Engine convertions

[Mike]

Whats the best way to go about insuring an egine swap as a fair few members are now doing these.

when i fit my 16v 2 litre redtop as my insurance runs out in march my aim is to get it in and runninf and registered on log book before renewal,then i was going to go for a different company as i was thinking that with it logged with dvla all the comps would say its then a 2 litre so on insurance it wouldnt be classed as a modification

[massivewangers]

The vast majority of insurers will run a mile when you mention the words 'engine swap', so you can pretty much forget most of the mainstream ones. Tesco would cover me on my old car with a 1.8 fitted, but wanted a lot of money for the privilidge.

I'm with HIC, who weren't exactly cheap, but have covered it quite well, decent level of audio cover and things. Others worth a look are Adrian Flux, Greenlight. It shouldn't be too bad as you're obviously a bit older than some, and presumably have some NCD?

General rule of thumb with specialists is that they will insure the car as whatever the engine came from, so that's a rough guide to the grouping you're looking at, but there's more than likely going to be some loading in there for good measure!

[Mike]

see i was thinking if i went to a diff company with it on the log book i could try the i bought it like it and see what they say then

[Missnorwich1985]

have you looked into it yet?

It shouldn't be too bad for an engine like that for you should it at your age?

[catt]

When i get in today im going to compile some general information around this and other areas if you can turn it to a sticky,

I'll have a look for you with which companies will do you the best deal- the best bet is to go through a broker as mainstream insurers would hardly touch you unless they add a few 00's to your premium.

Unless we can find a good company who is use to this then with most it will always be a modification (and one of the biggest) as it has been changed from original factory spec, there are some out there who will providing it's passed a new MOT and is registered will take it on being a normal car with that engine as standard.

when i get in i'll do some digging and should come up with a few ideas for you!

Chris

[Paul GTS]

Originally Posted by Murdock

see i was thinking if i went to a diff company with it on the log book i could try the i bought it like it and see what they say then

By the sounds of it Mike you want them to check the reg number, say "this is a 2.0litre Astra, Correct? You to say yep sure is.

Then when they ask about modifications you arent going to mention the engine change?

This is risky imo as if anything ever happens and they find out the engine is not OE then you may be in a little trouble.


Try this.


You want to do an engine swap? Fair enough, declare it to your insurers the day you start driving it with a new engine! If you have to pay more, then thats the premium you have to pay for modifying your car, as we all (I hope) have to.

[Mike]

what i mean is if its registered as a 2 litre 16v it should come up on their computer screen shouldnt it? which means if i went to a different company i wouldnt have to declare as a mod as it would be registered like that with the dvla and on all the comps as that wouldnt it?

and yes once it is in it will be insured my target date for puttin in is end of march as renewal is april

[Paul GTS]

Originally Posted by Murdock

what i mean is if its registered as a 2 litre 16v it should come up on their computer screen shouldnt it? which means if i went to a different company i wouldnt have to declare as a mod as it would be registered like that with the dvla and on all the comps as that wouldnt it?

and yes once it is in it will be insured my target date for puttin in is end of march as renewal is april

If it was this easy everyone would do it. Im sure the DVLA holds records of changes made to vehicles including engines.

IMO you should still declare it and see what they want.

[Mike]

oh well werent sure so thought id ask as others are doing swaps etc aswell

my insurance is cheapo at the mo any ways lol so wont be to much of a problem paying the extra

[Fezza]

ask tim,the insurance that cj sorted us out with, if he is still around

[CJ_ITR]

He is around guys, he check on here regulary. We could really do with his expertise.

Originally Posted by Mike

what i mean is if its registered as a 2 litre 16v it should come up on their computer screen shouldnt it? which means if i went to a different company i wouldnt have to declare as a mod as it would be registered like that with the dvla and on all the comps as that wouldnt it?

You could go down that route but and the end of the day insurance companies are much cleverer than you or I and I'm sure it wouldn't be you getting the last laugh on them!

Red tape and/or ignorance won't wash.

I also assume you mean conversion

Most insurance companies dont get their details of the vehicle from DVLA, they use equifax or something like that. Notifying the DVLA I think is more for tax purpose and having the correct details on the V5.

I changed most parts on my car including engine, suspension, axle, roll cage, etc and insured no problem, but this is with a specialist. most insurers wont entertain you otherwise.

I would advise not to blag it, cos if anything happens and it may not be your fault, if they come have a look...they arn't entirely stupid.

I used this company - Brentacre on 01792650933 - they are really helpful prices seem reasonable. but at the same time remember uyou're not insuring a std motor.

Hope this helps.