that you can't get screwed.


Years ago my broker asked my if their was any mods done to my truck and i told him that it was lowered etc and he said ok..so i assumed that they it was in my policy well 4 years later i had my truck appreasied cause i had way to much money invested in it to only get black book value for something that i paid $28,000 plus another at least $10,000 grand in mods and the truck was 7 years old..as soon as the new guy seen the pic of the truck he said that the company would probaly cancel my policy and that i would have to go to facilty insurance..i told him that it was writing down that it was lowered..so he went back throw the paper work when i signed up with them and it was not marked down..few days later i got a registered letter in mail saying i have 15 days to find new insurance:flaming

[midnightfxgt]

Nordique is the only company I have found that will insure any and all mods. You will need an appraisal, and go from there. Mine will be close to $180/month :(

-John

[MAZDA Kitten]

LOL... so many threads are turning pro bel air... you'd think we get paid for this :chuckle

We should get a discount for recruiting hahahha

LOL
Exactly... I've also recommended them to a lot of my co-workers who have made the switch too

[JSI]

All i got to say is make sure it's in writing what mods you have done and it's in your policy..just cause one person in the insurance says it's ok doesn't mean that you can't get screwed.


This is more important than most people think. How many people actually have it in their policy? Yeah I know :blah I called and they said it was cool doesn't me jack when it comes time to make a claim.

I'm very curious to know how many people can really say that belair or any policy actualy says in it that they are covered with their mods.

Jeremy

[jonjon72]

True, but you have to remember that since Belair Direct doesn't have a brick and mortar site, all of their dealings are done over the phone. Like all modern call centres especially those that confirm data over the phone, it must all be retained. These recordings are kept for audit and training purposes.

Customers can ask to hear the call if needed. Especially if there is a potential legal or liabilites issue.

[leungly]

Seeing how there is a lot of good feedback with Bel-Air, I was wondering if anyone has TD Meloche Monnex and has any modifications covered under their policy? I did a quick search and one user said they canceled their policy for a sunfire due to too many modifications.

[mazda_gurl]

Im with Meloche Monnex. I enquired about modifications and they basically said you that some are okay, but to be sure, I would have to take a picture of my car and send it in for an estimate on coverage and how much my rates would increase.

Pretty dumb if you ask me. Told the guy too - thats bait? You cant give me a quote over the phone with the mods I am thinking about putting on. You want me to do it, then send a pic in so you can jack up my rates or cancel me LOL.....

[She_Prime]

Nordique is the only company I have found that will insure any and all mods. You will need an appraisal, and go from there. Mine will be close to $180/month :(

-John

Nordique and Bel Air are the same company pretty much.

My insurance slips from BelAir say BelAir division of Nordique... or something like that

[Aitch]

I'm actually not too concerned about insurance covering damage to specific modifications. The big thing would be peace of mind if I get in an accident, that they don't see mods and decide deny all damage claims because the car is not stock. For example, I get rear ended but they refuse to cover damages because the car is lowered.

Apart from that, as long as they cover theft of parts (for me, rims and audio stuff) that's all that would matter.

[JashiK]

but remember that some insurance companies can still void coverage even if your claim is unrelated to your mods because your car is modified and was not disclosed.
they'll just void you for non-disclosure.

[JashiK]

Im with Meloche Monnex. I enquired about modifications and they basically said you that some are okay, but to be sure, I would have to take a picture of my car and send it in for an estimate on coverage and how much my rates would increase.

Pretty dumb if you ask me. Told the guy too - thats bait? You cant give me a quote over the phone with the mods I am thinking about putting on. You want me to do it, then send a pic in so you can jack up my rates or cancel me LOL.....

that's so they have pictures of your mods and then you'll get a nice registered letter stating they're gonna void your insurance if you don't remove mods within a certain amount of days. lol

[JashiK]

Nordique and Bel Air are the same company pretty much.

My insurance slips from BelAir say BelAir division of Nordique... or something like that

I always thought BelAir got bought out by ING. Meh I have no idea...

[She_Prime]

I always thought BelAir got bought out by ING. Meh I have no idea...

