Honestly, I’ve always been a little paranoid about this stuff. Years ago, I swapped out the seats in my old wagon for something comfier, and the agent barely blinked when I mentioned it—just wanted a couple pics. But when I tried to claim for a scratched chrome bumper, suddenly they wanted proof of every detail. Go figure. I guess it’s all smooth sailing until it isn’t... I keep records, but I’m not losing sleep over it anymore.
Go figure. I guess it’s all smooth sailing until it isn’t...
Totally get what you mean about the “smooth sailing until it isn’t” part. I swapped out the steering wheel on my old Volvo and nobody cared, but when my kid dinged the door, suddenly it was like a full-on investigation. Guess it’s just luck of the draw with which agent you get... I keep a folder of pics and receipts now, just in case.
Man, isn’t it weird what sets them off? I changed out my radio last year—nobody blinked. But try to claim for a cracked taillight and suddenly they want a full photo history. Do you guys declare every little mod or just the big stuff?
I swear, insurance logic is a mystery. I swapped out my steering wheel for a period-correct one and nobody cared, but when I upgraded the seatbelts, suddenly it was a “safety modification” and they wanted paperwork. Do you think it’s worth sending them updates every time, or just when it’s something expensive?
- Totally get where you’re coming from—insurance rules seem random sometimes.
- In my experience, they care way more about “safety” mods than cosmetic or period-correct stuff.
- I usually only notify them if it’s something that could affect value or liability (like engine swaps, brakes, seatbelts).
- Small stuff, I just keep receipts and photos in a folder in case there’s ever a claim.
- Once got grilled over a modern radio install, but they didn’t blink at my aftermarket wheels... go figure.
- If it’s expensive or changes how the car drives, I’d update them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother unless your policy specifically says to.
