GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Boulton on 24 January 2018, 13:38
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I’ve have recently put a DTUK tuning box on my mk7.5 GTI. Considered remap, and recognise it is probably the better long term option but the tuning box ticked all the boxes in terms of not invalidating the warranty.
So far I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Also the service from Andrew at DTUK has been brilliant.
I’m currently fiddling around with the settings. At the moment it is on 2+3 which seems to give more power from 3500 revs onwards. Have any of you guys got it and what modes on the box have you found the best?
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I would be really keen a good in depth review on the differences as I would seriously consider one but was put off by a proper tuner who said the problem with them is that is constantly fooling the ecu to get it to do what it needs to do.
Is yours a std GTI? If so, how is traction especially this time of year? I'm guessing off the line it's hard to tell and that its more mid range that feels faster?
Cheers
Jim
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To be honest I’ve only had it a week and not had chance to properly drive it with the weather being how it is.
There are 3 different settings on the box which determine how the power is delivered Jim. For example one of the settings I had tried gives more power off the mark but with the weather the traction is constantly interfering. Quoted figures are 316ps 457torque.
It is a standard GTI, not PP. There’s plenty of opinions on various forums in regards to DTUK. I think of the tuning box’s they are probably the dearest but the one to go for. On their site there are dyno readings showing the power increases (obviously can be open to interpretation). You could always give Andrew a call on 07977 466007.
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I also have the dtuk box on my car. I was considering getting a revo map, as I had one on my ibiza cupra and it was excellent. In the interests of warranty however, I decided upon the box. The choice was between either a JB4 or a DtUK one. I decided upon the latter as the JB4 required a wire through the firewall.
I found the staff very helpful and had the box delievered within a couple of days. It came well packaged and the instructions were also clear. I installed it within half an hour, as only the lower boost sensor was hard to reach ( I removed the lower underbody cover.) Upon speaking with Andrew, he advised to try each setting and then settle upon the one which suited best.
After playing with it over the course of the weekend, I have settled upon map 2, boost +1, which I find perfect. As said, the power comes in slightly highter in the rev range, but in a smooth fashion. I have heard of people having over boost issues and check lights, but this has never happened to myself.
With regards to comparison with a map, I can see pros and cons to both. A revo one obviously takes account of more variables than the box, which deals with two boost sensors and the camshaft position sensor. Whilst I imagine this will allow for more precise regulation of timing advance and fuelling etc, I can honestly say that when driving with the box, it does not feel at all lumpy; it feels well judged and refined. I also like the fact that you can change map to suit your preferences.
I have a few other minor mods such as the racingline turbo elbow and the gfb dverter valve. The box has worked very well in conjuction with these and caused no issues. I imagine that if you had the like of a sports cat/decat, you would need either a bespoke map, or a stage two revo one for example. If someone was able to drive a well mapped car and one with a box back to back, then maybe a difference between the two would be apparent. If however you are driving in isolation, and want a noticeable increase in power, then I have nothing negative to say about DTUK.
Thanks, Craig
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I also have the dtuk box on my car. I was considering getting a revo map, as I had one on my ibiza cupra and it was excellent. In the interests of warranty however, I decided upon the box. The choice was between either a JB4 or a DtUK one. I decided upon the latter as the JB4 required a wire through the firewall.
I found the staff very helpful and had the box delievered within a couple of days. It came well packaged and the instructions were also clear. I installed it within half an hour, as only the lower boost sensor was hard to reach ( I removed the lower underbody cover.) Upon speaking with Andrew, he advised to try each setting and then settle upon the one which suited best.
After playing with it over the course of the weekend, I have settled upon map 2, boost +1, which I find perfect. As said, the power comes in slightly highter in the rev range, but in a smooth fashion. I have heard of people having over boost issues and check lights, but this has never happened to myself.
With regards to comparison with a map, I can see pros and cons to both. A revo one obviously takes account of more variables than the box, which deals with two boost sensors and the camshaft position sensor. Whilst I imagine this will allow for more precise regulation of timing advance and fuelling etc, I can honestly say that when driving with the box, it does not feel at all lumpy; it feels well judged and refined. I also like the fact that you can change map to suit your preferences.
I have a few other minor mods such as the racingline turbo elbow and the gfb dverter valve. The box has worked very well in conjuction with these and caused no issues. I imagine that if you had the like of a sports cat/decat, you would need either a bespoke map, or a stage two revo one for example. If someone was able to drive a well mapped car and one with a box back to back, then maybe a difference between the two would be apparent. If however you are driving in isolation, and want a noticeable increase in power, then I have nothing negative to say about DTUK.
