Exhaust back box change - need to declare to insurer?

[Garry1127]

Hello all,

I am in the future considering changing the back box on my Jaguar 5.0 XK from the standard twin exhaust to a quad exhaust, primarily for looks and sound but there could be a power increase of up to 20hp.

I think this means that I will need to declare it to my insurance company, has anyone done this? and what impact did this declaration have on their premium?

Thanks

[N6 JMX]

Hi Garry, a general rule of thumb is that an "add-on" accessory does not need to be declared to the Insurer, but a fixed modification does need to be declared, otherwise a claim can be rejected. This ventures into the realm of the "silly" when you consider the following:

Add a dashcam to your vehicle by simply sticking it to the windscreen and plugging the power lead into the power socket - an accessory.

Add a dashcam to your vehicle by fixing a permanent mount and hard wiring the power lead to a fuse box - a modification.

For the former version, no need to advise your insurer, for the latter, yes you need to tell them.

In your case, swapping out the back box, this is definitely considered a modification. The added ramification of making the vehicle "more desirable", or worse, adding additional horsepower, will make the insurer nervous to say the least and I would anticipate a premium hike, but be happily confused if they simply flagged it on without a premium increase.

Prepare for the worst and accept the best.

N6 JMX

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.

Yes, you would need to disclose this change to your insurer as a modification.

Regards,

Dan.