Anyone else ever had insurance issues because of Lift?

pokefan · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:47 am

It's time to renew my insurance policy and the other day I received a letter from Liberty Mutual about better rates. I figured I'd give them a call before renewing with Progressive. After about a 20 minute phone call going through information and sorting out what I would qualify for as far as discounts, everything was looking really good! I was looking forward to hearing what their rate would be. Then he asked what vehicles I had and if they had been modified. As soon as I told him it was lifted he said, "oh, we can't insure anything with modified suspension". Which I think is CRAP since my suspension is better than stock! (OME all the way around) But if they know that they can't insure certain vehicles or modified vehicles, why the hell didn't he ask me to begin with!

I just wanted to say, thanks for wasting my time!

Now I'm off to renew with Progressive and I just hope they don't have this same policy. I'm sure not going to tell them about it now though. They've never asked so why should I give them reason to deny me. If they don't ask it's there fault for insuring me in the first place. I just wanted to know if anyone else has ever had this issue and if anyone here has Progressive that knows one way or the other.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:00 am

I have Liberty Mutual and they know its lifted as I have added in the cost of wheels, lift etc and no problem

had them for over 3 years now, even had them on my 3 inch lifted Cherokee

pokefan · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:10 am

WOW, I wasn't expecting that answer from anyone! Now I'm even more upset!! I'm debating whether or not to call them back now it was really looking like it would be a good price...

If you go by "we don't insure altered suspension", wouldn't that mean that you would never be able to change out shocks springs or anything? I guess we should all just drive death traps! The more I think about this the more it gets under my skin!

daspes · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:56 am

I've been driving nearly 20 years, and have never been asked that question... :!:

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:04 pm

Honestly you could percieve the OME springs/struts/shock a simple replacement of worn OEM parts. Since our "lift" does not alter any drivetrain...does not require any cutting on suspension parts...does not require and "added" parts other thatn replacing stock OEM "worn out" parts...is not a "body lift"...does not relocate any stock system...ect...I would classify it as an upgrade to the stock suspension.

What I am trying to say is that OME springs/strut insert/shocks are direct replacement parts for the stock OEM parts and require nothing special to work properly.

bugnout · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:13 pm

I agree with Darby. You could classify replacement of the springs as a repair, just like replacing tires or brake rotors.

In all things insurance, never volunteer info, it will come back to haunt you. Answer all questions truthfully, but make sure the truth favors your point of view.

Insurance is gambling. Your betting that your going to wreck your vehicle and the Insurance company is betting your not.

pokefan · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:19 pm

bugnout wrote:

In all things insurance, never volunteer info, it will come back to haunt you. Answer all questions truthfully, but make sure the truth favors your point of view.

I definitely didn't volunteer info, they asked if anything had been done to it and I said yes it has been lifted. I could have worded it different for sure. I may give them a call later to see what they say.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:38 pm

I think its all in the wording but when asked if the vehicle has any extra parts ie wheels etc I always answer yes cause I want covered for those items if wrecked or stolen. Went through that one time with a stolen pick up, thats also why I keep detailed records of everything bought, replaced, up graded etc on every vehicle.
I am with Darby though OME is just replacing springs and shocks does alter anything frame wise etc

C co Crusader 2/127 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:03 pm

i use american family and they have had no problem with the lift thus far. they even fixed it when the wife put it in the ditch and blew out a strut. then again i have added coverage for customization and modification. I think its only like 20 bucks extra a month for 10 grand in customization(dont have that much in it yet but eventually i will)

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:20 pm

My insurance company knows nothing about my Jeep. They would not have a problem with paying for them if something did happen though. Weve had very good luck with our insurance company. Mostly b/c weve been with them for over 15 years.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:22 pm

I agree, with Darby. The OME is a dircet replacement, just like any other shock. So If you replace the ball joints, have you modified the front suspension? I think Not., but if you replace them with ones with grease fittings? OH MY GOD!!!

Anyway. one thing to remember about insurance is that it is VERY different from state to state. What they allow, or more to the point, can't charge for in Ohio might be allowed by the state you are in and visa versa.

Might be more rednecks in OK that have lifted trucks killing inocent morotists in accidents. Just kidding.

PaU-MWolverine · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:48 pm

When I was with Progressive, they didn't ask me, and furthermore, when I totalled my '93 YJ out wheeling at Paragon Adventure Park, they covered the remainder of my loan. They handled everything quickly and professionally.

(I rolled it down a 60-ft embankment... :oops:

)

I did not have "extra" coverage for mods, etc. Just wanted to try to answer your Progressive question...

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:56 pm

I had Grange Insurance when my 79 Ford F150 was stolen, they wanted to only pay what book value was even though my agent argued for me that I had a lot of extras on it. So I had to prove what I had done, thank goodness I still had receipts etc where I got the 17/40s and new wheels from, the lockers front and rear etc, they ended up paying for all parts and even fiqured in labor cost! Thats why I alsways keep everything as to what I do and have never had a problem

Like Woody said though every state is a little different in what they can charge/ what they cover and everything

Anyone else ever had insurance issues because of Lift?

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