Thanks, Craig
Craig, the only thing that worries me is you hear a of a few stories of the clutch slipping? Did you experience this and how many miles did you do with the DTUK box? I’m sure the GTI has the same clutch as the R to be fair. Mine is a manual.
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Hello. I personally have never had any issues with clutch slip, although I have heard it happen with both standard and tuned cars. My friend has a leon cupra with a revo map and it has a low boost map for added clutch protection.
I've currently had the box on my car for approx 8,000 miles and it has yet to miss a beat or cause an issue. My father also has one on his Juke Nismo RS and it is also a good job. Whilst I'm sure they could cause issues with the clutch, I think if the car is driven within reason things should be fine.
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I ran a DTUK box on my 2013 GTI PP and it did the job pretty well.
I'd pretty much echo MjrSharpe's thoughts there, I'd come from a series of OBD remapped cars over many years and I won't say the box disappointed in smoothness and performance.
A box is always going to be playing catchup with the sensors, we're talking microseconds here, but a box doesn't quite have the responses of a good remap however there are trade off's one way and another when considering each.
I only used my car infrequently over winter and forgot to unplug the DTUK box when it was left standing in the cold for a period of time which resulted in a flat battery. I don't know if the later ones take their power from elsewhere but the early ones took their power in a feed direct from the battery. That's a downside if you're forgetful like me! Unplugging the box and putting the blanking plate on the loom avoids this if the car is parked for a period of time.
Having the power come in a bit higher up the RPM range is a sensible move with a manual box to avoid the clutch issues many people suffer with mk7's (even standard unmodified GTI's and R's seem to suffer this fate which is poor). So far none of my 4 mk7s have suffered clutch issues (touch wood) and I'd be furious if they did as a low mileage and sympathetic driver. And that's just the thing, my cars were low mileage so I'd really hope there were no clutch issues, but there's always that worry.
The settings where the power comes in a little higher will make the responses of the GTI more like an R higher up the rev band but still keep the amazing flexibility of the GTI turbo at low revs, and again, with a FWD car you don't want too much torque at very low RPM's especially in the lower gears.
I went with a JB1 on my R. Again it was a very adjustable set up (although I left it as it came out the box on default settings as they were adequate for road use) and if anything felt a tiny bit more responsive, but that could be down to the more responsive engine in the R. Thankfully the JB1 doesn't take power direct from the battery either so the car didn't suffer the indignity of not starting after being left for weeks at a time over winter...
I've still got my JB1 and intend on putting it on my Clubsport at some point but to be honest the Ed30 drives so well as a standard car I'm reluctant to mess up the balance. A JB4 is a lot more hardcore with its adjustability and flexibility but I don't plan any further mods so it would be wasted on me.
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I had one on my 2014 GTI PP. Would heartily recommend it to anyone. I came from a tuned Astra H VXR (pushing approx 300BHP) prior to my GTI and couldn't have been happier with the box.
I've had (literally) a couple of instances where the clutch has slipped, but after a little bit of gentle driving it stops slipping. That said, you'll risk getting clutch slip whether it's a tuning box or remap. I think my main problem is my driving style and (as I'm an old fart) my inability to change. However 99% of the time it's fine and from what I've heard the DSG boxes don't suffer from the same clutch issues as the manuals.
Apparently it's even better when combined with a pedal box too. Some people even prefer the pedal box as it improves throttle response making the car feel better/quicker without actually being quicker/more powerful. Although both fitted will give you the best of both worlds!
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Had a DTUK box on my MK7 GT 2.0TDI it was great, made a huge difference to power and made a mundane 2.0tdi fun i did have a few issues after some months 5-7 with the car going into limp mode quickly resolved by cycling the ignition but no matter what map it seemed to happen once in a blue moon which was a little odd possibly over time the car did not tolerate it so well but every car is different and i soon moved into the R :laugh: so i did not persue it. Overall though i think it is a very good product and i would have one again if i was not so worried about getting the dreaded clutch slip that seems to be a widespread issue with the MK7 GTI/R
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I had one on my 2014 GTI PP. Would heartily recommend it to anyone. I came from a tuned Astra H VXR (pushing approx 300BHP) prior to my GTI and couldn't have been happier with the box.
