Change of a grill/bumper considered modification?

Slogan · 12 Jan 2010 at 06:45

Hello folks,

I was just seeking some help from motors (for the first time ever..). I'm not driving yet but I was wanting to know if changing the front bumper/grill on a VW Golf (MK5) would be considered a modification?

I much prefer the GTI-style bumper/grill compared to the bog standard one but a) I couldn't afford a GTI and b) I couldn't afford the insurance on a GTI. I think it's also important to stress that I'll not be pretending it's a GTI or anything sad like that.

Personally I thought it would be considered a modification as it is 'different from the factory shipped car' but the options on insurance sites are limited to things like the following:

Complete bodykit
Front spoiler/Air dam
Rear roof spoiler
Rear spoiler/Aerofoil
Rear valance
Side skirts/Sill skirts

And I'm pretty sure I know what type of car they're on about there, i.e the ones that drive around continuously in Tesco and McDonalds' car parks, of a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

As it would have an impact on the car budget and insurance, I'd appreciate any knowledge on the topic. As I said, it's not mission critical at this stage but just a point of interest.

Thanks for any help.

needmorespeed · 12 Jan 2010 at 10:21

yes it will be a modification I fitted my Mondeo Ghia X with the Ford RSAP kit and had to declare it

Slogan · 12 Jan 2010 at 13:24

Are they likely to assess the modification in its context or assume it's a 7ft spoiler hanging off the roof?

Thanks.

Dup · 12 Jan 2010 at 13:30

Slogan said:
Are they likely to assess the modification in its context or assume it's a 7ft spoiler hanging off the roof?

Thanks.

Stop messing about on websites and pick up the phone. Insurance companies are very mod savvy these days considering it's a huge industry. Most companies only add cost where power is increased only, but you probably won't get the same bumper in a repair or the equivalent value during a claim.

Most mainstream companies liek churchill etc expect you to be 25+ before any kind of mod is considered however companies like Greenlight, Noel Dazely, Chris Knott and Adrian Flux are more relaxed about mods.

Slogan · 12 Jan 2010 at 13:34

Cheers, Dup. I would have phoned but I don't want the hassle of fending/explaining off offers for insurance on a car, I haven't yet bought.

-Ad- · 12 Jan 2010 at 13:47

Call them up and scroll down the first page on motors to my 'spec me mod friendly insurer' thread.

I have been doing the same thing, and when they ask about the Reg plate, just tell them you are viewing cars at the moment and will be buying shortly. Not 1 company has had a problem with that.