Insurance Coverage & Mods?

[BellValleyAT]

While I have owned plenty of modded jeeps in the past, I've never had one that was "nice", new, or a DD. With my '25 JLUR on order, I am curious as to peoples' experiences with insurance coverage in the event of an accident if your rig has been modified.

I'm specifically thinking about concerns with aftermarket front bumpers (such as a stubby) that removes the factory crash cans and wheel protection, etc... as well as the added weight of a winch.

Has anyone ever been in a wreck and have their insurance push back on coverage because you made your vehicle "less safe" in their eyes?

Related question... are you disclosing all of your (major) mods with your insurance company?

TIA!

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[TheRaven]

This depends largely on your insurance company, and even agent. I have asked my agent repeatedly about mods on both my JL and Silverado, and my previous Tahoe, and every time he has given the same answer - don't worry about it. In my case, they have repeatedly assured me that everything is covered. Now to be clear - I haven't really done any drivetrain mods. Engines/trans/axles are all stock. My stuff is all suspension/accessories. But they specifically stated that my $3k winch bumper on my Silverado is covered...that was a big concern both on the collision replacement front and the liability front.

 

[Pape]

One of my Friend got in a accident with is moded JK, no issue at all with the insurance. Actually when it is a insurance JOB aftermarket part are less expensive than OEM part.
I recommend you talk to your insurance about it. I know I did and the answer was: as long as you do not increase the engine performance, keep your recites of the mod and everything will be good.

 

[JEEP4U]

Just keep your documentation for proof of purchase. Also, when value of your mods starts exceeding the original value of your Jeep...... inform your insurance company - you may need a rider.

In my case, I needed a rider. My Jeep started its birth as a $27K JLU Sport.

 

[Ratbert]

Some people do like I did and buy it already built up by AEV.

 

[John VonJeep]

 

[ToolMan514]

In my experience, it varies on how your policy is drawn. If you finance your vehicle, your insurance may require you to have a "replacement value" rider, which would not cover the cost of any modifications done to the original vehicle. However, if your vehicle is paid for, you can negociate what the total cost of your rig is and base the insurance on that.

I had my '18 JL stolen, but it was paid for and declared modified with my insurance, so they covered all the mods (minus the labour) with a certain depreciation. The additional contents however (recovery gear, tools and such) was a huge fight to get any value from my home insurance. That would not be the same as is an accident, you would still have all that stuff.

 

[NWJeepr]

I'd recommend talking to your insurance company and discussing specific modification costs and how they are evaluated for replacement in an accident or total loss, specifically covered by them.

There could be a number of options depending on your company and state laws. Stated value policies, riders specifically for modifications, or they may be covered in full or part by your existing policy. Hard for a bunch of internet strangers to know enough to be really helpful.

 

[JEEP4U]

Some people do like I did and buy it already built up by AEV.

But, AEV does not build bad ass Jeeps.......... just expensive ones

 

[BellValleyAT]

Thanks all, good advice. I'm less so concerned about replacement coverage (though I am concerned obviously), but more so about covering the injury liability, aka "you removed factory safety equipment when you put on that stubby with a winch, so we're not covering your broken neck or the guy you hit's broken neck".

 

[JEEP4U]

Thanks all, good advice. I'm less so concerned about replacement coverage (though I am concerned obviously), but more so about covering the injury liability, aka "you removed factory safety equipment when you put on that stubby with a winch, so we're not covering your broken neck or the guy you hit's broken neck".

Have you seen a factory sport bumper....... nothing safe about that bumper.........reminds me of the Christmas Vacation-Cousin Eddie scene.

 

[BellValleyAT]

Have you seen a factory sport bumper....... nothing safe about that bumper.........reminds me of the Christmas Vacation-Cousin Eddie scene.

Yes I have, but its not *my* opinion that matters here, unfortunately!

 

[TheRaven]

Thanks all, good advice. I'm less so concerned about replacement coverage (though I am concerned obviously), but more so about covering the injury liability, aka "you removed factory safety equipment when you put on that stubby with a winch, so we're not covering your broken neck or the guy you hit's broken neck".

A steel bumper on a modern vehicle is still far safer for other vehicles than, say, a 1986 Chevy C/K. The modern vehicle still has crumple zones behind that bumper, whereas that 1986 doesn't. Also keep in mind that there's steel or aluminum behind your plastic bumper too. So while a full steel bumper and winch is certainly stronger than the factory plastic bumper setup, it's not that big of a difference from a crash perspective.

 

[AZ Hella]

Just keep your documentation for proof of purchase. Also, when value of your mods starts exceeding the original value of your Jeep...... inform your insurance company - you may need a rider.

In my case, I needed a rider. My Jeep started its birth as a $27K JLU Sport.

Pictures of your jeep with the mods will usually satisfy the insurance adjusters.

 

[JEEP4U]

Pictures of your jeep with the mods will usually satisfy the insurance adjusters.

Never been my experience.........

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