UK residents take note!

[Multispacer]

Read an interesting article in yesterday's newspaper that should be of interest for anyone in the UK who uses their Berlingo or any such vehicle as a day-camper or similar type conversion. 

The article was about someone who used their van, not specifically a Berlingo but this story could apply to any vehicle as a part-time camper, i.e. it wasn't built as a camper.

Basically they had their van stolen and then their insurance failed to pay out as they had not informed their insurance company that it had been 'modified' and was being used as such, even though as the story went on to say it wasn't a permanent conversion and the way it was described it was the type of thing many do with 'removable' type conversions.

The argument the insurance company gave was that in using it as such with camping stuff fitted, the vehicle was more of a target for thieves and not informing them invalidated the policy [as I'm sure they probably would have charged an extra premium   ]

Just one more thing to think about for anyone from the UK who uses their Berlingo for such purposes, it may be worth checking/informing with your insurance company if you have such a conversion.

[evdama]

Same applies to performance or cosmetic modifications.
Always has done.

[Multispacer]

Same applies to performance or cosmetic modifications.
Always has done.

Yes, I know there has always been a need to inform insurance or any permanent performance/cosmetic modifications to a vehicle which most members of this forum will realise but the point I was trying to make here, is that many [myself included] would probably not have thought there would be a need to inform insurance companies if adding a 'removable type' camping set-up.

[notsofast]

Any mention of insurance companies not paying out always reminds me of the Two Ronnies sketch "Insurance Against Becoming Jewish", and the line Ronnie Corbett gives in which he outlines the principles of insurance. I won't quote it here because it's much better watched on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZzTTICHrAI

[evdama]

Looking at it from both sides,it doesnt seem fair because a removable  boot jump doesnt modify the vehicle any more than a van plyling kit for example - which they dont mind.

But then the insurance company would be at the mercy of largely unqualified bodgery and be paying out when the clowns have tipped over the stove and set the vehicle alight.
While bowling along the M6 peak time possibly....

A cynical approach is always best-assume the entire motor industry looks after number one in every respect.

[geoff]

My understanding is that insurance is provided " in good faith "

The vehicle being " covered " as is / as described !!

Any change will potentially breach that contract and shouldn't be undertaken lightly or in a fashion where folks say oh it'll be ok its only an XXXXX

I've seen a neighbours vehicle stolen and written off by local " scrotes " and a claim subsequently made with the insurers only for it to be refused on the basis it had had alloy wheels added to it when steel wheels ere the original spec ... this increased the risk not only of it being stolen but also was indicative of a higher risk behaviour pattern by the owner.

" Multispacer " .. thanks for posting this ... if it can help just one person it will be a good days work !

[Mark604]

You are allowed to move stuff in your car but not use removable camper things without notifying the Insurance company......
I wonder what confusion would occur if you just said you were moving the camper thing and not being used as such?

I suppose insurance companies will claim at any time that if you've made you vehicle more attractive to thieves and not told them, you're up the creek.

[notsofast]

When I informed the insurers of my M49 (Lloyds) that I'd disconnected the heater matrix, they weren't concerned and didn't alter the premium. Admittedly this all occurred over the phone so maybe I should write to them to confirm, but I was told that as I hadn't added anything in terms of engine performance or bodywork customisation, and as I had left the original heater hoses still attached at the bulkhead, it wasn't classed as a modification, though obviously I'd had to add an extra loop of hose at the back of the block to retain coolant circulation.

[Mark604]

You don't need a heater? In England?
I'm sure there must be another reason!

[Multispacer]

You don't need a heater? In England?
I'm sure there must be another reason!

I suspect, it may have been disconnected as heather matrix leaks were not uncommon on the M49/M59 models and it was a major strip out job of the interior to replace the matrix. Why go to the bother of disconnecting it, well when they did leak, it was often the case that the interior would have a constant 'curry like smell' from the matrix area due to the fluid additives as well as getting wet carpets, so that might have been the reason?