Up plating and insurance

[repairer]

Does anyone have any experience of up plating a Fiat Ducato and re insuring? ( Chausson 711)

l am contemplating getting my Fiat Ducato done, it is currently max 3500kg, I am looking to get it nearer 4000kg if possible.

I am going to apply through Van Weight Engineering.

I have already fitted Semi air suspension after receiving clearance from my insurer to carry this out.

However, before proceeding I have again contacted my insurer (via broker) to be certain there would be no issue, I am still awaiting a reply.

Having read through my documents today I may have found the answer, it states I cannot increase by more than 10% of current gross weight, this would only give me an additional 350kg, I am of the opinion if I am going to do this I am going to go the whole hog and get the max I can.

Has anyone experienced problems with insurer when doing an up plate?

Strange bit is I was never asked weight of van when I insured it, in fact I have since met another owner with exact same van and max plated weight from new was 4000kg.

 

[Phill D]

Provided your up platting is supported by a reputable company ie as you are doing the insurance is unlikely to have an issue.

Van weigh engineering should be able to tell you what physical changes are needed to get to 4000kgs B if that is possible on your chassis.
I only upgraded mine by 250 kgs and the insurance we’re not bothered

 

[Lenny HB]

Uprated the last van insurance weren't interested but said they would make a note on the file.
As they never ask about weight when you insure how would they know, only through DVLA records and we all know how good they are at record keeping.

 

[DT]

Just about to call my insurance company as I uprated from 3500kg to 3700kg with no mods. I spoke to Comfort last month when I renewed my policy just before up-plating and they told me to just give them a call, no charge.

 

[IRHP]

Told Comfort about mine and the air suspension noted with no charge.

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[intokenny]

I have told NFU today that i have uprated from 3500kg to 3700 kg not a problem. When i said i am having solar on the roof, that is different, will check with the underwrighters mmmm that will be another £170, thank you!!!!

 

[Bessy765]

If you are on 15” rims even with225/70/r15 and semi ir I think you will be limited to 3850kg that gives you 2240kg over the rear axle.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

I have gone, in increments to 4090kg, Initially 3700kg.
For the bigger gain I had to fit new tyres, and rear air bags. Now we're 2240 on rear 1850 on the front. If you have a garage, check the loading on that, some makes have a derisory 150kg maximum loading, so that will require additional chassis rails to exploit the upgrade. PS, I went for stand alone air bags adjusted quite easily with a pump, on a 40psi setting this has lifted the @rse end up, which is handy for smaller ferries, but if you're not "Jack the giant ", like me slightly harder loading bicycles on the rear rack. The vastly improved ride quality the bags give makes it worth fitting them, even if not upgrading!!
My insurance just noted the upgrade.
Mike.

 

[Minxy]

Does anyone have any experience of up plating a Fiat Ducato and re insuring? ( Chausson 711)

l am contemplating getting my Fiat Ducato done, it is currently max 3500kg, I am looking to get it nearer 4000kg if possible.

If you are on the light chassis you won't be able to go above 3850kg.

I am going to apply through Van Weight Engineering.

I have already fitted Semi air suspension after receiving clearance from my insurer to carry this out.

However, before proceeding I have again contacted my insurer (via broker) to be certain there would be no issue, I am still awaiting a reply.

Having read through my documents today I may have found the answer, it states I cannot increase by more than 10% of current gross weight, this would only give me an additional 350kg, I am of the opinion if I am going to do this I am going to go the whole hog and get the max I can.

I've never heard of that before but that does fall in line with the max you're MH is likely able to go to, ie 3850kg.

Has anyone experienced problems with insurer when doing an up plate?

Strange bit is I was never asked weight of van when I insured it, in fact I have since met another owner with exact same van and max plated weight from new was 4000kg.

No we've never been asked but obviously it is recorded by the DVLA so they may have a link to that when you give them your reg number that gives the info so don't need to ask. As for the other owner being at 4000kg, perhaps his was on the heavy chassis whereas yours is on the light one?

 

[repairer]

Many thanks for all the feedback, this morning I finally received a response from the insure, it does not seem to confirm I can go ahead, it’s a bit vague, extract of the mail below.

• Confirmation of the exact new total maximum mass that you are changing it to.
• A photograph of the VIN plate showing the correct maximum axel weights.
• Confirmation from yourself whether any associated modifications are being made to the vehicle as a result of the change.

I think my next steps are to send my relevant info to Van Weight Engineering and let them review it, in the meantime I am going to obtain insurance quotes from other insurers as my insurance is due for renewal Nov.

