What no-one has yet been able to provide is PROOF of what is the definition of a modification, which is the whole point to this thread.

I buy a brand new car from Skoda.

Because it is the top-of-the-range model it has lots of "bits" fitted to it on the production line.

All have been subject to type approval.

Some are not even physical entities, but electrical.

So the last 3 writers are implying that the owner must list every single item listed in the brochure, over and above the base spec model. Utter rubbish!! It would not stand up in Court because it would be termed an "unfair terms and conditions" simply because in the majority of cases it would be almost impossible to do. (And I bet none of them have done that, either!!)

Yes if I fit additional lights ot different wheels then I will agree those have to be divulged. One of the reasons the Police in my area have so much fun with the "boy racer" Corsa's and Clio's.

They only thing I have told my insurance company about is the tow bar. That is all they wanted to know about. Everything else is STANDARD SPEC!!

+1 ... though of course I take a Stalinist approach to towbars and caravanners ... off to Siberia with them all!

What no-one has yet been able to provide is PROOF of what is the definition of a modification, which is the whole point to this thread.

I buy a brand new car from Skoda.

Because it is the top-of-the-range model it has lots of "bits" fitted to it on the production line.

All have been subject to type approval.

Some are not even physical entities, but electrical.

So the last 3 writers are implying that the owner must list every single item listed in the brochure, over and above the base spec model. Utter rubbish!! It would not stand up in Court because it would be termed an "unfair terms and conditions" simply because in the majority of cases it would be almost impossible to do. (And I bet none of them have done that, either!!)

Yes if I fit additional lights ot different wheels then I will agree those have to be divulged. One of the reasons the Police in my area have so much fun with the "boy racer" Corsa's and Clio's.

They only thing I have told my insurance company about is the tow bar. That is all they wanted to know about. Everything else is STANDARD SPEC!!

The insurance co will know what is standard on your Yeti SE which is why they ask for the year of manufacture as well as reg usually.

Anything above this spec which you add to the vehicle modifies the vehicle and their risk. Some insurers wont care as fitted at the factory, others will want every item listed and declared.

At best the insurer would only replace/payout for the car without any extras you have fitted. At worst they could claim you witheld this from them (especially if purchased from new) and void your insurance.

Most insurers clearly state what they class as mods, and need to be declared. So always best to assume everything needs declaring.

As for the original 4x4 button question, it could be this as a factory option isnt listed on the call handlers screen/system yet so they are treating as a mod which they havent approved. So I would get this escalated to a senior manager in their underwriters dept and get this in writing, or send them the brochure copy along with your proof of order.

What no-one has yet been able to provide is PROOF of what is the definition of a modification, which is the whole point to this thread.

I buy a brand new car from Skoda.

Because it is the top-of-the-range model it has lots of "bits" fitted to it on the production line.

All have been subject to type approval.

Some are not even physical entities, but electrical.

So the last 3 writers are implying that the owner must list every single item listed in the brochure, over and above the base spec model. Utter rubbish!! It would not stand up in Court because it would be termed an "unfair terms and conditions" simply because in the majority of cases it would be almost impossible to do. (And I bet none of them have done that, either!!)

Yes if I fit additional lights ot different wheels then I will agree those have to be divulged. One of the reasons the Police in my area have so much fun with the "boy racer" Corsa's and Clio's.

They only thing I have told my insurance company about is the tow bar. That is all they wanted to know about. Everything else is STANDARD SPEC!!

The issue is that each insurer may have a different definition. Direct Line's is as follows:-

"Modifications – any changes to your car’s standard specification, including optional extras. These include, but are not restricted to, changes to the appearance and/or the performance of your car (including wheels, suspension, bodywork and engine) and include changes made to your car by the previous owner(s).

If you do not tell us about any relevant modifications, we may:

• reject or reduce your claim;

• treat the policy as void (i.e. as though it has never existed)."

Thus any optional extras over the standard spec for your car should be declared to Direct Line - this is quite clear. Note that this is over the standard spec for your car not over the base spec, as you will have already declared what your car is when you insure it, so the insurer will know what is generally included. Remember that this thread was started as Direct Line have refused to ensure cars with optional Offroad buttons (there is no denying that this is daft), so insurers do take options into account when they provide insurance.

