I want to get an aftermarket intercooler (quickwhips or CCA) and Im curious if I remove the crashbar and replace it with an aftermarket one, will I have a problem with my insurance company. I want a monster intercooler for the looks. I just love them but if I wreck I don't want to have a problem. I have state farm insurance if thats of any help.

 

Interesting question... I'd like to hear about this aswell.


You'd think that if there is a crashbar there shouldn't be a problem. I doubt anyone would ever even know the difference, but then again I have no idea.

 

I had state farm and when i had my talon i took out the crash bar and one day, my airbag deployed and they refused to pay for it because it was my own fault. The best bet is to call state farm anonymously and ask them. That is what i learned from my experience. If you have it available, Farmers Insurance rocks my world. I have never had a problem with anything with them . . .

 

We had a car that came into the shop that I worked for with bald tires. Rear ended someone in the rain, 17,000 worth of damage on a 2003 Camry.

They refused to cover it.

We had a PT Cruiser with like 2% tint all around. Rear ended a car at night, around 2:00 in the morning. I took the entire PT apart, insurance company came to look at it. 8,000 worth of damage.

They refused to cover it.

If you get into a front end collision without the factory safety equipment on the car (the bumper reinforcement also reinforces the entire front of the frame as well, think of your car without it, as a 3 sided cardboard box....pretty flimsy) your insurance company more than likely will not pay for it.

Heres some more food for thought. My insurance company, Nationwide, will only cover up to $1500 worth of aftermarket equipment in a car unless you pay specifically every month to have it covered (an extra buck or two, but worth it). So if you have an aftermarket FMIC and no aftermarket coverage on your insurance policy, you can eat the FMIC because they aren't buying you a new one, not even a factory one.

Working in the business, I've seen it all. And aftermarket parts and safety alterations are NOT highly liked by insurance adjusters at all. Remember, its not the customer service representative on the phone that youll ask if its covered without a crashbar who will be going to the body shop to make a decision on whether or not its covered. Its the adjuster, and he doesnt know you, your car, or the representative from a hole in the wall.

Its up to you what you decide to do. However adjusting safety and stability equipment on a car, is never favored highly by any insurance company.

 

that is why im going with a direct fit intercooler.

 

thanks for the advice. I want a monster but I might just go with a direct fit and say screw any other problems.

 

Did I show ya my monster?

[IMG]local://upfiles/15665/743C6512C4F14661A41C4F197548BB65.jpg[/IMG]

 

The intercooler I use replaces the front bumper, but it is stronger than the rebar I took out.

 

Here we go again[8D].

 

Ya know, ....I love to fish.....