Nope, but I was wrong too.

It's Nordic Insurance... not Nordique (that BelAir is affiliated with)

[Aitch]

but remember that some insurance companies can still void coverage even if your claim is unrelated to your mods because your car is modified and was not disclosed.
they'll just void you for non-disclosure.

Exactly, that's why I'm interested in an insurance company that will insure you while modded, without jacking up the rates excessively. I don't care too much about extra coverage for my mods, just that I can tell the company and if the car gets in an accident, they can't void the coverage due to non-disclosure.

[JashiK]

Might wanna try Nordique as Midnight advised they cover modded vehicles and give Belair a try since everyone is saying they're covering modded vehicles.
Let us know how it goes~

[JohnyGT]

Then here's another question to ask, im currently with TD,

and my renewal is in next week, but i remember i paid 2 payments when i started with TD for as security deposit. Would they just return it without any trouble? or is there a sorta hidden policies they refer to and not give you back the money right away? If there is, how do i get it back right away?

[jonjon72]

If you cancel after they renew your policy, they have been known to hit you with a cancellation fee. However since you did give a couple of months security deposit, you shoud get some money back.

The Personel tried to hit me with a $250 fee for cancelling 3 months into a new contract. Mentioned that I plan to lower my car at the end of the month and since they don't cover modified cars, they had no choice but to cancel my policy. I didn't have to pay the fee. Worked perfectly since Belair contacted the Personel to get some info and transer of coverage.

[JohnyGT]

Just called them up, i will have to pay $5 less than TD, and they have

better coverage, and allows car mods ive been done.

Definitely switching to Belair!

[sp3GT]

It seems like Bel-Air has the best price and is mod friendly, almost seems too good to be true to me. Has anyone ever had a claim with them?

Was is straightforward?

[aris]

but remember that some insurance companies can still void coverage even if your claim is unrelated to your mods because your car is modified and was not disclosed.
They'll just void you for non-disclosure.
+1


that's so they have pictures of your mods and then you'll get a nice registered letter stating they're gonna void your insurance if you don't remove mods within a certain amount of days. Lol

+1

[aris]

I see you being sarcastic on every thread...?

Read \/\/\/

All i got to say is make sure it's in writing what mods you have done and it's in your policy..just cause one person in the insurance says it's ok doesn't mean that you can't get screwed.


Years ago my broker asked my if their was any mods done to my truck and i told him that it was lowered etc and he said ok..so i assumed that they it was in my policy well 4 years later i had my truck appreasied cause i had way to much money invested in it to only get black book value for something that i paid $28,000 plus another at least $10,000 grand in mods and the truck was 7 years old..as soon as the new guy seen the pic of the truck he said that the company would probaly cancel my policy and that i would have to go to facilty insurance..i told him that it was writing down that it was lowered..so he went back throw the paper work when i signed up with them and it was not marked down..few days later i got a registered letter in mail saying i have 15 days to find new insurance:flaming

[She_Prime]

It seems like Bel-Air has the best price and is mod friendly, almost seems too good to be true to me. Has anyone ever had a claim with them?

Was is straightforward?

Go ask bunchi... he just had his window smashed in yesterday and is a BelAir client. Apparently he called them up and with his 0 deductible they gave him no issue. He took the car to MoT today and then to get the lone window tinted shortly thereafter.

Yay for BelAir pulling through for a TM3 member!

[jonjon72]

Go ask bunchi... he just had his window smashed in yesterday and is a BelAir client. Apparently he called them up and with his 0 deductible they gave him no issue. He took the car to MoT today and then to get the lone window tinted shortly thereafter.

Yay for BelAir pulling through for a TM3 member!

+1

I wouldn't be suprised if most TM3 members switched over to Bel Air eventually.

[aris]

+1

I wouldn't be suprised if most TM3 members switched over to Bel Air eventually.

Last year they gave me a good quote and this year they were more money for me.

[jonjon72]

Thats too bad.....insurance premiums went up this summer and alot of people got hit if their renewal came around the same time.

[mazdabetty]

Last year they gave me a good quote and this year they were more money for me this year

Did you have tickets or anything? Usually it goes down, no?

