What do insurers define as being a modification? and is there a difference between what 'high street' insurers and proper mod insurers define a modification as?

For example would i have to declare a set of brake pads that are non OE but have the name Mintex etc on them? Would it make any difference if they are cheaper than OE pads?

What about tyres? Interior bulbs? The list goes on and on.

Technically anything which isn't a standard fit on the car is a modification. This includes factory fitted options, such as leather trim.

I'm guessing that if you asked insurers they would insist that you declared everything that wasn't standard, but in practice, the line is drawn with more common sense.

Thanks for the reply Andrew, what you say does make a lot of sence, but who deems what common sence is?

Using the brake pads as an example again, if a pad is badged up as Mintex etc, does that fall under the common sence rule? What happens if they Pagids?

Its such a gray area!

Hi mate, iro of brake pads you will probably find that they wont load your premium - tell the broker/insurer that you are intending to replace your worn out pads with whichever brand you choose and tell them that they are designed and manufactured for the coupe and that you have no other mods (if thats true). They shouldnt load or refuse insurance (some can be funny but generally you should be ok).
They really start to sweat if you replace the whole set up with brakes etc from another car, those not originally designed for yours - again I use the word 'should' as all are different.
Let us know what they say.

Ps, as AndrewR rightly says, any modification should be reported to the insurer - they will use their common sense too, just protect yourself by declaring everything. You might save a few quid on a premium by not declaring something but when it all goes wrong and you need to claim they will discover these things and effectively tell you where to go!

An old acquantence had a merc £30k worth, modified wheels, suspension, kit - didnt declare anything and also didnt declare a drink drive conviction. The car was stolen with the keys in the ignition (eejit) while he dropped off some documents to a client. He got caught out on all counts and they refused to pay him - dont know the final outcome but I doubt they paid.

I just stipulated that I use uprated discs and pads, so I presume that means I can use any make. My premium was unaffected.