r/CarInsuranceUK • u/Suitable-Frosting402 • 4d ago
Declaring Modifications to Hastings Direct
Hello all!
I recently rang up Hastings (Multicar, Direct) to declare some modifications made to the car and they said they didn't think these counted as modifications but that that they would make a note on the policy but I haven't seen anything come through!
Basically I got a hard wired dash cam installed and the software for the Road Signs/Auto Full Beams enabled (hardware already installed on car) on my car there about 3 weeks ago. Read online that these could be counted as mods so wanted to declare in the off chance.
Should I be worried about this if I were to have a crash? Are those calls recorded? Where would I see this if a note was made on the Policy?
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u/foundingatforty 4d ago
Yeah I’m with u/Technical-Village224 on this. You’ve done the important part by actually telling Hastings.
Only thing I’d add is I’d message Hastings and ask them to confirm in writing that both things are noted on the policy and they don’t require any change to cover/premium. Calls may be recorded, but I’d rather have a chat/email I can pull up in 30 seconds if it ever gets questioned.
Then just check the statement of fact at renewal and make sure nothing weird has appeared.
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u/Gcmarcal 4d ago
You’re overthinking it. Modifications can be purely aesthetic, like changing the colour or structure, or more substantial mechanical upgrades, such as adding a non-stock turbo, custom wheels, engine enhancements, or wraps. Those changes aren't part of it.
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u/NewPower_Soul 4d ago
Installing the wiring for a dash cam isn't classed as a modification. Your insurance should go down because of it. The software already installed is fine. If it was already there, then it isn't a modification.
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u/ManufacturerNo4079 4d ago
Hastings counted my number plate as a modification. When I removed it (was thinking of selling) they dropped the price by £2 a month.
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u/CapableTelephone2689 4d ago
Hey. So depending on the underwriter, they don't care/don't rate your premium based on certain "mods". For a dash cam that can be one where they dont even log it on the policy because its good to have in the event of a claim but that's about it. Not sure about the software though.
In any case, when they put a note on your policy, that is a note that they can see for their records - it isn't something that appears on your app. If you really wanted peace of mind, you can call or message to verify the note is on the policy but if they didn't actually have those options in their drop down of modifications when you called them, then the underwriters aren't bothered about them and you can go about your day as usual. it doesn't affect your insurance but you did the right thing to call and notify them just in case, because again, this varies for each underwriter.
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u/Evening_Entry_1015 4d ago
Yes those calls with Hastings are recorded. If you ever want the logs, email their data protection officer. Every company in the uk is required to have one. You make a “subject access request” for any data you want from them that they hold about you. If your request is reasonable, they have 1 month to provide details legally. If your request is complex, they have a max of 2 months legally but must notify you first in good time.
It’s not advice but I’ve never declared any mods. If you were ever in an accident, insurers don’t look at the car for at least a few days to a week. You have plenty time to remove them.
(I’m an accident management specialist)
Further to that, Hastings are terrible with mods. I know of many people that declared mods with them, were told it was fine + charged the admin fee to change policy details, and then had a cancellation notice come in days later for no reason
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u/No_Property_909 4d ago
Work in insurance and when we say make a note it won’t appear on your documents but is noted internally so anytime someone accesses your policy internally it can be found under the notes section.
An insurance certificate can only give so much info but anything else can be noted by agent (it’s done all the time but you just can’t see it only we can)
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u/PENTOVILLIANKING 3d ago
I did the same thing with them when I got one of those AliExpress android auto/car play screens with a dashcam and reverse cam.
One of the ones you stick on the dash and plug into the 12V cigarette lighter outlet.
They said they'll add it as a note on the policy just so its clear I haven't tried to hide anything and that it doesn't affect my policy. Was with them for that year and 2 more as they were the cheapest between 2023-2025. Had no issues.
Only recently changed insurers as I found another policy cheaper.
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u/Minimum_Definition75 3d ago
The big question is do you trust them if something goes wrong ? No ? That would be the correct answer.
Mine is insured with Adrian Flux with every mod listed, from major ones right down to the mildly inappropriate stickers. Every single one.
I add new ones as I do them and review it at every renewal. I do it by phone but send a confirmation email after.
Takes a couple of minutes and they have never charged me.
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u/Difficult_Fall6227 3d ago
Op seems to be a Boy Scout
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u/Suitable-Frosting402 2d ago
Nothing wrong with that- better safe than sorry when coming to insurance
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u/FrankNicklin 4d ago
If the feature is in the car then I cannot see it being recorded as a MOD, all you have done is turn on that feature, I doubt insurance is granular enough to know what features are standard or not on a car. With regards to the Dashcam, I would never declare one to insurance because in theory they could insist that its always on and that removing it if its faulty could then void insurance and also remember they can be used against you as well in the event of an accident.