declaring mods to insurance?

[BillyHey]

It's renewal time for my insurance, and I'm wondering does everyone declare all mods to their insurer?  Mine are all fairly minor, rack, panniers, heated grips etc, but some insurers do ask and have them listed as declarable mods.  When I add them into a comparison website I get some companies who won't even quote.

I know some folk have also changed sprokets and suspension, just wondering if they just keep quiet and hope no one notices in the event of an accident.

Do insurers in places like the US/Canada/Australia even care?

[mustangpilot]

[twotigers]

A note from my insurance company Carol Nash -

Important Notice To Policyholders
MODIFICATIONS WE NO LONGER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Please see below important information relating to any modifications you may
have on your motorcycle insurance policy.
To make life easier for you and your insurance we have worked with our insurers to agree
that you do not need to tell us if you have the following modifications on your motorcycle:

Adapted For Disability
Bar Ends
Decals/Stickers (unless race replica)
Heated Grips
Road Legal Lights/Indicators/Mirrors
Screen Changes
Seat cowl/Single Seat Units
Tail Tidy
Grab Rails
Luggage System/panniers
Belly Pan
Debadged
Rearsets
Engine Casing Guards
Radiator Bars
End Can - provided road legal, not performance enhancing and costs no more than the
manufacturers original. This doesn't cover After-Market Exhaust System and must not have any
performance enhanced modifications
Air Filters Changes
Braided Hoses
Grippers
Huggers
Scott Oiler
Seats - Replacement
Sissy Bar (Long Back Rest)
Tank Pads
Crash Bars
Crash Bungs
Chain Guards
Foot Rests
Steering Damper
Electronic Ignition
If your documents state 'No' to modifications:
If you have any modification which is listed above, you don't need to contact us to change
your documents
If your modification is not listed above, please contact us
If your documents state 'YES' to modifications:
If your modification is listed above, again you do not need to contact us to correct your
documents.
If your modification is not listed above and is incorrect or missing, please contact us.
Adding a modification:
If you decide to modify your motorcycle throughout the term of your policy and it's not
listed above, please contact us. If it is listed above you do not need to let us know

[T1ger660]

That’s a good reason to get a quote from Carol Nash.

I’ve often had trouble with call handlers who don’t understand the English language, don’t know their own policy documents and don’t know one end of a bike from the other.  Many seem to work from home now, lack sufficient training and probably not seen a dictionary.

There is a major difference between accessories and modifications which are usually defined in the t&cs and usually confused.

That list makes it all clear.  I’ve had many arguments about this, like crash protection, which is partly there to reduce claims.  Nobody has ever had a bike which hasn’t had something bolted on since it left the factory. They often tell me that a dealer installed accessory is a modification.

Glad to see that at least one insurance company has worked this out.