Side steps (Running boards) fitted

[stephenmarr]

just buy longer bolts

[Dastardly Diesel]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

These are definitely worth having - I've had two car park incidents now where having side steps has avoided my car needing any paint repairs - not so the cars that have hit me :-)

Thats why insurers charge more for having them fitted.

[okedave]

Originally Posted by Dastardly Diesel

Thats why insurers charge more for having them fitted.

I've never come across this, plus it would make no sense for them to be charging more for something that results in less claims.

[mcox42]

Originally Posted by stephenmarr

just buy longer bolts

I don't know if it helps in the decision, but the bolts that come with the kit for fitting to the chassis have just over an 1 inch of thread penetration. They are also Torque'd to 50 Nm at the front and 80 Nm at the rear. I'm not sure a couple of washers would make too much difference to there performance or safety.

[Dastardly Diesel]

Originally Posted by okedave

I've never come across this, plus it would make no sense for them to be charging more for something that results in less claims.

Ring your insurers and tell them you've fitted side steps. They will charge you for it. More likely to damage other vehicles and pedestrians in a collision. In their mind it's in the same league as nudge bars.

In fact, you should tell your insurers anyway every time you alter your car from delivery spec.

[Tannaton]

Commonsense says it makes no difference, especially if it was a factory option and/or standard on some models.

However....

You can't be too careful with insurance companies. Just last week a lady who works in our office told us her 19 year old son had just bought a new Citroen which has a free insurance policy if you fit a black box. Chap turned up 10 days later to fit the box and refused to do so and his policy subsequently cancelled simple because he'd de-badged it. It sounds to incredible to be true I know but I know this lady well and I'm inclined to believe her.

[okedave]

Originally Posted by Dastardly Diesel

Ring your insurers and tell them you've fitted side steps. They will charge you for it. More likely to damage other vehicles and pedestrians in a collision. In their mind it's in the same league as nudge bars.

In fact, you should tell your insurers anyway every time you alter your car from delivery spec.

My insurers say its not a modification, its an optional accessory, and an official one at that so no difference. My previous XC90 (which was written off in a collision) also had side steps and insurance company werent interested in them. I think your insurance is pulling a fast one on you.

[XC90Mk1]

I am looking at buying these. Did you look at other suppliers and are you still happy with them?

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by Dastardly Diesel

Ring your insurers and tell them you've fitted side steps. They will charge you for it. More likely to damage other vehicles and pedestrians in a collision. In their mind it's in the same league as nudge bars.

In fact, you should tell your insurers anyway every time you alter your car from delivery spec.

Admiral multi-car, didn't care ... original spec accessory from delivery, no additional premium in my case.

[XC90Mk1]

Guys,

It’s clear that the insurance company are in the majority of cases not going to consider it an issue, claims to the country are just nonscence.

There may be some that charge and are not doubt in the minority.