[S.F.W.]

thread cleaned. Boys, play nice!

[ShortBus]

Go ask bunchi... he just had his window smashed in yesterday and is a BelAir client. Apparently he called them up and with his 0 deductible they gave him no issue. He took the car to MoT today and then to get the lone window tinted shortly thereafter.

Yay for BelAir pulling through for a TM3 member!

but a broken window and an accident claim are not the same thing.

[GTS]

I noticed there's a lot praise for Bel-Air in this thread....

So long as your record stays clean and you have no collision claims, Bel-Air will offer one of the lowest rates out there. But there's a trade off with buying lower priced insurance.

Most property policies that I've come across with Bel-Air are grossly underinsured (meaning the customer has not bought enough insurance to cover their home/condo). The reason? Well, Bel-Air works out of a call center rather than using a broker. A person at a call center will never visit your home to properly assess the value of your house whereas a broker would.

That's just one example of one trade-off.

Most insurance companies will offer mod-friendly insurance so long as there's supporting business (meaning more than one policy). In addition, if you place more than one policy with a company, you're entitled to more discounts. That might not matter much now if you're single with only one car. But when you have a family with multiple policies - you will see Bel-Air rejecting the drivers in your family with less than stellar records, or even go as far and raising premiums to high amounts just to get you switch.

[optiklenz13]

^is this Sam by any chance? LOL.

[GTS]

but a broken window and an accident claim are not the same thing.

Correct. Broken window falls under comprehensive claim. Accidents are usually 'collision' claims.

A comprehensive claim won't affect your premium whereas a collision claim does.

Because companies like Bel-Air compete in price ONLY, your premium will stay relatively low if you have no accidents/tickets/claims. But once you do....well...you know how you hear about people 'getting screwed over by insurance?' You'll become one of them. Not because you're actually getting screwed, but more because that's how the company handles claims and adjust premiums.

[GTS]

^is this Sam by any chance? LOL.

You know it :)

[optiklenz13]

You know it :)

wooott!! bud, i need to call you sometime.. pm me your number... :)

[JashiK]

Did you have tickets or anything? Usually it goes down, no?

not necessarily... a few factors can affect insurance even if you have a absolute perfect record.
i.e. Company X checks stats to see number of accidents within your territory code from policy holders of company X. If there are a lot or claims, then premiums for that territory code goes up as people in that territory pose a higher risk.

i.e. Company X changes their business plan and is targeting to insure certain types of drivers such as over 40 with a certain record, they may increase everyones premiums.

There are many reasons why certain insurance companies may have such huge rate differences.
Try getting a rate with Grey Power, they don't target young drivers, so you'll get really high rates.
Try insuring with RBC Insurance if you live in Toronto, the rates are crazy high because they're not looking to insure people in Toronto, but Brampton, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, other burbs out of Toronto have fairly competitive rates.

[aris]

Did you have tickets or anything? Usually it goes down, no?

I do have one ticket on my record for 43 over the limit..but that ticket in decmeber will be off my record so i don't got any new tickets

[bunchi]

My window was replaced at no cost (zero deductible), covered by Belair. Initially told me to go somewhere else to get the windows fixed but I said I wanted to go to MoT, they checked and MoT is ok with them, so now I have 4 windows again :) It just took time for them to send the work order because we faxed the parts needed for the repair to them a couple of times and it seems the fax just kept going to the wrong person, the person I was talking to andwaiting for it didn't get it. Once she got it everything was smooth sailing.

Yes this claim is different from a collision claim. You guys are right what happened to me is part of the comprehensive insurance.

I've been with Belair for 3-4 yrs now and I have been shopping for lower rates every year when it's almost time for renewal. I'm still with Belair until now.

[aris]

My window was replaced at no cost (zero deductible), covered by Belair. Initially told me to go somewhere else to get the windows fixed but I said I wanted to go to MoT, they checked and MoT is ok with them, so now I have 4 windows again :) It just took time for them to send the work order because we faxed the parts needed for the repair to them a couple of times and it seems the fax just kept going to the wrong person, the person I was talking to andwaiting for it didn't get it. Once she got it everything was smooth sailing.

