Tailgate load strips

[j200george]

Has anyone fitted an aftermarket silver tailgate load strip?

any recommendations? Don’t want too cheap as they will discolur over time but equally don’t want to pay the Earth.

 

[Marc o Polo]

Heads up... Once bitten....
Don't want to be a spoiler but my comment is to try to help...

If you are adding something to the bodywork it never had from new this may be classed as a "modification" by your insurance company.

If you go ahead and modify the vehicle and then need to claim on insurance, one look by the sharp-eyed assessor (maybe) and your insurance could be voided. Don't be tempted - just write/email your intention to your insurers, and take a view on what you are told. Best to tell them, as there may be no extra charge if perhaps the total cost of the work is within a certain amount, as some insurance companies stipulate (in my case it was up to £2500). They advised I was covered for nil extra insurance costs. My modification is noted with insurers for the record.

They clearly ask you on renewal, etc; and if you subsequently have it done they need to know. This may seem trivial, but any kind of wrap or clear PPF should be notified, too. If they don't know about it they just might make your policy void and leave you with great difficulty trying to find insurance, as insurance companies notify cases of voiding/cancelling insurance on the insurance database. Such an easy thing to overlook - even reputable work places carrying out this type of work for you may not draw your attention to this detail. My advice just let them know - it may not cost you anything extra, or maybe you may wish to think again before having it done. All insurance companies are different I know. For anyone else out there I really hope this helps..

 

[j200george]

What a horrible world we live in when adding a protective sticker to a cars tailgate lip is potentially used as a reason to avoid paying out on a claim.

It hardly improves performance nor does it make the car more desirable to theives.

I do get your point though and it’s a point well made, pragmatic and noted thank you.

If I find a suitable one that’s available in the UK and without having to pay ridiculous import charges thanks to the Brexit dividend I’ll let my insurers know.

 

[Steve B]

What a horrible world we live in when adding a protective sticker to a cars tailgate lip is potentially used as a reason to avoid paying out on a claim.

It is but its real. I have an old style defender and have to go through a very long list of mod's each time, which I do down to the last small item. The reason is that even a sticker in the window can be classed as a modification, there was an example of this a number of years ago with one that had a provocative message. You always get asked 'have you modified the car in anyway' at renewal, nice claim get out clause if they need it.

My MP has absolutely nothing modified, not even a sticker, the camping extras/stuff are not mods.