YOUR INSURANCE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Heritage Insurance’s underwriter Andy Mcdonald answers your Land Rover insurance questions

LAND Rover owners can find insurance a bit of a minefield – especially if you’re set up for off-road driving. Here Andy Mcdonald, Heritage’s in-house underwriter, answers your important questions.

Do more modifications mean more premium? This is a common misconception, but with our modified 4x4 scheme that’s very rarely the case. Engine swaps that increase engine capacity can attract an increase, but beyond that our scheme doesn’t load for many mods at all.

Declaring all your modifications is more beneficial. On a modified scheme, there’s usually a minimum modification level to qualify and a very lightly modified LR could end up on a more standard scheme. As far as modified 4x4 insurers go, the more off-road mods you have the better: additional lights, rock sliders, snorkels, suspension changes… this scheme is built for off-roaders, so rather than keeping your list of mods down to reduce premium, you’re better off telling us everything you’ve got.

If I break down off-road, will the breakdown policy cover me? No. This is probably why off-roaders have some of the mods they have – to get themselves out of sticky situations! Off-road your standard breakdown doesn’t apply, even on a recognised greenlane. Breakdown cover applies to public roads.

What happens if I go over my mileage allowance? Restricted mileages are to keep premiums low. If you go over your mileage allowance, chances are the insurer will question it when you come to renewal. You’re better off calling us mid-term to increase your mileage if you think you’re likely to go over. It’s easier to get it right in the first place and pay the right premium than have an extra cost mid-year, so try to plan for your expected use when you take out your policy.

Does an off-road club membership entitle me to a club discount on my insurance? Absolutely. Discounts vary from 2.5% to 15%, but the latter is more standard. You’ll need to give us your membership number when setting up your policy so we can apply your discount.

Can I get agreed value on a modified 4x4 policy? Not usually, most modified 4x4 policies don’t offer AV but on occasion and for vehicles of a certain age exceptions can be made. If you need agreed value and your Land Rover is a classic, you may be better off looking at a classic vehicle policy.

Can you use and protect no claims bonus on a modified 4x4 policy? You can have no claims bonus on a modified 4x4 policy, but it won’t necessarily give you a discount because these are specialist schemes and rated accordingly. The insurers can hold the bonus for you so you have proof of no claims;

some but not all insurers will also allow you to accrue bonus.

What type of off-road cover do I get? Events/ greenlane/non organised events? Your classic or modified 4x4 policy will cover you for off-roading and driving on recognised greenlanes, and participating in rallies, shows and events as long as you’re not racing, pace making, speed testing or taking part in time trials. If you’re not sure whether you’d be covered, contact your insurer in advance and let them know what the event is and they’ll be able to tell you if you’re covered under your policy.

Is my classic Land Rover covered while I restore it? Laid up cover? Yes, laid up cover is available; your Land Rover usually needs to be garaged when laid up. If your vehicle can’t be driven because you’re taking it apart or partway through a restoration, the parts can also be insured as long as they’re stored with the vehicle.

Can I take my classic Land Rover into Europe? Yes, we give you 90 days European driving cover as standard on any of our policies. If you travel abroad a lot, this can usually be extended if you speak with your insurer.

Can I commute in my classic? Yes, provided you advise your insurer so that commuting cover is included on your policy. There can sometimes be small premium increases for this and you’ll also need to keep an eye on your mileage limits.

What happens if I am involved in an accident in Europe or Morocco? Can I get special trip insurance? You can be covered to drive in most of Europe on your standard policy, but if you’re going further afield you might not automatically be covered. For example, our specialist insurers don’t cover Morocco. Having comprehensive breakdown cover that includes Europe is strongly recommended, plus if you take out motor legal cover it protects you against a lot of accident-related costs you might incur.

Is there special insurance for Land Rovers that do less than a thousand miles a year, only come out during the summer and only get used at shows and events? Not all Land Rovers are being modified to the hilt for off roading – and for those that are a bit older, only being driven occasionally and perhaps taken out to shows, there are specialist classic schemes designed especially for them. Restricted mileage can go as low as 1000mpa, which helps keep the cost down, and shows and events cover will be a standard benefit of these specialist policies.

What happens if I buy a heavily modified (bull bar, lifted, bigger tyres) Land Rover? Is a modified 4x4 policy my only option?

If you’re buying a heavily modified 4x4 specifically to use off road, a modified 4x4 policy is going to be your best option because it’s tailored to your Land Rover and its use. However, if your modified Land Rover is a classic you could cover it on a classic policy with the modifications declared. There’s always the option of putting it on a standard vehicle policy with a regular car insurer, but everyday insurance policies will usually become a lot more expensive when you declare the modifications. You also won’t get off road and green laning cover on a standard or classic vehicle policy. So while a modified policy isn’t your only option, it’s the best.

Good early Freelanders are cheap and reliable. I want to get one for my 19-year-old daughter who is going to uni. How can I keep the insurance costs down?

Classic or modified vehicle policies in the main are for drivers aged 25 and over, so you’d most likely have to look at putting a 19-year-old on a more standard vehicle policy. Any young driver will attract a higher premium, and while a Freelander is reliable a lot of insurers would see it as a relatively large vehicle for a newer driver which again isn’t going to help on the cost front. There are some things you can do to help reduce costs, like ensuring the vehicle is garaged, has adequate security systems, and keeping the annual mileage low if possible.

HERITAGE have been insuring

Land Rovers for 55 years and specialise in modified and classic 4x4s. If you’re after specialist insurance and would like to speak with a member of their team, visit heritagecarinsurance.co.uk or call 0121 248 9213