With having recently made a few, what I thought were minor, mods to my Bonneville and with my insurance renewal only about 2 weeks away, I thought I would inform my insurer (Hastings) of the changes and check a few other companies for renewal quotes. Bennetts - Would not offer insurance because I only had one years NCD...I'm 53 and been riding bikes since the 1980's, never made a claim but had a gap in my riding...so what is that about! Carol Nash - Spoke to some young chap who obviously knew FA about bikes, spent ages trying to tell him the modifications made (nothing special; indicators, tail tidy, mud guards, foot pegs, silencers, etc) then after quite some time he tells me that he will have to pass it on to a specialist team, and they would have to get back to me "hopefully by Wednesday, but if I hadn't heard anything to call them back". Really?! - I want better service than that if you want my money! Hastings Direct - Similar to Carol Nash, ages spent holding and trying to inform someone with no bike knowledge about modifications. Only to be then told that because I have after market silencers that they can no longer insure my bike, and I have 7 days to find another insurer. BikeSure - At last! Friendly, efficient and helpful staff. New (better) policy setup within minutes, and they were not fazed by any of the modifications. I'm sure many of you have possibly had similar experiences, I just thought I'd share mine.
I’ve been with Bennetts for a few years now. They always end up being the best value; not necessarily the cheapest but not far off, and they’re fine with many regular mods (end cans, mirrors, seats etc) I always have a search around at renewal time but Bennetts have come up trumps again.
When I had my insurance through Bennetts I noticed they had a long list of mods (screen, braided hoses, top box etc) which didn't even need declaring. Sadly they wanted £450 to insure me this year compared to Carole Nash was £130 even with a few minor mods declared (screen, sissy bar)
Yes, I found they make it pretty easy with mods. Unfortunately the prices were the other way around for me this year. Bennetts £220 FC for 2 bikes, CN wanted £920! Just goes to show what a complete lottery insurance is, and a complete ripoff!
I saw that Bennetts list braided hoses as a modification, which suprised me as brakes lines are supposed to be replaced every few years...so are you supposed to declare it if you replace brakes lines with anything but Triumph OEM. Then it starts to get silly...what about brake pads, spark plugs, etc they are all consumables
It annoys me that all too often on receiving a renewal quote, you can go online (or call) and get the same insurance from the same company for less money, usually substantially less...just trying to rip off those that don't check
I remember a few years ago some discussions about replacing consumables with non OEM parts, and insurance companies being a little fussy about it, with them refusing to pay out on a claim because aftermarket parts had been used and not declared. If I remember correctly, it ended up where it went to court and the insurance company was made to pay out because the parts used were approved for use (probably CE marked) and as such fit for purpose. After that ruling I believe that insurance companies became a little more lenient, though it’s always worth declaring any mods to cover yourself.
