colejl

Where do you stand insurance wise, do you declare the mods?

If you do insure it, I would be interested to know who with and what their attitude to mapping is (measured in ?s probably).
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DMS claim to have a 'no detect' indemnity. Therefore, how would the insurance company know?

In my experience most 'mainstream' insurers are quite negative to any changes... I've been refused cover by asking if I could increase wheel diameter and quite a stern answer that they would cancel my cover immediately! (Norwich Union)

pedrollo

[/quote]
DMS claim to have a 'no detect' indemnity. Therefore, how would the insurance company know?

In my experience most 'mainstream' insurers are quite negative to any changes... I've been refused cover by asking if I could increase wheel diameter and quite a stern answer that they would cancel my cover immediately! (Norwich Union)
[/quote]

When I first changed to Liverpool Victoria, I asked about wheels and they told me I could do anything up to Nitrous! When I phoned two years later to ask about tuning they had changed their tune (sic) somewhat so didn't bother in the end.

Have been able to find no recorded case of chipping being checked for as part of a claim but the tuners think it will only be a matter of time.

Loads of people have this mod it appears, keep us posted with consumption and reliability if you would.

red-max

I just renewed my insurance for ?695 with Zurich Premier. This wasn't the cheapest quote, but seemed the best deal (has very good cover in case of an accident, including replacement car etc). When I enquired about having the engine "chipped" I was told the increase the power would take the annual premium up to ?805. That's an increase of 16% which doens't seem unreasonable. The insurance broker told me that some other insurance companies won't touch "modified" cars at all, so that was another reason to go with this policy, since I am seriously thinking about getting an ECU remap (just can't decide which one to go with :-)

colejl

I just renewed my insurance for ?695 with Zurich Premier. This wasn't the cheapest quote, but seemed the best deal (has very good cover in case of an accident, including replacement car etc). When I enquired about having the engine "chipped" I was told the increase the power would take the annual premium up to ?805. That's an increase of 16% which doens't seem unreasonable. The insurance broker told me that some other insurance companies won't touch "modified" cars at all, so that was another reason to go with this policy, since I am seriously thinking about getting an ECU remap (just can't decide which one to go with :-)
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I understand the way insurance works but do you really think an ECU remap would make you any more likely to crash/claim?

BigGrey

Yes. At least at the beginning because of the enthusiasm...

red-max

Well hopefully not - In my mind I am trying to justify the extra power would actually make it safer to overtake. But insurance is generally higher for more powerful cars, and the DMS remap would allegedly provide my 530d with similar performance (though perhaps not delivery) to a standard 535d, so it's not unreasonable to pay more.

This thread has got me thinking about safety. Does anyone know if the 535d has bigger brakes than the 530d?

Those who've had DMS upgrades - any problems with standard brakes handling the extra work (assuming you drive faster)?

BigGrey

Here is your answer on why insurance companies should care about remaps...

colejl

Well hopefully not - In my mind I am trying to justify the extra power would actually make it safer to overtake. But insurance is generally higher for more powerful cars, and the DMS remap would allegedly provide my 530d with similar performance (though perhaps not delivery) to a standard 535d, so it's not unreasonable to pay more.

This thread has got me thinking about safety. Does anyone know if the 535d has bigger brakes than the 530d?

Those who've had DMS upgrades - any problems with standard brakes handling the extra work (assuming you drive faster)?
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The 535d does have bigger brakes (same as 545i).

...
Here is your answer on why insurance companies should care about remaps...
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Too many factors to consider - I'd like to see real-world statistics on this. I don't think people actually go any faster, just get there quicker! The safer overtaking argument is interesting!

Chris535D

Had mine done too, Marty.

Agree with everything you say - makes an awesome car just amazing.

colejl

But have you told your insurer? And what about the 19" wheels?