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[Minxy]

Many thanks for all the feedback, this morning I finally received a response from the insure, it does not seem to confirm I can go ahead, it’s a bit vague, extract of the mail below.

• Confirmation of the exact new total maximum mass that you are changing it to.
• A photograph of the VIN plate showing the correct maximum axel weights.
• Confirmation from yourself whether any associated modifications are being made to the vehicle as a result of the change.

I think my next steps are to send my relevant info to Van Weight Engineering and let them review it, in the meantime I am going to obtain insurance quotes from other insurers as my insurance is due for renewal Nov.

All they are asking for is confirmation of what you are doing which is quite sensible as it protects both you and them so no ambiguity in the future if you have to make a claim for something.

As for insurance quotes, best time is 21-23 days before renewal to get the best price - try Asda Money comparison site as I got a stonking deal on our insurance via them.

 

[pappajohn]

They may mean if you're more than 10% over the 3500kg you're on yer own....we won't pay out.

 

[repairer]

All they are asking for is confirmation of what you are doing which is quite sensible as it protects both you and them so no ambiguity in the future if you have to make a claim for something.

As for insurance quotes, best time is 21-23 days before renewal to get the best price - try Asda Money comparison site as I got a stonking deal on our insurance via them.

Many thanks for this, just been on the Asda site, got a pretty good quote, put in an increase in mileage and quote was comparable to what I am paying currently, but current policy was for less miles per annum (cost me an additional 50 quid to increase by another 2000 miles this year with current insurer)

 

[nigel dewbery]

Does anyone have any experience of up plating a Fiat Ducato and re insuring? ( Chausson 711)

l am contemplating getting my Fiat Ducato done, it is currently max 3500kg, I am looking to get it nearer 4000kg if possible.

I am going to apply through Van Weight Engineering.

I have already fitted Semi air suspension after receiving clearance from my insurer to carry this out.

However, before proceeding I have again contacted my insurer (via broker) to be certain there would be no issue, I am still awaiting a reply.

Having read through my documents today I may have found the answer, it states I cannot increase by more than 10% of current gross weight, this would only give me an additional 350kg, I am of the opinion if I am going to do this I am going to go the whole hog and get the max I can.

Has anyone experienced problems with insurer when doing an up plate?

Strange bit is I was never asked weight of van when I insured it, in fact I have since met another owner with exact same van and max plated weight from new was 4000kg.

Just updated our hymer from 3500 to 3880 to align to sprinter chassis , no issue with insurance at all and had a refund on road tax !

 

[David BW]

Same here - no insurance implications up-plating our Campscout from 3500 to 4250 kg which was just a paperwork exercise. I can recommend Van Weight Engineering who did this for us (£180 cost).

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[Reallyretired]

I have told NFU today that i have uprated from 3500kg to 3700 kg not a problem. When i said i am having solar on the roof, that is different, will check with the underwrighters mmmm that will be another £170, thank you!!!!

That's very odd. Mine had solar when I bought it, in fact it is donkeys years since I've had one without. As most motorhomes have solar it seems a bit strange charging extra for it.

 

[Skipper43]

That's very odd. Mine had solar when I bought it, in fact it is donkeys years since I've had one without. As most motorhomes have solar it seems a bit strange charging extra for it.

I understand there have been a number of claims following solar panels detaching from the roof and causing damage to third parties?

 

[Van Aert]

Same here - no insurance implications up-plating our Campscout from 3500 to 4250 kg which was just a paperwork exercise. I can recommend Van Weight Engineering who did this for us (£180 cost).

I have been thinking about up plating my Campscout- I put it on a weighbridge last week and it came in at 3160kg empty.…….not a huge amount to play with once we jump in with all our stuff and put the bikes on the back.

 

[Vic]

Uprated 2 previous vans on Alko light chassis from 3500kg to 3850kg, no difference in premium. I asked about a further uprate from SV Tech. They stated whille I could uprate the resr axle weight with a change of tyres and air suspension, I would not be abke to go above 3850kg max weight.

 

[WESTY66]

If you are on the light chassis you won't be able to go above 3850kg.


I've never heard of that before but that does fall in line with the max you're MH is likely able to go to, ie 3850kg.


No we've never been asked but obviously it is recorded by the DVLA so they may have a link to that when you give them your reg number that gives the info so don't need to ask. As for the other owner being at 4000kg, perhaps his was on the heavy chassis whereas yours is on the light one?

I’m pretty certain You can go to 4000kgs on the light chassis with all the mods needed to get to 3850kgs BUT you have to upgrade the FRONT suspension also

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[Phill D]

I’m pretty certain You can go to 4000kgs on the light chassis with all the mods needed to get to 3850kgs BUT you have to upgrade the FRONT suspension also

that i believe to be true but there is little opportunity to load stuff over the front to take advantage of the extra. the rear axle will still be the limiting factor.