I've had (literally) a couple of instances where the clutch has slipped, but after a little bit of gentle driving it stops slipping. That said, you'll risk getting clutch slip whether it's a tuning box or remap. I think my main problem is my driving style and (as I'm an old fart) my inability to change. However 99% of the time it's fine and from what I've heard the DSG boxes don't suffer from the same clutch issues as the manuals.
Apparently it's even better when combined with a pedal box too. Some people even prefer the pedal box as it improves throttle response making the car feel better/quicker without actually being quicker/more powerful. Although both fitted will give you the best of both worlds!
I think it goes without saying the pedal box is just an essential addition that needs to be fitted to any mk7 Golf which isn't just sat on cruise control all day long.
I had mine fitted to my PP GTI within a few weeks of collecting it and it's been on all my subsequent cars. I had a similar device on my remapped mk6's too. They just bring the torque into play so much more easily giving the car hot hatch responses instead of feeling like the pedal has been disconnected until it's half way down towards the carpet. The difference between ballet shoes and diving boots.
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Pedal box is indeed a must. I was sceptical of it before I got one, but was so pleased with the tuning box I thought I would give it a go. It was a gift from my dad and I couldn’t believe the difference it made! As exonian said it makes the car feel so much more alert and keen. I would recommend it to anyone even if they weren’t getting a tuning box as well.
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^^ Agreed. Although this thread is about the tuning box, the pedal box it inevitably gets brought into the equation. I don’t have a tuning box (yet, maybe in the future) but the pedal box transformed the car from being a fantastic car with a significant flaw, to a fantastic car. In all honesty I’m not sure I could have got on with the stock car without a pedal box, those first few months driving it (sans pedal box) I found increasingly exasperating when everything else was right about it but it was actually a drag (literally) driving it. One small and relatively inexpensive solution later and enjoyment restored.
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Disappointingly my insurer Direct Line won't allow a pedal box at all (despite calls to them explaining what it is and that I know that others have them and are insured with Direct Line).
So I asked about the DTUK tuning box and they were fine until they realised the power increase was over 20% and they refused that too!
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Disappointingly my insurer Direct Line won't allow a pedal box at all (despite calls to them explaining what it is and that I know that others have them and are insured with Direct Line).
So I asked about the DTUK tuning box and they were fine until they realised the power increase was over 20% and they refused that too!
I’m exact the same. Really wanted the pedalbox but despite repeated attempts to convince my insurer that it did not increase power they refused to insure it. Very disappointed to say the least. I’m with Admiral for info
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Disappointingly my insurer Direct Line won't allow a pedal box at all (despite calls to them explaining what it is and that I know that others have them and are insured with Direct Line).
So I asked about the DTUK tuning box and they were fine until they realised the power increase was over 20% and they refused that too!
It’s so inconsistent amongst insurers regarding pedal boxes. Even the same insurer is different. I’m with DL and once explained there was no power increase, it was added to my policy no problem, but you and others have had them refused. Very frustrating. I feel for you. If mine had been refused I’d be switching insurers to one that will accept it, as the pedal box is that important to me.
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Crazy isn't it! I picked DL as they were more open to mods than LV - didn't work out for me though did it!
If you get chance Rebecca, would you mind checking what it is described as on your policy as I might have one more go at them.
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Crazy isn't it! I picked DL as they were more open to mods than LV - didn't work out for me though did it!
If you get chance Rebecca, would you mind checking what it is described as on your policy as I might have one more go at them.
Yeah will do Andy.
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Crazy isn't it! I picked DL as they were more open to mods than LV - didn't work out for me though did it!
If you get chance Rebecca, would you mind checking what it is described as on your policy as I might have one more go at them.
LV wouldn't quote me at all with a pedalbox, gits. However I too are with DL and they were fine with me too. I don't think it appears on any paperwork though, just noted on their systems. I think it's just down to who you speak to, I'd persevere, you'll get there :smiley:
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Andy, as above it’s not detailed under Modifications in my schedule, unlike dashcsm which is detailed, so is just noted on DL’s systems. As said it’s worth phoning again and getting a different operative as it does appear to come down to the person on the other end of the phone.
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Thanks both, much appreciated. I'll have another go at them!
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Surely this tuning box can be detected if the dealer checks in detail? (or upload logs to VW).
I know there is no code changed in the ECU. But the ECU has 100s of parameters it monitors and they know exactly what is normal.
Higher exhaust temps, richer mixture, extra boost pressure.... many many things and things I don't even know exist in a car engine will be monitored and logged.