P.S. By the way, yes I always decalre all mods to insurers whether factory fit or after-market. Most of the time it makes no difference to the cost of the insurance.

I note from an advert in 'The Times' today (Monday, 9th May) that the Yeti is being advertised in a half page (almost!) advert mentioning, "if you get the urge to escape in search of more excitement, just press the Off-road button (or as we like to call it 'Adventure Button') on the Yeti 4x4."

So there you have it from the horse's mouth , Skoda, like to call it the 'Adventure Button!' Now I've been reading every single post on this Forum since I joined (and subsequently ordered the beast) and 'Adventure Button' is a new one on me!!

They never said anything about rubber tyres, or as I like to call them, "synthetic rotary transportation devices!"

(Edit - spelling error or maybe just dislexic fingers - I washed my hands this morning and cannot do a thing with them!)

But you'll have noticed that members have referred to "Yeti Adventures" as opposed to 'Meets' when talking about Yeti owners getting together for some fun.

The issue is that each insurer may have a different definition. Direct Line's is as follows:-

"Modifications – any changes to your car’s standard specification, including optional extras. These include, but are not restricted to, changes to the appearance and/or the performance of your car (including wheels, suspension, bodywork and engine) and include changes made to your car by the previous owner(s).

If you do not tell us about any relevant modifications, we may:

• reject or reduce your claim;

• treat the policy as void (i.e. as though it has never existed)."

Thus any optional extras over the standard spec for your car should be declared to Direct Line - this is quite clear. Note that this is over the standard spec for your car not over the base spec, as you will have already declared what your car is when you insure it, so the insurer will know what is generally included. Remember that this thread was started as Direct Line have refused to ensure cars with optional Offroad buttons (there is no denying that this is daft), so insurers do take options into account when they provide insurance.

P.S. By the way, yes I always decalre all mods to insurers whether factory fit or after-market. Most of the time it makes no difference to the cost of the insurance.

See the sentence in RED.

In that case, and relating to the OP, then DirectLine were incorrect, because the top-of-the-range Yeti has the "Off-Road" button as a standard item. Look at the brochure for the model.

All it goes to prove is that DL are useless!!

Plus it proves that I was correct in that if the brochure says it is a standard fitment then you don't need to tell them.

I have just spoken to Direct Line about my insurance, and as I plundered the extras list when I bought it, asked for clarification about declaring the options.

I was told that as the options are factory fitted at time of manufacture, they are NOT considered to be modifications and DO NOT have to be declared as such.

The person I spoke to sounded knowledgable and was very thorough going through all the policy details. He also reduced the premium by £30, so good result. :yes:

Hope this is of use to other people.

Andy

Pay peanuts, get monkeys! Most of the people you'll speak to at insurance brokers are sitting there reading from a script they don't understand, and terrified of making a mistake. If you're lucky you might get through to one with a brain and get a sensible decision!

Well done, Andy. Good news!

Bob, one of the reason I stick with LV= through the CSMA. They might not be the cheapest but they always provide a good service, are the only company that provide competition coverage up to National B events as standard, and actually seem to understand about cars.

I always tell the insurance companys the same thing.... If you want loyalty get a spanial!

Well done, Andy. Good news!

Bob, one of the reason I stick with LV= through the CSMA. They might not be the cheapest but they always provide a good service, are the only company that provide competition coverage up to National B events as standard, and actually seem to understand about cars.

Ah yes, the good old CSMA. My dad used to insure through them (and Norman Frizzell) when he worked for what was then the Post Office (and later BT) as a telephone engineer. I'm an insurance tart - look around for the best deal - for me it's the Co-op at the moment (which suits me also as a Co-op member).

Ah yes, the good old CSMA. My dad used to insure through them (and Norman Frizzell) when he worked for what was then the Post Office (and later BT) as a telephone engineer. I'm an insurance tart - look around for the best deal - for me it's the Co-op at the moment (which suits me also as a Co-op member).

