INSURANCE A MUST KNOW

[reddog Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close reddog]

Insurance :twisted: unfortunately its is a common complaint that insurance company coverage is void because of a body lift or the car being on an ungazetted road. I am trying to find the right insurance company for myself but i am a bit stuck as there are so many things to look out for. Unfortunately some insurance companies see a modified 4WD as a risk which places us 4WD enthusyists in the same catagory as those high powered imports you see in a Mcdonalds car park.
This is a guid only and not a comprehensive list

So what items are classed as an accessory.
ACCESSORIES

Bullbars/Nudge bars
Spotlights
Snorkel
Sunroof
Stereo
Water tanks
Auxiliary fuel tanks
RTC steering
DVD player (hardwired)
UHF radio (hardwired)
Aerials
Side steps
Rear bars
Tow bar
Winch
Drawer systems
Cargo barrier
Roof console
Mag wheels
Onboard shower
Onboard compressor/pump

GREY AREAS (INSURANCE DEPENDENT)

Headers
Sports exhaust
Suspension lift
LPG conversion
Tyres
Window tint
Sport seats
Flares
Hi-jack lift (mounted)

MAKE SURE YOU LIST EVERYTHING, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON. IF ITS NOT LISTED ON THE POLICY THEY DONT HAVE TO REPLACE IT.

SO WHATS A MOD

MODIFICATION

Body lifts
Mechanical diff locks
Air lockers (GREY AREA)
Trailing arms
Steering changes, spacers, drag links, stabilisers
Solid axle swap
Engine swap
Twin transfer case
Beadlocks

MAKE SURE YOU KEEP RECIPTS FOR EVERYTHING. AND TO BE HONEST.
IF THE PERSON YOU ARE SPEAKING TO DOSENT KNOW TELL THEM TO GET SOMEONE THAT DOES.

[Fungi2003 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fungi2003]

So far I have only added the dual battery system onto my policy which was fairly easy to do. The lady I spoke to wasn't knowledgeable in the 4WD scene but ended up understanding what it was all about. I'm insured with NRMA.

[prado4x4 Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado4x4]

It depends on your state and insurer as well.

Over here in the west, Western QBE seems to actually want 4WD business.

My 79 series is covered with them, with all mods and accessories listed (from lockers, to suspension, taller tyres, canopy, hf radio, etc, etc). Other companies wern't interested due to the number/cost of all the extras or had rules like the gazetted rd one I didn't like.

There 4WD cover is for anywhere you're legally allowed to be. (ie: It doesn't have to be a gazetted rd, like the beach, but I do have to be allowed in the location legally - fair enough by me).

As for claims, I had my previous prado with them as well. Doing some of the hill climbs in Harvey, I slid backwards down a very muddy climb, into the gully wall/bank. Not serious damage, but a rear bumper, flare, tail-light, etc. Got home, called the claims dept, told them what happened, where I was, what I was doing, etc. No dramas, gave me a claim number, told me the local registered repairers, and to go visit them and pick one. Too easy.

Shop around and you should be able to find a company that suits you.

PS: I do agree with making sure you disclose everything though.

John

[Jacto Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jacto]

I have just re-insured my Prado through DGA insurance brokers with a policy called Australian 4WD Insurance. They will insure your vehicle with any modification or accessory and anywhere in OZ doesn't matter if it is gazzetted or not, Wording is "Please note vehicle is covered for full off road and on road cover anywhere in Australia there is no restriction to this cover"

I listed around 12.5K of extras on the policy and to top it off they were $200 cheaper than my previous insurer NRMA, there are also other included things on the policy such as camping gear for up to 2K. It is cheaper if you have nominated drivers and their basic excess was also cheaper than NRMA.

[mjforder Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mjforder]

Jacto - ditto. I came across them when i went looking for a 2" lift. My existing insurer did not want to know me (they had a rule that if it was above 1.2" then no cover).

DGA are great. Funny thing is/was - the underwriter is the same company as i was with previously. go figure.

Just told them about my new shoes getting fitted in the next hr!!

[mav Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close mav]

I have just re-insured my Prado through DGA insurance brokers with a policy called Australian 4WD Insurance. They will insure your vehicle with any modification or accessory and anywhere in OZ doesn't matter if it is gazzetted or not, Wording is "Please note vehicle is covered for full off road and on road cover anywhere in Australia there is no restriction to this cover"

I listed around 12.5K of extras on the policy and to top it off they were $200 cheaper than my previous insurer NRMA, there are also other included things on the policy such as camping gear for up to 2K. It is cheaper if you have nominated drivers and their basic excess was also cheaper than NRMA.

Hey Jacto, can you pm me what the policy cost cause I am looking at finding a better option than what I am currently on.

On the topic of lift kits etc and insurance cn anyone tell me what the RTA regs are on lift kits cause my current policy says a lift kit is okay provided it meets RTA regs.

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

AFAIK most insurance mobs have been cutting each others throats and doing whatever just to get new clients in their grasp of late. Shop around you might be surprised.

[Crammy Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Crammy]

There's a good article on this in the current issue of 4wd Monthly... Is this where you got your info reddog? It's a good read and makes you think about stuff you wouldn't normally be aware of.