Dinan Stage II and Auto Insurance??

smartys · 02-15-2009, 01:27 AM

Hey all,

So in one week from today, I'm having a Stage II done to my baby, and today, on my way to work, I started to wonder about the implications for auto insurance.....

So, I'm just wondering, for you guys who have Dinan flashes, or any mods for that matter, but I suppose this applies to more "permanent" mods as opposed to plug'n'plays:

1.) Did you even bother mentioning your mod to your insurance company? If so, when did you do it, upon renewal or immediately?

2.) If you did notify them, how much of a difference did it make to your insurance payments (per year, please).

Thanks guys!

Marty

nick 55 · 02-15-2009, 09:46 AM

I notified them immedietly upon completion of the mods, however it didn't make any difference. 9 times out of 10, factory parts cost more than aftermarket. I did photograph the car from multiple angles and sent them to my agent, along with documentation of the mods. It probably helps that my car was in a couple magazines too, since it is documented elsewhere too. The only real concern was the wheels, since they are Volks, but I wanted to ensure full coverage.

Nick

ToadHollow · 02-15-2009, 10:14 AM

I also have the Dinan Stage II flash installed. I was involved in a traffic collision and as a result, the car has/had to be reprogrammed by the dealer (adaptive lighting). This in essence wipes out the Dinan tune which now will need to be reinstalled. Although all of the modifications on the car that were damaged were replaced with the same (or better

) aftermarket parts; I had neglected to mention the Dinan flash.

Once I found out the car would have to be reprogrammed I contacted the ins. adj. and was told they wouldn't pay for the expense of the car being reflashed. There is no cost from Dinan for the reflash however, it is 150 mile drive each way for me to get to the dealer/retailer.

Make sure you mention the tune and that it's covered for replacement should any of this happen to you.

Anything aftermarket on your car needs to be disclosed for proper coverage.

smartys · 02-15-2009, 10:29 AM

thanks guys

ToadHollow · 02-15-2009, 10:35 AM

smartys · 02-25-2009, 09:51 AM

yello ppl, to re-hash an old post....

so I called my insurance company telling them that I'm might install a Flash to my car to increase power....they told me that if I make any engine mods, then they will cancel my policy!

So may I ask you again, especially CANADIANS, have you told your insurance co. of your mods, and if so, who are you insured with!? If I did not disclose that I had a tune, and God forbid I was in an accident of some kind, would they be able to tell?? How would they if it were something like an ecu flash, right?

Anyways, please chime in on this one.....

Ilma · 02-25-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartys

yello ppl, to re-hash an old post....

so I called my insurance company telling them that I'm might install a Flash to my car to increase power....they told me that if I make any engine mods, then they will cancel my policy!

So may I ask you again, especially CANADIANS, have you told your insurance co. of your mods, and if so, who are you insured with!? If I did not disclose that I had a tune, and God forbid I was in an accident of some kind, would they be able to tell?? How would they if it were something like an ecu flash, right?

Anyways, please chime in on this one.....

I was involved in an accident during the summer and my car was written-off.

I had a number of aftermarket parts I never informed the insurance company of including a flash tune, FMIC, Intake system, lowering springs.

The insurance not only paid me full replacement cost of the vehicle, but they also paid for the invoice price of the after-market modifications when I provided copies of the receipts.

This was an extra $4,000 on top of the replacement cost, no questions asked.

They even helped me get my car back from the sleazebag tow truck/autowrecker yard that refused to release the car back to the dealer because they wanted to salvage the parts.

I was impressed.

You might want to try them out as I am in the Toronto are as well.

It's Aviva/Pilot insurance.

I have nothing but good things to say them and I have never said that about any insurance company before.

moon335 · 10-06-2011, 11:46 PM

I called my insurance company as I was considering Dinan Stage 2. The c/s agent was nice & all and took a lot of notes, I explained that they have partnership with BMW etc. etc.. She said she would send this to underwriters, but typically their policy is any hp increase is a no. However, her and her manager seemed to agree it could be looked at.

The next day I get a call back and holy sh*t. I felt like I was being hung on the cross. I was told my policy would be canceled, I'd need to sign an agreement to state that I won't mod anything, the whole deal. The only reason I called was because they asked if the car was modded when I originally signed up.

And let it be known that whenever you try to be a good customer etc., you a big middle finger up your ass.

I live in CA, are there ANY good providers of insurance that cover Dinan Stage 2?

Brey335i · 10-06-2011, 11:51 PM

I informed my insurance company of every mod I have and when I go online, I can see it listed under the policy details, but there was no corresponding insurance premium increase to go with the mods. I guess they figure that as long as the parts don't really cost more to replace than stock parts then it's the same for them.

