I spoke by phone to an investigator with the Georiga Department of Insurance
a few minutes ago. He also had never heard of an auto insurer denying
coverage due to mechanical alteration of a vehicle. In fact, we agreed that
neither of us had ever seen any policy language concerning mechanical
condition at all. If this were really a concern, the companies would
require you to maintain the vehicle to the manufacturer's specification.
He did bring up "underwriting intent", where the company agrees to insure a
common sedan and the owner "has shoehorned a 600hp engine into it"(hmm, has
anyone bought one of Mondello's monster motors?). This situation would
be outside the intent of the insurer, possibly resulting in cancellation
after they became aware of it, but, until cancelled, the policy language
would stand on its own. His comment regarding the nature of the insurance
contract was that it's a "nailed to the wall" legal document.
I mentioned that my inquiry was related to owners of classic vehicles who
may need to fabricate parts to replace those no longer available or who
decide to replace outdated systems with newer technology. His immediate
response was, "Well, that would improve safety. That shouldn't be a
problem."
Insurance is a state-by-state regulated industry, so the above is limited to
Georgia. Even so, I would imagine the above would cover the majority of
states. Once again, read your policy, call your state insurance department
or agent/underwriter.
Patrick
a few minutes ago. He also had never heard of an auto insurer denying
coverage due to mechanical alteration of a vehicle. In fact, we agreed that
neither of us had ever seen any policy language concerning mechanical
condition at all. If this were really a concern, the companies would
require you to maintain the vehicle to the manufacturer's specification.
He did bring up "underwriting intent", where the company agrees to insure a
common sedan and the owner "has shoehorned a 600hp engine into it"(hmm, has
anyone bought one of Mondello's monster motors?). This situation would
be outside the intent of the insurer, possibly resulting in cancellation
after they became aware of it, but, until cancelled, the policy language
would stand on its own. His comment regarding the nature of the insurance
contract was that it's a "nailed to the wall" legal document.
I mentioned that my inquiry was related to owners of classic vehicles who
may need to fabricate parts to replace those no longer available or who
decide to replace outdated systems with newer technology. His immediate
response was, "Well, that would improve safety. That shouldn't be a
problem."
Insurance is a state-by-state regulated industry, so the above is limited to
Georgia. Even so, I would imagine the above would cover the majority of
states. Once again, read your policy, call your state insurance department
or agent/underwriter.
Patrick
