[Sonny]

Bought a 2022 Passport in August 2022 Trailsport edition and just love it. Had a 2020 Black edition CRV stolen in July 2022 and decided to go with the Passport since it did not appear on the most stolen list and figured since it is produced in North America and therefore, is probably not a sought upon car by thieves on the world market. Put in the OEM running boards after I purchased the car in order to facilitate my access due to having crushed vertabrae and sciatic issues as the result of two prior accidents in 2017 and 2018 when I was the owner of a 2017 Si, such a sweet machine but became problematic to get in and out of the vehicle after the accidents. In both accidents, I was rear ended at a red light while at a full stop. This resulted in two crushed vertabrae and sciatic issues.

I just wanted to alert the members if they were aware that running boards are considered modifications and will void your replacement value insurance clause in your policy if you have decided upon this coverage. At my end I considered this insurance protection necessary given that my previous vehicle had been ripped off and had replacement value. When the insurance was informed of this addition they considered it a modification and the underwriters advised that my replacement value clause would be withrawn as a result of this modification. Would appreciate readers feedback.

 

[lvdukerider]

I'd get a lawyer and sue the insurance company.
I suppose you would have to read the fine print in your policy but it sounds like the insurance company is just using your "running boards" as an excuse not to provide the service they agreed to provide.
I would challenge them to explain how the addition of "running boards" makes the vehicle more prone to theft.
If they don't want to pay for the running boards that were not there when they agreed to pay "replacement value" if the vehicle was stolen, then alright that seems reasonable but to not pay at all? That's just theft/fraud on their part, you paid your premium, now it's their turn to provide the service they agreed to provide.

 

[jppelec]

I want to know the name of that insurance company. There are many OEM accessories that are installed on the Passports by the dealer. The runningboards are part of an option package along with other things. Find a different insurance company.

 

[Sonny]

Once you purchase a car and have the clause you are slave to that insurance company. Sure can switch if they don’t honour the clause and that just may be the solution. The replacement value clause becomes invalid when any after sale item is installed after the car has been delivered.

I have now informed the insurance company that I will remove the item if they agree to re instate the clause. I am waiting to hear back.
My guess will be that they will look for a reason to maintain their stupid decision. I am assuming that they are trying to cut back on their losses due to the thefts of SUV in Canada.

 

[Sonny]

I'd get a lawyer and sue the insurance company.
I suppose you would have to read the fine print in your policy but it sounds like the insurance company is just using your "running boards" as an excuse not to provide the service they agreed to provide.
I would challenge them to explain how the addition of "running boards" makes the vehicle more prone to theft.
If they don't want to pay for the running boards that were not there when they agreed to pay "replacement value" if the vehicle was stolen, then alright that seems reasonable but to not pay at all? That's just theft/fraud on their part, you paid your premium, now it's their turn to provide the service they agreed to provide.

I am sure they would still pay if the car is stolen but at depreciated value not replacement

 

[lvdukerider]

I am sure they would still pay if the car is stolen but at depreciated value not replacement

But if they were paid a premium to cover replacement value, accepted that payment with that agreement then they should be required to pay replacement value, minus any accessories that were added.
Insurance companies are thieves, their gambling nothing will happen to your property, your gambling that somthing will. When they lose they cheat and find any reason (running boards) that weather or not they were installed would have had any bearing on the vehicle getting stolen.
They play the odds, but they don't play fair. I have no sympathy for insurance companies.

 

[Sonny]

They will nullify the agreement regarding replacement value and adjust my rates accordingly, then send me notice. I am just interested in hearing their position regarding if I remove the running boards can I maintain replacement value. I assume they are looking for reasons as not to provide replacement value.

 

[Passporto2020]

If that’s what they say then you have to go with it or look for different insurance. I have Honda running boards and my insurance didn’t do that. If I were to put a lift on the truck, for example, then that would apply with my insurance. In the end it will just have to be a decision you make based on risk to value. Good luck with everything and enjoy that Passport!!