BQTuning · 10-07-2011, 12:29 AM

I did not report one mod on my car. If the accident is my fault then its my fault and my loss. If the accident is someone elses fault then their insurance company will pay for whatever mod you have on the car so long as you have the receipts for those mods.

Also, always take pics of your mods when adding them.

secretsquirrel · 10-07-2011, 12:34 AM

There is little advantage of informing your ins company of engine mods. Engine mods often increase HP which should obviously change the price of your coverage. However, I think it would be smart to inform them of aftermarket audio systems or wheels.

I'm not sure what telling your ins company about a flash does for you. It's just software. The cost to replace it is minimum. And the cost of the parts to get you to stage 2 shouldn't be more than the stock parts (correct me if I'm wrong).

Tmgxray · 10-07-2011, 06:16 AM

I had a roush stage 2 and was going to add a kenne bell supercharger, so I called my insurance agent and told them. They told me that it didn't matter just keep receipts.

ToadHollow · 10-07-2011, 07:36 AM

I had a wreck and had the Dinan flash. Dinan gives 2 reflashes for whatever reason (usually due to BMW software updates). Many times after a crash the car will have to be reprogrammed even for something as simple as headlight alignment.

Bottom line is the software will be reflashes without problem. If you're out of warranty then insurance may want to argue about it. This info is from past experience.

RoundelM3 · 10-07-2011, 08:30 AM

I have had State Farm for 35+ years - never reported any modifications to my recent cars, as most of what they were interested in was aftermarket electronic products like sound and navigation systems that are frequently the cause of smash-and-grab losses. Most OEM BMW wheels are more expensive than the aftermarkets (except BBS and other super-lightweight wheels). I've had Dinan software in all 3 of the 3-series I've owned and it's never presented a problem...mainly because I've never had any accidents with any of them.

ToadHollow · 10-07-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

I have had State Farm for 35+ years - never reported any modifications to my recent cars, as most of what they were interested in was aftermarket electronic products like sound and navigation systems that are frequently the cause of smash-and-grab losses. Most OEM BMW wheels are more expensive than the aftermarkets (except BBS and other super-lightweight wheels). I've had Dinan software in all 3 of the 3-series I've owned and it's never presented a problem...mainly because I've never had any accidents with any of them.

Of course. You've never had to deal with anything that would cause insurance to care about the mod.

ToadHollow · 10-07-2011, 08:53 AM

LOL ............

It's been so long since I visited this forum that I didn't realize I had posted within this thread way back when .......... nothing like double posting.

RoundelM3 · 10-07-2011, 09:39 AM

Yeah, but I did talk to my insurance agent and he said outside of things like electronics and other frequently-stolen items, they weren't really concerned about other add-ons. If you have receipts for the items and they're still on the car when damaged, they'll be covered is what I was told.

moon335 · 10-08-2011, 12:20 AM

Can anyone mention which insurance compnaies don't mind this? I called mine and holy cow, I feel like leper now.

I asked about dinan to them b/c they asked specifically if I had mods on my car when I registered for it. Dinan has a sale right now (oct '11) so i was actually considering it. Called them up talked to them for 20 minutes about what it does that they have a special relationship and it doesnt ruin anything etc. etc.

They said they'd need to speak to underwriters. Called me back and pretty much hung me up on the cross. Demanded I sign a statement that I wouldn't mod it. I told them I won't sign a damn thing. Afterwards called to get a new ID card a few weeks later. She was nice until she saw my policy and the notes and became very rude. DID YOU MOD YOUR CAR YOU BETTER NOT.

I was pretty much shocked. I told them I'm not going to and to never ever ask me again and to note that.

I'm currently shopping for an insurance company now. The level of horrible CS and knowing there are carriers that just don't care about that, makes me realize I need to change.

So any suggestions would be great.

NiVeDh · 10-08-2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon335

Can anyone mention which insurance compnaies don't mind this? I called mine and holy cow, I feel like leper now.

I asked about dinan to them b/c they asked specifically if I had mods on my car when I registered for it. Dinan has a sale right now (oct '11) so i was actually considering it. Called them up talked to them for 20 minutes about what it does that they have a special relationship and it doesnt ruin anything etc. etc.

They said they'd need to speak to underwriters. Called me back and pretty much hung me up on the cross. Demanded I sign a statement that I wouldn't mod it. I told them I won't sign a damn thing. Afterwards called to get a new ID card a few weeks later. She was nice until she saw my policy and the notes and became very rude. DID YOU MOD YOUR CAR YOU BETTER NOT.

I was pretty much shocked. I told them I'm not going to and to never ever ask me again and to note that.

I'm currently shopping for an insurance company now. The level of horrible CS and knowing there are carriers that just don't care about that, makes me realize I need to change.

So any suggestions would be great.

Which insurance company?

