MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

[Duby T]

Im looking into getting a FMIC for my ride, but many kits require that you moddify your re-bar or replace it with a piece made by the tuner (ie.eurojet).

My concern is that if I were to ever get into a front end accident and either my insurance or the other persons insurance finds out that my re-bar has been tampered with or replaced by a non-oem piece, I may get screwed. Lets face it, most insurance companies will do what ever they can to avoid loosing money.

So, what are your thoughts?

Please don't tell me to get a SMIC. I know that they can be just as good as any FMIC. If I dont get a FMIC, i will probably get the Tyrol SMIC. Lets keep this on topic.

[DeanerF]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

i'm pretty sure the neuspeed intercooler requires no cutting or modifiying at all.

[Kor]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

i'm pretty sure the neuspeed intercooler requires no cutting or modifiying at all.

Its pretty easy to fit one without modifying your rebar.

[DeanerF]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

most of the "kits" that are sold say you have to modify rebar, and trim the bumper cover to make them fit though ?

[RONDAL]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

those are just the cheap kits. thats why you buy a properly sized IC and get some custom piping done by george. no problems.

[VRado6]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

I'm pretty sure the neuspeed one is the only FMIC that retains a stock, unmodded rebar. I'm sure your insurance company could jack you if they wanted, but first they'd have to have someone look at the car that knows that the stock part looks like. Most appraisers I've met at the dealer have pretty much no idea what they are looking at, and go completely by whatever the dealer tells them.

[VAG_Tech]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

On another note, if you modify your car for speed/performance and you don't tell your insurance company and you get into an accident your fooked.

I told my insurance company that I was planning on installing a turbo on my MK3
and they wanted me to tell them exactly what mods I plan on doing because they had to send the info to their head office and the head office decides what kind of rates and even if they will cover the vehicle after the mods. So be careful when you mod your car your insurace may not cover it at all. I'd look into their policies on that kind of stuff.

My provider is State Farm insurance. I've been with them since I've been driving, almost 20 years.


Edit: If you want some pimp FMIC piping done call my buddy over at http://www.trillionindustries.com/ George uses him.. Cut out the middle man and save cash.
Tell him Dave from South Centre VW sent ya.

[bart]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

who cares.

[nordex]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

just dont run a bumper cover?

[VAG_Tech]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

who cares.

Apparently Duby does...

[Duby T]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

who cares.

[Duby T]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

Thanks for your opinions guys.

I knew the Neuspeed FMIC required no moddifying of any sort, but it really isnt a flexible intercooler. I know its good enough for the K03sport and K04-001, but its not so great for anything bigger.

Personally, I was leaning more towards the eurojet street core because it can still handle anything from a GT28R down......just in case i decide to upgrade down the road.

[turbomeyers]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

if you dont tell your insurance company you are installing an intercooler and you crash they will deny your claim . but if you tell them they will up your premiums but you will be coverd .the only kit that comes with a replacment rebar that i have seen is eurojet . the others need rebar cut

[R_Ethug]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

in think the neuspeed fits under the stock one if i remember right.

[Tuna]

Re: MK4 FMIC's + re-bar issues = screwed by insurance?

I've been thinking about specialty car insurance. May as well support a company that makes an effort to support specialty cars.