 

[XxTrasHxX]

Personally it sound like because you have one full claim with that specific insurance company they are making things more difficult for you if you to stay with them, they might be forcing you to go with another insurer buy saying this BS about the running boards . Canadian insurance company's are all over priced, and look for any reason to get to leave if it's not in there benefit, have you looked for for another insurer and has your rate gone up because of the CRV theft ? Not sure we're you live Canada but here in the GTA there is alot of CRV thefts and the insurance company might be getting tired of paying out for Honda products. My advice to you is 1. I would talk to your insurance agent to show you were in your policy factory installed accessories excludes full replacement covarge 2. I'm assuming with a the injurys that you have you are using an acessiblity permit on you vehicle, if yes I would ask them why they are dening you covarge of a factory installed option that help with accesbilty? 3. If that doesn't work tell the agent that you want to talk to there manager /superior tell them they are dening service to someone with an accesbilty issue convince them if they don't reinstate the covarge you will make a big stink on social median and out the company . Also did they say after sales or after market. Would not factory replacement tires brakes also void this clause?

 

[Sonny]

Contacted the Financial Services Commission of Ontario which governs and oversees insurance companies in Ontario. I explained my situation and they guided me to contact the Ombudsman of my insurance company and request a final position letter regarding the modifications to the vehicle. They explained that they require a final position letter before they can become involved to mediate.

I contacted the Ombudsman of the insurance company through e-mail outlining the details and included the invoice from the parts department where I had purchased the running boards and within 1 day received a response to my request for a review. The underwriters' department re-evaluated their decision and determined that they would insure my Passport with full replacement value since the modifications were with Honda parts designed to fit the vehicle.

 

[davidg4781]

I'm sure that clause is designed to cover the insurance company's assets when someone buys a 2010 Civic, puts on $20k wheels and tires, then crashes it or gets it stolen, expecting a $35k payout.

 

[jayceegee]

I'm sure that clause is designed to cover the insurance company's assets when someone buys a 2010 Civic, puts on $20k wheels and tires, then crashes it or gets it stolen, expecting a $35k payout.

Or if the OP had placed diamond studded running boards -- that's a problem.

 

[CC_Marauder]

Contacted the Financial Services Commission of Ontario which governs and oversees insurance companies in Ontario. I explained my situation and they guided me to contact the Ombudsman of my insurance company and request a final position letter regarding the modifications to the vehicle. They explained that they require a final position letter before they can become involved to mediate.

I contacted the Ombudsman of the insurance company through e-mail outlining the details and included the invoice from the parts department where I had purchased the running boards and within 1 day received a response to my request for a review. The underwriters' department re-evaluated their decision and determined that they would insure my Passport with full replacement value since the modifications were with Honda parts designed to fit the vehicle.

I preface this post by adding that I am a licensed Insurance Broker of 24 years. Of course they would have to insure per contract.

If dissatisfied with your initial assigned claim rep. or the value numbers, immediately ask for a manager above your assigned claim rep. that is generally just an inexperienced worker bee that is going by the company book to start low.

As an aside, you don't even really need to pay extra for the RCV coverage. Actual Cash Value (ACV) [RCV minus depreciation & vehicle condition] will suffice for most people.

I've had a relatively new vehicle of mine totaled that was insured as ACV, in an accident where I was not at fault and MY own company tried to *low ball the value of my total loss.

*The at fault driver was under insured so MY company was trying to shave the extra they were going to have to conver before trying to recover any overages through subrogation. (I know, snore fest stuff)

I understood the policy and had the underwriters take into consideration several vehicles of like kind and quality that were selling in my locale for several thousand dollars more than they were trying to settle on. They had to take those higher prices into consideration (like kind and quality clause), PLUS the added receipts I had for a tow hitch and brake controller (depreciated) value that I had them add on top of final number.

Never sign or accept any money from an insurance company settlement as the moment you do, you have been legally bound to that settlement offer. NEVER sign off on a settlement until YOU are satisfied with final offer based on your exhausted efforts to squeeze every last dollar out of the insurance company.✌🏼