BQTuning · 10-08-2011, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon335

......Called me back and pretty much hung me up on the cross.....I'm currently shopping for an insurance company now. The level of horrible CS and knowing there are carriers that just don't care about that, makes me realize I need to change.

So any suggestions would be great.

That is the risk you take when you tell them or give them any hint that you have or even interest in modding your car. When you do, and it back fires your account is flagged. The best thing to do after that is to go to another company.

Reporting stereo system, and wheels are ok. However anything that has any influence on how the engine operated you will be hanging youself

Brey335i · 10-08-2011, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

That is the risk you take when you tell them or give them any hint that you have or even interest in modding your car. When you do, and it back fires your account is flagged. The best thing to do after that is to go to another company.

Reporting stereo system, and wheels are ok. However anything that has any influence on how the engine operated you will be hanging youself

As far as I know Insurance doesn't cover engine issues other than accident and hydrolocking so idk why that would matter...

BQTuning · 10-08-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brey335i

As far as I know Insurance doesn't cover engine issues other than accident and hydrolocking so idk why that would matter...

The insurance underwritters rate a vehicle based on its OEM specs. Any alteration from those specs ie moding car to go faster which yeilds more HP goes against their underwritten policy that can cause the following:

Your rates to be jacked up "significantly
Immediate Term of your insurance

The best thing to do is leave it as mute. Now if someone hits your car and "they accept fault" then you have a home run here. All you need to do is provide receipts for the add ons to the car regarless how modded you are so long as you DO NOT go through your insurance company for those claims in which you should have to.

Dealing with the person at fault's insurance company is much more safer for your own pocket.

If fault turns out to be a war then you might as well let your insurance company deal with it and remain mute about your mods.