And in my humble opinion DL suck! My wife was insured with them, and had an accident in Chamonix, France, some years ago. They were a nightmare to deal with over the 'phone, literally hours wasted being passed from pillar to post and refused to provide the services she knew she had paid for (like recovery of the vehicle to the UK). Eventually she paid all the bills herself by credit card, and when she got back to the UK set a solicitor on DL who eventually paid out in full about a year later (including legal costs).

Hi all,

Apologies for my lack of presence on this web site, however I would like to thank all those who have contributed on this posting as its has helped me decide on the action to take. I had not expected so many replies, but this proves that there is definitely something wrong in the way that Direct Line chooses how to insure individual vehicles. I have also decided not to pursue my query to contact Which magazine legal advice, as common sense dictates that I should now look seriously to get quotations from different insurance companies and insurance brokers.

So far I have contacted six different companies, two of which did not want to insure the new vehicle, for silly reasons (e.g. NFU for instance only want to ensure those who live in the country side, and Sky insurance does not want to insure those who do not have a driveway nor garage, and have to park on the street side). I am also not going to bother with Chris Knotts as they are too difficult to contact as their office / phone lines close too early in the evening. My preference amongst the companies that I have contacted are Skoda insurance and Adrian Flux Insurance services (who provided a decent quote for an Aviva insurance).

I have now more or less made my mind up and it looks like I shall be opting for the Adrian Flux quotation, even though I have found a better price by contacting One Quote Direct. When the new car arrives, I shall terminate my current vehicle insurance with Direct Line, as the old car is scheduled to be part exchanged for the new one. It will not be very long before I receive the new Yeti, as Skoda have called me this week to tell me that the vehicle is now built and awaiting shipment from Germany.

I will for the time being remain with Direct Line for my home insurance, as I do not wish to go through the process of yet changing a house insurance for another.

Again I would like to thank everyone for their contribution. If anyone wants to know more about the quotations that have been provided to me, I can provide this information, however I believe that this highly depends on individual profiles. Therefore providing the prices may not necessarily mean that another person could benefit from similar prices from insurance quotations. Furthermore, I have not been able to provide a registration number either, because I have not reached the stage when I can select a new registration number.

Many thanks to all.

Wouldnt it be less agro and avoid losing a years no claims by challenging Direct Line at a more senior level? Or are they uncompetitive if they were to cover the car?

It is true that loosing the no claims bonus is annoying, especially knowing that I probably have the maximum no claims bonus available. Currently I have in excess of 11 years of no claims bonus.

However, I am not a trouble maker, and would rather keep my head low to avoid conflict with such large organisations that can crush anyone like a piece of dust, and also to avoid having my name marked / filed as a troublesome customer. Therefore, I will be happy if any company insures my new vehicle, provided the insurance company is a reliable one and can actually help when the need arises.

I can also rebuild my no claims bonus from scratch, that will not be a problem.

To me, the overall cost of the insurance is important, but the most important aspect is the reliability should one need to use the claims department.

I do not wish to opt for the cheapest insurance on the market, nor one that asks really awkward questions, because these types of insurances are likely to be very unreliable or difficult to deal with, as they will scrutinise every aspect of a claim so as to find a way not to assist when they should.

Besides, I have called Direct Line three times at intervals of one or two months for this query and every time I ended up speaking to a different person, who came to the same conclusion too. Therefore my chances of solving this problem by escalating the call are practically nil.

Thank you for your concern.

Yes, but you wont speak to the same individual as they have multiple call centres.

There is no issue with asking for it to be escalated to the underwriting debt, get a name, then follow up via post with a complaint and copy of brochure.

They simply havent updated their options list, so are classing this as a non authorised/type approved mod for your new car.

It is true that loosing the no claims bonus is annoying, especially knowing that I probably have the maximum no claims bonus available. Currently I have in excess of 11 years of no claims bonus.

Why do you think you will lose your no-claims discount? I must have been through at least half a dozen different insurers in the last 15 years and I have a full NCD/protected NCD for that period (most online quote engines don't allow you to enter more than 9 years NCD anyway). That's just on the car - I've probably been through about the same number of insurers on various bikes I've owned since the last 1980s (although my bike NCD did take the odd knock back when I was a reckless youth :evil: ). Each time I have changed insurer, the old one has provided a proof of NCD to the new insurer. It sometimes took a bit of persuasion on my part if I was changing insurers part way through the period, but if it happens at renewal time the new insurer has always just accepted the NCD statement on the old insurer's renewal notice.