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Surely this tuning box can be detected if the dealer checks in detail? (or upload logs to VW).
I know there is no code changed in the ECU. But the ECU has 100s of parameters it monitors and they know exactly what is normal.
Higher exhaust temps, richer mixture, extra boost pressure.... many many things and things I don't even know exist in a car engine will be monitored and logged.
They can find evidence of anything if they look hard enough.
It costs them time which is money to look so it's only if something expensive goes bang that they'll look.
I'd be more concerned with a standard car with one of those spy in the cab devices they are now giving away for free.
If you aren't prepared to take a few risks then just don't modify your car.
I've had more remapped cars than I can remember but none of them had the slightest bit of trouble.
I've kept my existing one standard though as it drives well enough and is a manual which means the clutch is a worry. If I thought the car needed more power then that's what it would get and I'd just have to upgrade the clutch if it started to slip. Or if VW admitted the clutch had a problem then I'd get it changed under warranty and chop it in against something that didn't have a crap standard clutch.
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Anyone know whether Volkswagen Insurance will accept the pedal box? I would expect them to given that they are not exactly one of the low cost insurers.
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Surely this tuning box can be detected if the dealer checks in detail? (or upload logs to VW).
I know there is no code changed in the ECU. But the ECU has 100s of parameters it monitors and they know exactly what is normal.
Higher exhaust temps, richer mixture, extra boost pressure.... many many things and things I don't even know exist in a car engine will be monitored and logged.
Yes but not in the way you describe
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=280858.0
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Andy, as above it’s not detailed under Modifications in my schedule, unlike dashcsm which is detailed, so is just noted on DL’s systems. As said it’s worth phoning again and getting a different operative as it does appear to come down to the person on the other end of the phone.
I've just tried them again but as it's on my notes that the underwriter has declined it, there's nothing they can do apparently. I'm still in my 14 day cooling off period so I've said I'll look for another insurer to see what others will do... they weren't bothered at all! Thanks again
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I've said I'll look for another insurer to see what others will do... they weren't bothered at all! Thanks again
Insurance polices have parameters for risk that is calculated to deliver a financial return. This is done by actuaries and actually is essential to the insurance business. The parameters will be all sorts (age, vehicle types, sex, geographic area) and will be used to ensure the profit is as per the expected margin. The policy will have these parameters set at the outset - eg only insuring new drivers or old drivers or women or cars below an insurance group or in London or something.
What you need to understand about insurance is that its actually a financial investment market. The bit you see where your car is protected and repaired isn't how the insurance industry look at it. They see big investors providing capital to earn money in their investment vehicle. The profit is for both the investor and the insurance company itself.
As such, if you propose to step outside of their model, they will refuse to insure you. Don't feel offended.
Its a shame that they aren't more open to publishing the parameters. If they did then finding a lower cost policy would be much easier...
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Andy, as above it’s not detailed under Modifications in my schedule, unlike dashcsm which is detailed, so is just noted on DL’s systems. As said it’s worth phoning again and getting a different operative as it does appear to come down to the person on the other end of the phone.
I've just tried them again but as it's on my notes that the underwriter has declined it, there's nothing they can do apparently. I'm still in my 14 day cooling off period so I've said I'll look for another insurer to see what others will do... they weren't bothered at all! Thanks again
Find another insurer Andy.
Incidentally I contacted DL yesterday to ask why on my renewed Schedule of Insurance, under modifications the only thing listed was ‘Sat Nav Non Manufactuer Approved/Installed’ (I have factory fit a Pro Nav!) and nothing else, when I have both a hard wired dual channel Dash cam and the pedal box, both declared and accepted by DL since before they were both installed. DL explained that they don’t have ‘Dash cam’ on their drop down list of modifications so they list them as aftermarket Sat Nav which is similar! Fine if that’s what they do, but how the hell can a massive insurer like DL not have Dash cams, which are increasingly common place, as a listed item. Beyond belief!
Then, at great risk of buggering everything up, at great risk of being questioned again over the pedal box I asked for assurance this was on my notes, as it doesn’t show on the schedule. The pedal box was added to my policy back in Feb 2016, resulting in my premium dropping slightly so clearly was added at that time, after lengthy explanation of what it did and was given the ok. Anyway I took a deep breath and asked the guy the question if it was definitely on my policy. Answer “No” No pedal box noted. Holy s**t! Here we go I thought, now they won’t approve it I bet. But I explained that it had been agreed and approved 2 years ago! The guy said to hang on for a minute. Comes back to tell me, surprise, surprise, that ‘Pedal box’ is not on their drop down menu. :rolleyes: I know that! Anyway I thought this was it and I’d be looking for another insurer later that day, but after me reasserting that this had all been accepted in 2106, he just manually added it to the policy (why can’t they do that with dash cams?) and I’ve asked for an amended schedule to be sent. Phew! But what a palaver.
