The automotive aftermarket is a multi-billion dollar business, however one driver just lately found even minor modifications can have main repercussions.

Canada’s Global News tells the story of Modasir Ayobi who leased a 2020 Subaru BRZ and outfitted it with an aftermarket exhaust. Because it was a lease, Ayobi saved the unique exhaust and deliberate to interchange it earlier than he returned the automobile.

Every thing was going positive till the BRZ was totaled in a crash this March. Whereas Ayobi wasn’t charged for the accident, his insurance coverage firm decided he was at fault.

Whereas that’s by no means signal, Desjardins Insurance coverage denied the roughly $35,000 CAD ($28,435 USD) declare and cancelled his coverage altogether. Their motive? The modified exhaust.

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That sounds patently ridiculous, particularly when Ayobi was paying $7,200 CAD ($5,851 USD) a 12 months for insurance coverage. Nevertheless, the corporate warned their prospects “Your automobile is taken into account to be modified if it has been modified in any manner from its unique situation as a way to enhance or alter its efficiency, look or enhance its worth. In case you make or plan to make modifications to your automobile, contact us to make sure we’re capable of insure you correctly.”

That’s fairly obscure and suggests even minor adjustments – equivalent to air filters or tow hooks – could possibly be thought of a modification that the corporate may use to disclaim claims.

Fortunately, Desjardins Insurance coverage had a change of coronary heart and agreed to pay the declare in full. After all, that solely occurred after the corporate was contacted by the media so different prospects may not be as fortunate.

That being stated, it’s most likely a good suggestion to learn the paperwork that accompanies your insurance coverage coverage. Whereas it’s most likely not riveting, it would prevent from complications down the street.

H/T to Driving