 

[David BW]

I have been thinking about up plating my Campscout- I put it on a weighbridge last week and it came in at 3160kg empty.…….not a huge amount to play with once we jump in with all our stuff and put the bikes on the back.

Ours was right on 3500 with a full tank of water, about 90 litres of fuel (we have the 120litre tank), empty waste tank, two of us (but not our 21kg dog) and a light load of luggage/stores (we do have 38kg of aircon on the roof). We’d definitely have been over if we added our grandson and all that comes with him when we take him on a trip. I’d recommend the upgrade as long as you have a C1 license and no health issues that might prevent its continuation. You save most of the cost in the first year of road fund license.

 

[Captain Birdseye]

Does anyone have any experience of up plating a Fiat Ducato and re insuring? ( Chausson 711)

l am contemplating getting my Fiat Ducato done, it is currently max 3500kg, I am looking to get it nearer 4000kg if possible.

I am going to apply through Van Weight Engineering.

I have already fitted Semi air suspension after receiving clearance from my insurer to carry this out.

However, before proceeding I have again contacted my insurer (via broker) to be certain there would be no issue, I am still awaiting a reply.

Having read through my documents today I may have found the answer, it states I cannot increase by more than 10% of current gross weight, this would only give me an additional 350kg, I am of the opinion if I am going to do this I am going to go the whole hog and get the max I can.

Has anyone experienced problems with insurer when doing an up plate?

Strange bit is I was never asked weight of van when I insured it, in fact I have since met another owner with exact same van and max plated weight from new was 4000kg.

We did this with our previous motorhome and more recently our present motothome. WE used SVTech for the paperwork and new plates. No problem with our insurers either time.

 

[Spidey]

I have told NFU today that i have uprated from 3500kg to 3700 kg not a problem. When i said i am having solar on the roof, that is different, will check with the underwrighters mmmm that will be another £170, thank you!!!!

I didn’t realise that we had to tell insurance about this. I am with nfu will have to ring them. Thanks

 

[Captain Birdseye]

I didn’t realise that we had to tell insurance about this. I am with nfu will have to ring them. Thanks

We are insured by NFU and have both factory fitted solar and added solar by the dealer prior to delivery. I have no intention of advising them in these circumstances.

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[Spidey]

We are insured by NFU and have both factory fitted solar and added solar by the dealer prior to delivery. I have no intention of advising them in these circumstances.

Does it not come under ‘any modifications’ question?

 

[Captain Birdseye]

Does it not come under ‘any modifications’ question?

Never been asked any questions by them.

 

[Rimswell Wanderer]

Does anyone have any experience of up plating a Fiat Ducato and re insuring? ( Chausson 711)

l am contemplating getting my Fiat Ducato done, it is currently max 3500kg, I am looking to get it nearer 4000kg if possible.

I am going to apply through Van Weight Engineering.

I have already fitted Semi air suspension after receiving clearance from my insurer to carry this out.

However, before proceeding I have again contacted my insurer (via broker) to be certain there would be no issue, I am still awaiting a reply.

Having read through my documents today I may have found the answer, it states I cannot increase by more than 10% of current gross weight, this would only give me an additional 350kg, I am of the o if I am going to do this I am going to go the whole hog and get the max I can.

Has anyone experienced problems with insurer when doing an up plate?

Strange bit is I was never asked weight of van when I insured it, in fact I have since met another owner with exact same van and max plated weight from new was 4000kg.

I did my own upgrade by asking the manufacturer “ Autotrail “ for a covering letter, it was easy with my Tribute as it doesn’t need any modifications to be able to upgrade as the chassis covers two allowable weights so it was just a paperwork exercise.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

I’m pretty certain You can go to 4000kgs on the light chassis with all the mods needed to get to 3850kgs BUT you have to upgrade the FRONT suspension also

Uprated 2 previous vans on Alko light chassis from 3500kg to 3850kg, no difference in premium. I asked about a further uprate from SV Tech. They stated whille I could uprate the resr axle weight with a change of tyres and air suspension, I would not be abke to go above 3850kg max weight.

Try Van Weight Engineering, S.V told me the same bot VWE got me to 4090kg. Now over 1000 kg payload

 

[Gunn1707]

that i believe to be true but there is little opportunity to load stuff over the front to take advantage of the extra. the rear axle will still be the limiting factor.

I think the updated front suspension etc is due to the extra forces on the front suspension caused when braking due to the extra weight.weight