Safe Speed Forums

For the first time in years, I have a car that has a standard DIN size hifi (head unit) rather than one built into the fabric of the dashboard.

As a result of this, I'm considering buying a new head unit, mainly as I want the capacity to play MP3 cd's, but whilst I'm at it I thought it would be an easy way to put in a bluetooth / hands free capability without having to add any extra wires or kit, something like this perhaps. I'm by no means into full ICE setups, I doubt I will ever need a dustbin sized subwoofer and a light up power cap to listen to radio 4 (although I did make the point to a colleague the other day, there is always a chance that they might invite a "young person" on to desert island discs - or probably more likely, a codger who is trying to prove that he is "down wiv the yoof! by choosing Choke by Noisia & Mayhem featuring MC Verse as one track they couldn't live without)

My question is quite simple really - does changing the in car hifi need to be notified to the insurance company? Are they likely to change premiums based on this change?

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COAST Not just somewhere to keep a beach.

A young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law.

Wouldn't have thought so, I never have. This assumes that the value of the stereo does not exceed the single item claim value limit on your policy though.

In my opinion, Ins Co's will try anything to get out of paying out on your policy. An aftermarket stereo if noticed will probably invalidate any claim you may have to submit.

When I had my Supra damaged, it had factory optional extra alloys fitted but with Wolfrace hubcaps. The assesor picked up on this and tried to invalidate the claim on the strength of it. It got put through, but it just shows you.

I reckon there're many cars on the road that, while insured, probably wouldn't have their claims honoured due to an oversight or naivity of their owners.

Bottom line in this day and age is to keep yourself right and declare it.

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If I have to explain you won't understand.

Ring them up and ask, most of them don't care so long as it's not stupidly expensive.

There's usually a blanket "£400 worth of audio/telecoms/navigation equipment, unless factory fit" clause in there, and they'll tell you that if you exceed that, you get to pay the rest yourself.

In my case, I have that clause and a £450 excess, so basically if my radio gets robbed, I can't claim.