However, I am not a trouble maker, and would rather keep my head low to avoid conflict with such large organisations that can crush anyone like a piece of dust, and also to avoid having my name marked / filed as a troublesome customer.

I think you are being a bit paranoid here! And why would you care if DL do mark your file as a "troublesome customer". If you take your custom elsewhere you aren't a customer any more - their loss!

On the subject of charges being imposed for terminating insurance before the period is up: I don't think I've ever come across an insurer that doesn't do this. At least once, when I had paid up front for the full year, it's been cheaper to just let the old insurance run to term than try to get a refund of premium for the few months left.

The more I contact Direct Line the more frustrating it gets. I called them on Friday evening to try to get a proof of no claims discount, the call centre person did not want to provide this. Yet the person mentioned that they could understand why I was requesting this information, because on my file it was showing that Direct Line had recently refused to provide me a quote for the new vehicle.

However, the only positive information that I got through Direct Line was that in order to obtain a proof of NCD, I had to write a letter to them to request the termination of my current auto insurance for a set date, and, at the same time request for a proof of NCD. I also tried to escalate the refused quote, but they would not have it, and did not allow me to speak to someone more senior.

Other news, this weekend I have selected a registration number for the new Yeti and also found out that I will be able to collect it next Saturday. So without hesitations I contacted Skoda Insurance to start the 7 days free insurance (just in case), and also requested them for a fresh quote, one that would only have a single payment for the premium. The new quote that Skoda insurance provided me was much better than the first one and was also cheaper than that of Aviva for a slightly better cover. Interestingly enough this was also considerably cheaper than my Direct Line cover for the 7 years old Fabia. Therefore, I have now committed myself to go with the Skoda insurance, instead of the Aviva one. I have also today written a letter to Direct Line to terminate my current car insurance on the date that I shall be part exchanging my current vehicle. In the same letter, I requested for a proof of no claims discount to be sent to me by post. Of course, I have included in this letter the documentation that Direct Line requires for the purpose of terminating a policy.

Having been treated in such a way has put me off Direct Line for good, especially after having been honest and loyal for so many years. The way the company treats individuals really shows that this company is no longer as good as they used to be (well at least on the customer contact side). I also believe that as a result, I will not hesitate to move my home insurance to another insurance company as well. I suppose that the British saying of “not keeping ones eggs in the same basket” is very true.

This may be one of my last postings under this topic, and I would like to thank all those that have advised me here, as I have kept note, and did attempt to try some of the suggestions.

Just contacted my insurance company (morethan) and changed it from my 1.2tsi to my 110 4x4 with offroad button, the reply i had was "not a problem sir nothing extra to pay paper work will be sent no admin fee ether", and skodas quote for 12 months was a little more than morethan.

think i will be staying with my company

Just contacted my insurance company (morethan) and changed it from my 1.2tsi to my 110 4x4 with offroad button, the reply i had was "not a problem sir nothing extra to pay paper work will be sent no admin fee ether", and skodas quote for 12 months was a little more than morethan.

think i will be staying with my company

That's good to hear. Pleased you had no admin fee to pay. My present co. (Bradford and Bingley Insurance) now charge £25 admin fee for any notification of change. I won't be staying with them as, if, for example, you change a private plate on - then off when you sell...and then swap tyres over summer and winter...you've got a bill for £100 on top of your annual premium. Shame, coz they have a UK only Customer Service centre.....

......which is the reason I won't use Morethan! I was with them - and did have a claim which they dealt with perfectly well - but nowadays when you ring them they could be, and frequently are, in foreign lands where I have difficulty having a full and meaningful conversation with them and now try to use a UK call centre for firms I deal with.

All this, of course, is relative to the premium you're asked for, so for me, it's a balancing act between UK Cust. Serv. and Admin. charges, and the annual premium + what I hope will be good service should I have cause to need it.

Fortunately, I'm still seen by them as a good risk so don't have to bear very high premiums. If I was a high risk, all the aforegoing might be seen in a different light.