Yes this claim is different from a collision claim. You guys are right what happened to me is part of the comprehensive insurance.

I've been with Belair for 3-4 yrs now and I have been shopping for lower rates every year when it's almost time for renewal. I'm still with Belair until now.

Are they still going to let you have $0 detcutable after this claim?

[bunchi]

Are they still going to let you have $0 detcutable after this claim?

my policy's not changing any of its terms... and I don't see a reason why they would take away the $0 deductible from me. I'm paying a bigger premium to have the $0 deductible, so that's what they want, right? I can have the $0 deductible taken out to lower my rates, but I'm not about to do that since their $0 deductible premium rates are still lower thanother insurance companies' rates with $500 or $1000 deductible. and if they do take it away, they have to let me know in advanced, because my rates should be lower if they do that.

[aris]

my policy's not changing any of its terms... and I don't see a reason why they would take away the $0 deductible from me. I'm paying a bigger premium to have the $0 deductible, so that's what they want, right? I can have the $0 deductible taken out to lower my rates, but I'm not about to do that since their $0 deductible premium rates are still lower thanother insurance companies' rates with $500 or $1000 deductible. and if they do take it away, they have to let me know in advanced, because my rates should be lower if they do that.

That's good that their not going to take your $0 deductible away from you....:)

[bunchi]

That's good that their not going to take your $0 deductible away from you....:)

it makes good business sense to them too :) customer pays more... what more can they ask for? lol and for us, less things to worry about in case something happens. :headbang

[bunchi]

not necessarily... a few factors can affect insurance even if you have a absolute perfect record.
i.e. Company X checks stats to see number of accidents within your territory code from policy holders of company X. If there are a lot or claims, then premiums for that territory code goes up as people in that territory pose a higher risk.

i.e. Company X changes their business plan and is targeting to insure certain types of drivers such as over 40 with a certain record, they may increase everyones premiums.

There are many reasons why certain insurance companies may have such huge rate differences.
Try getting a rate with Grey Power, they don't target young drivers, so you'll get really high rates.
Try insuring with RBC Insurance if you live in Toronto, the rates are crazy high because they're not looking to insure people in Toronto, but Brampton, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, other burbs out of Toronto have fairly competitive rates.

^ +1... drastic decrease in my auto insurance premiums when I moved from scarborough to markham :)

[GSXi]

I'm with Bel-Air (car + condo). They included 1-time accident forgiveness though, so I guess I'll have to crash twice to get screwed *touch wood* :)


Correct. Broken window falls under comprehensive claim. Accidents are usually 'collision' claims.

A comprehensive claim won't affect your premium whereas a collision claim does.

Because companies like Bel-Air compete in price ONLY, your premium will stay relatively low if you have no accidents/tickets/claims. But once you do....well...you know how you hear about people 'getting screwed over by insurance?' You'll become one of them. Not because you're actually getting screwed, but more because that's how the company handles claims and adjust premiums.

[Fuyuzora]

Disclaimer: Bit of a necro here... But this thread is 100% on-topic with what I was looking for and there's no sense in starting a new thread which will just duplicate content...

I'm fairly modest in terms of my modding aspirations... Would like to replace shocks+springs (super mild drop of about 1"), probably a MS3 exhaust and SS, and *maybe* a CAI. That's about it... no ECU tuning, headers, etc etc. I have a completely clean record (knock on wood), so hopefully I should have a bit of leniency when it comes to getting coverage...

While my "wish list" is short, I don't like to take risks, particularly with insurance, so I'd like to be able to find an insurance company (probably in the spring, April/May) which is comfortable with small degrees of modification given full disclosure on the subject.

Based upon posts in this thread, and what I've read elsewhere on TM3 and other forums, suggestions for mod-friendly insurance companies are:

- Belair direct (some say no, others have had luck with full disclosure)
- ING (same deal)

Can anyone identify any others? Or update with further information, or refute either of the two identified above?

I'll probably get an insurance broker, but it'd be great to have a better idea of where to start my search.

Cheers. :)

[stevenma188]

I think people have had good luck with RBC.