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.

 

[intokenny]

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

I only told them on a "just in case" at least then they know about it & if the worst happens they cant say i didnt tell them & refuse to pay out. It's prob me being over cautious.

 

[Phill D]

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

I understand your point but, My point was that getting a chassis Well over 3.5t when the rear axle is limited to 2t is close to being pointless as any increase in available payload will have to go over the front axle.
The majority of vans no facility to load additional equipment etc over the front end.
The increase in front suspension capacity to deal with breaking forces is a different debate I think.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

I understand your point but, My point was that getting a chassis Well over 3.5t when the rear axle is limited to 2t is close to being pointless as any increase in available payload will have to go over the front axle.
The majority of vans no facility to load additional equipment etc over the front end.
The increase in front suspension capacity to deal with breaking forces is a different debate I think.

Yes, in most cases you need the 2240kg on the back axle to benefit, certainly once you drift over 3850kg.
Mike.

 

[suavecarve]

When I told my insurance company they said thank you and just made a note but I remember something about them needing to know because I did recovery through the insurance and it made a difference (not financially) as to what they would send to pick the van up should the worst happen