Edited 22 May, 201115 yr by oldstan

Just contacted my insurance company (morethan) and changed it from my 1.2tsi to my 110 4x4 with offroad button, the reply i had was "not a problem sir nothing extra to pay paper work will be sent no admin fee ether", and skodas quote for 12 months was a little more than morethan.

think i will be staying with my company

Picking up my Yeti in 2 days time. Spoke to current insurer (Direct Line - 2 cars) & they quoted what I thought was a reasonable price. Trawled the comparison websites etc. & found a lot of other possibilities which didn't look so rosy when the details were examined. One of the sites was for morethan, who phoned me approx ½hr later to ask when I would be taking up the insurance. Told them that as they were quoting £150 more than DL I wouldn't. Very "couldn't care less" response. Spoken to Skoda for the 7 days free job & they also undercut DL for a full policy. Their cover was marginally better also.

Result - DL have lost a customer (but do they really care?) I have got better insurance at a cheaper price. Someone earlier admitted to being an "insurance tart" - I've just joined the club because I don't see why nowadays I should stay loyal to one supplier of goods or services when they, at all turns, are obviously not bothered whether or not they get/retain my business.

I shall move from Skoda/Allianz in 12 mths time if it is beneficial to do so.

I shall move from Skoda/Allianz in 12 mths time if it is beneficial to do so.

Skoda/Allianz gave me such an incredible quote I moved to them immediately - abandoning 3 months left on existing policy. They mad it worth my while to actually do that.

in order to obtain a proof of NCD, I had to write a letter to them to request the termination of my current auto insurance for a set date, and, at the same time request for a proof of NCD.

That's pretty much standard process for motor insurance - they won't provide proof of NCD to another insurer if you still have a vehicle insured with them. Nothing all that unusual there.

I also tried to escalate the refused quote, but they would not have it, and did not allow me to speak to someone more senior.

That I do think is poor. Any call centre agent should either allow you to speak to a supervisor or else register a formal complaint. If you still want to register a complaint then the procedure is documented on their web site: http://directline.co.uk/complaints/complaintsprocedure.htm

Other news, this weekend I have selected a registration number for the new Yeti and also found out that I will be able to collect it next Saturday.

Great to hear that you will soon have your new car!

The way [Direct Line] treats individuals really shows that this company is no longer as good as they used to be

I'm not sure they ever were that good - just cheap, which they were able to achieve by being pretty much the first to market with that particular business model. Now that everyone and his dog is offering insurance direct, DL are having to manage overheads more rigorously in order to compete, which means that they don't really stand out any more.

That's good to hear. Pleased you had no admin fee to pay. My present co. (Bradford and Bingley Insurance) now charge £25 admin fee for any notification of change. I won't be staying with them as, if, for example, you change a private plate on - then off when you sell...and then swap tyres over summer and winter...you've got a bill for £100 on top of your annual premium. Shame, coz they have a UK only Customer Service centre.....

......which is the reason I won't use Morethan! I was with them - and did have a claim which they dealt with perfectly well - but nowadays when you ring them they could be, and frequently are, in foreign lands where I have difficulty having a full and meaningful conversation with them and now try to use a UK call centre for firms I deal with.

All this, of course, is relative to the premium you're asked for, so for me, it's a balancing act between UK Cust. Serv. and Admin. charges, and the annual premium + what I hope will be good service should I have cause to need it.

Fortunately, I'm still seen by them as a good risk so don't have to bear very high premiums. If I was a high risk, all the aforegoing might be seen in a different light.

SAGA - UK call centres and more importantly, no never ending button options to negotiate, just straight through to an operator and as an added bonus they insured my Yeti 170 Elegance for £260 (Fully Comp, Business use for me and the missus, Protected no claims, Legal Cover, unlimited EU trips and personal Accident).

I've been insured with LV= Frizzel for years. Every year I look on the comparison sites and see companies with cheaper quotes, but either I haven't heard of the company or I hear bad reports of poor claim treatment and slow responses.

Thank you very much, but I prefer to pay a little bit more every year to know I will be treated fairly, promptly and by someone who isn't stuck in some sub-continent the other side of the globe.

Especially when that foreign person doesn't know where Wales is!! Yes I was actually told that they wouldn't insure foreign drivers!!