Insurance Options for my now 'modified' MK4 Golf, Opinions please..

[kendog]

Shannons also offer a free windscreen replacement every year.
I was with just cars once apon a time (previous car)

So you prefer Shannons over Just Cars?

[Speed]

So you prefer Shannons over Just Cars?

Yes. You now the true value of your insurance company when you go to make a claim.
Saying that I would never use NRMA or Allianz EVER again.

Choice of repairer is a big deal to me, so is the first option to buy the wreck.
Genuine agreed value is another big deal.

[remy]

I'm with NRMA, fully comprehensive insured with agreed value of $10,000 and my premium is about $600 give or take a bit. Excess is around the same aswell from memory.

However, I'm in QLD and from what I've heard insurance (like everything else) is a lot more expensive in NSW.

[kendog]

You might have problems as you have to show that the engine you fitted is one that was offered with your model. Not just the capacity. Essentially, they would need information to show that the donor vehicle was the same model as yours; not from a different year and model, but the same model (year and all) as yours.

You can try and see if the insurance company will accept it. You would need to gather a whole lot of information to back it up.

By the way, what has the RTA said about this?

Just rang the RTA/RMS, they put me through to the technical dept., and after looking it all up, the guy agreed that because that engine (AGU) was offered in my chassis and year model, that it is a factory option, not a modification. Also, he noted that if it requires an engineering certificate, that is modified. But, like mine, if it only requires an engine swap inspection/blue slip, then that's for something that was made to fit, from factory.

Next is seeing where that actually gets me with the insurance companies. . .

[wai]

Just rang the RTA/RMS, they put me through to the technical dept., and after looking it all up, the guy agreed that because that engine (AGU) was offered in my chassis and year model, that it is a factory option, not a modification. Also, he noted that if it requires an engineering certificate, that is modified. But, like mine, if it only requires an engine swap inspection/blue slip, then that's for something that was made to fit, from factory.

Next is seeing where that actually gets me with the insurance companies. . .

Good news. Just one thing. I hope you got his name and made a note of thetime and date. Ultimately it will be an inspection station that will need to clear it. At least you have a bit more clarity.

[kendog]

Shannon's were fine with it being an engine swap, not a 'modified' engine, so I just locked it in. Final price: $1070, down from an original ~$1300 several phone calls ago. I could've saved another ~$200 elsewhere, but I wasn't confident they wouldn't screw me over on a 'mod' technicality come claim time. I've got much more peace of mind with Shannon's looking after me, going off other people's experiences.

[Speed]

Shannon's were fine with it being an engine swap, not a 'modified' engine, so I just locked it in. Final price: $1070, down from an original ~$1300 several phone calls ago. I could've saved another ~$200 elsewhere, but I wasn't confident they wouldn't screw me over on a 'mod' technicality come claim time. I've got much more peace of mind with Shannon's looking after me, going off other people's experiences.

Good stuff!

[kendog]

Good news. Just one thing. I hope you got his name and made a note of thetime and date. Ultimately it will be an inspection station that will need to clear it. At least you have a bit more clarity.

I already have the 'engine swap blue slip / inspection' passed and lodged with the RTA a month ago, if that's what you meant?

[wai]

I already have the 'engine swap blue slip / inspection' passed and lodged with the RTA a month ago, if that's what you meant?

Just make sure that you have some record of the fact that you have been told it is OK by the RTA because if it is questioned on final inspection, you will need some record of what you were told and who told you. The person who told you it is OK is not going to be the one who finally ticks off on it.

[kendog]

Sorry, but do you mean 'final inspection' as in from Shannon's after it has crashed?

[wai]

What I am saying is that you must have documentation from the RTA to say that it is OK (even if you make a diary note). If you don't then if you are picked in a random inspection, it comes down to your word against theirs. I used to work for the then DMT in the Operations and Policy units and when it comes to final determination, they will first look for documentation that they have where they have said it is OK. If they don't have something in writing, it is as though you are presenting for the first time and you can end up paying a lot. I used to certify vehicle modifications for years, but gave it away because the owner would bet old one thing over the phone by the RTA, and then when it came to the crunch, it was something completely different.

When you call up the RTA, you are given the "best opinion" of the person based on what you tell them. This means if things get awkward, they can back out quickly.

If you want to be absolutely sure, then it is always a case of "get it in writing". Essentially the RTA (and any government department) is supposed to respond in kind. This means an e-mail with an e-mail, or a letter with a letter, or a phone call with a phone call. The problem with a phone call is that unless you record the conversation and you have to tell them you are doing so, it is your word against theirs and they have the final say.

So make sure you keep all records and for telephone conversations, make sure that you make some sort of a diary entry. Always try and get the name of the person you are speaking to at the other end. Best of all, is get it in writing. The problem is that it can take months to get something in writing.

[Speed]

The DMT. Jesus I thought that I was old!
I thought that the car has been bluesliped with the gti engine no, meaning the details the RTA or more acurately the TRMS (Transport Roads and Maritime Services) has are actually what is now in the car.

If these details are on the rego papers and Shannons are prepared to insure it under those pretences, then where exactly is the problem?
Why would you need any more from the TRMS then the updated rego papers that match whats in the car.

Sounds like a legitimate contract to me.