02-15-2009, 01:27 AM	#1
smartys Lieutenant 48 Rep 591 Posts Drives: 07 e93 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto, on iTrader: (1)	Dinan Stage II and Auto Insurance?? Hey all, So in one week from today, I'm having a Stage II done to my baby, and today, on my way to work, I started to wonder about the implications for auto insurance..... So, I'm just wondering, for you guys who have Dinan flashes, or any mods for that matter, but I suppose this applies to more "permanent" mods as opposed to plug'n'plays: 1.) Did you even bother mentioning your mod to your insurance company? If so, when did you do it, upon renewal or immediately? 2.) If you did notify them, how much of a difference did it make to your insurance payments (per year, please). Thanks guys! Marty
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-15-2009, 09:46 AM	#2
nick 55 Late Braking 7 Rep 267 Posts Drives: 335 coupe, C55, E55, hmm.. Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: My compound outside St. Charles iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 Mercedes GL550 [0.00] 2012 B7 Alpina [0.00] 2005 Mercedes C55 [0.00] 1966 Mustang [0.00]	I notified them immedietly upon completion of the mods, however it didn't make any difference. 9 times out of 10, factory parts cost more than aftermarket. I did photograph the car from multiple angles and sent them to my agent, along with documentation of the mods. It probably helps that my car was in a couple magazines too, since it is documented elsewhere too. The only real concern was the wheels, since they are Volks, but I wanted to ensure full coverage. Nick
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2009, 10:14 AM	#3
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 279 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	I also have the Dinan Stage II flash installed. I was involved in a traffic collision and as a result, the car has/had to be reprogrammed by the dealer (adaptive lighting). This in essence wipes out the Dinan tune which now will need to be reinstalled. Although all of the modifications on the car that were damaged were replaced with the same (or better ) aftermarket parts; I had neglected to mention the Dinan flash. Once I found out the car would have to be reprogrammed I contacted the ins. adj. and was told they wouldn't pay for the expense of the car being reflashed. There is no cost from Dinan for the reflash however, it is 150 mile drive each way for me to get to the dealer/retailer. Make sure you mention the tune and that it's covered for replacement should any of this happen to you. Anything aftermarket on your car needs to be disclosed for proper coverage. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2009, 10:29 AM	#4
smartys Lieutenant 48 Rep 591 Posts Drives: 07 e93 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto, on iTrader: (1)	thanks guys
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2009, 10:35 AM	#5
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 279 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	__________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-25-2009, 09:51 AM	#6
smartys Lieutenant 48 Rep 591 Posts Drives: 07 e93 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto, on iTrader: (1)	yello ppl, to re-hash an old post.... so I called my insurance company telling them that I'm might install a Flash to my car to increase power....they told me that if I make any engine mods, then they will cancel my policy! So may I ask you again, especially CANADIANS, have you told your insurance co. of your mods, and if so, who are you insured with!? If I did not disclose that I had a tune, and God forbid I was in an accident of some kind, would they be able to tell?? How would they if it were something like an ecu flash, right? Anyways, please chime in on this one..... __________________ SG \| Coral Red \| 6MT \| Sports Pkg \| CA \| PDC \| KWV2 \| Dinan Stage II \| Morr VS8 \| Aero Lip \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-06-2011, 11:46 PM	#8
moon335 New Member 2 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I called my insurance company as I was considering Dinan Stage 2. The c/s agent was nice & all and took a lot of notes, I explained that they have partnership with BMW etc. etc.. She said she would send this to underwriters, but typically their policy is any hp increase is a no. However, her and her manager seemed to agree it could be looked at. The next day I get a call back and holy sh*t. I felt like I was being hung on the cross. I was told my policy would be canceled, I'd need to sign an agreement to state that I won't mod anything, the whole deal. The only reason I called was because they asked if the car was modded when I originally signed up. And let it be known that whenever you try to be a good customer etc., you a big middle finger up your ass. I live in CA, are there ANY good providers of insurance that cover Dinan Stage 2?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-06-2011, 11:51 PM	#9
Brey335i Banned 116 Rep 4,771 Posts Drives: e46 ///M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (11)	I informed my insurance company of every mod I have and when I go online, I can see it listed under the policy details, but there was no corresponding insurance premium increase to go with the mods. I guess they figure that as long as the parts don't really cost more to replace than stock parts then it's the same for them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 12:29 AM	#10
BQTuning Banned 473 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	I did not report one mod on my car. If the accident is my fault then its my fault and my loss. If the accident is someone elses fault then their insurance company will pay for whatever mod you have on the car so long as you have the receipts for those mods. Also, always take pics of your mods when adding them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 12:34 AM	#11
secretsquirrel Colonel 145 Rep 2,308 Posts Drives: f80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Far North Dallas iTrader: (2)	There is little advantage of informing your ins company of engine mods. Engine mods often increase HP which should obviously change the price of your coverage. However, I think it would be smart to inform them of aftermarket audio systems or wheels. I'm not sure what telling your ins company about a flash does for you. It's just software. The cost to replace it is minimum. And the cost of the parts to get you to stage 2 shouldn't be more than the stock parts (correct me if I'm wrong).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 06:16 AM	#12
Tmgxray Private 1 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2012 335i e93 AT. Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ashford iTrader: (1)	I had a roush stage 2 and was going to add a kenne bell supercharger, so I called my insurance agent and told them. They told me that it didn't matter just keep receipts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 07:36 AM	#13
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 279 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	I had a wreck and had the Dinan flash. Dinan gives 2 reflashes for whatever reason (usually due to BMW software updates). Many times after a crash the car will have to be reprogrammed even for something as simple as headlight alignment. Bottom line is the software will be reflashes without problem. If you're out of warranty then insurance may want to argue about it. This info is from past experience. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 08:30 AM	#14
RoundelM3 Major General 1874 Rep 7,013 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [7.38] 2022 BMW X3 [9.83]	I have had State Farm for 35+ years - never reported any modifications to my recent cars, as most of what they were interested in was aftermarket electronic products like sound and navigation systems that are frequently the cause of smash-and-grab losses. Most OEM BMW wheels are more expensive than the aftermarkets (except BBS and other super-lightweight wheels). I've had Dinan software in all 3 of the 3-series I've owned and it's never presented a problem...mainly because I've never had any accidents with any of them. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 08:53 AM	#16
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 279 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	LOL ............ It's been so long since I visited this forum that I didn't realize I had posted within this thread way back when .......... nothing like double posting. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2011, 09:39 AM	#17
RoundelM3 Major General 1874 Rep 7,013 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [7.38] 2022 BMW X3 [9.83]	Yeah, but I did talk to my insurance agent and he said outside of things like electronics and other frequently-stolen items, they weren't really concerned about other add-ons. If you have receipts for the items and they're still on the car when damaged, they'll be covered is what I was told.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2011, 12:20 AM	#18
moon335 New Member 2 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Can anyone mention which insurance compnaies don't mind this? I called mine and holy cow, I feel like leper now. I asked about dinan to them b/c they asked specifically if I had mods on my car when I registered for it. Dinan has a sale right now (oct '11) so i was actually considering it. Called them up talked to them for 20 minutes about what it does that they have a special relationship and it doesnt ruin anything etc. etc. They said they'd need to speak to underwriters. Called me back and pretty much hung me up on the cross. Demanded I sign a statement that I wouldn't mod it. I told them I won't sign a damn thing. Afterwards called to get a new ID card a few weeks later. She was nice until she saw my policy and the notes and became very rude. DID YOU MOD YOUR CAR YOU BETTER NOT. I was pretty much shocked. I told them I'm not going to and to never ever ask me again and to note that. I'm currently shopping for an insurance company now. The level of horrible CS and knowing there are carriers that just don't care about that, makes me realize I need to change. So any suggestions would be great.
	Appreciate 0 Quote