So it potentially raises a question for anyone with a pedal box covered by DL, and it not being itemised on their schedule. Has it actually been added?
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Andy, as above it’s not detailed under Modifications in my schedule, unlike dashcsm which is detailed, so is just noted on DL’s systems. As said it’s worth phoning again and getting a different operative as it does appear to come down to the person on the other end of the phone.
I've just tried them again but as it's on my notes that the underwriter has declined it, there's nothing they can do apparently. I'm still in my 14 day cooling off period so I've said I'll look for another insurer to see what others will do... they weren't bothered at all! Thanks again
Find another insurer Andy.
Incidentally I contacted DL yesterday to ask why on my renewed Schedule of Insurance, under modifications the only thing listed was ‘Sat Nav Non Manufactuer Approved/Installed’ (I have factory fit a Pro Nav!) and nothing else, when I have both a hard wired dual channel Dash cam and the pedal box, both declared and accepted by DL since before they were both installed. DL explained that they don’t have ‘Dash cam’ on their drop down list of modifications so they list them as aftermarket Sat Nav which is similar! Fine if that’s what they do, but how the hell can a massive insurer like DL not have Dash cams, which are increasingly common place, as a listed item. Beyond belief!
Then, at great risk of buggering everything up, at great risk of being questioned again over the pedal box I asked for assurance this was on my notes, as it doesn’t show on the schedule. The pedal box was added to my policy back in Feb 2016, resulting in my premium dropping slightly so clearly was added at that time, after lengthy explanation of what it did and was given the ok. Anyway I took a deep breath and asked the guy the question if it was definitely on my policy. Answer “No” No pedal box noted. Holy s**t! Here we go I thought, now they won’t approve it I bet. But I explained that it had been agreed and approved 2 years ago! The guy said to hang on for a minute. Comes back to tell me, surprise, surprise, that ‘Pedal box’ is not on their drop down menu. :rolleyes: I know that! Anyway I thought this was it and I’d be looking for another insurer later that day, but after me reasserting that this had all been accepted in 2106, he just manually added it to the policy (why can’t they do that with dash cams?) and I’ve asked for an amended schedule to be sent. Phew! But what a palaver.
So it potentially raises a question for anyone with a pedal box covered by DL, and it not being itemised on their schedule. Has it actually been added?
Not to put the fear of god in you Rebecca but it strikes me as being very odd that the underwriters would decline Andy’s request but accept yours. I can only think that the person/people you have spoken to have not consulted their underwriters. Also very strange that your premium actually reduced
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In the FAQ's https://www.pedalbox.com/en/vw/golf-vii-5g1-be1-2012/2-0-gti-245ps-180kw-1984ccm/pedalbox.html (https://www.pedalbox.com/en/vw/golf-vii-5g1-be1-2012/2-0-gti-245ps-180kw-1984ccm/pedalbox.html) they state this:
Will my insurance cover remain unaffected?
Your insurance cover will not be affected since the engine remains standard.
Declare it to the insurance company, but give them that quote too....
Not got anything to plug it into yet, but it's on the list :smiley:
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Andy, as above it’s not detailed under Modifications in my schedule, unlike dashcsm which is detailed, so is just noted on DL’s systems. As said it’s worth phoning again and getting a different operative as it does appear to come down to the person on the other end of the phone.
I've just tried them again but as it's on my notes that the underwriter has declined it, there's nothing they can do apparently. I'm still in my 14 day cooling off period so I've said I'll look for another insurer to see what others will do... they weren't bothered at all! Thanks again
Find another insurer Andy.
Incidentally I contacted DL yesterday to ask why on my renewed Schedule of Insurance, under modifications the only thing listed was ‘Sat Nav Non Manufactuer Approved/Installed’ (I have factory fit a Pro Nav!) and nothing else, when I have both a hard wired dual channel Dash cam and the pedal box, both declared and accepted by DL since before they were both installed. DL explained that they don’t have ‘Dash cam’ on their drop down list of modifications so they list them as aftermarket Sat Nav which is similar! Fine if that’s what they do, but how the hell can a massive insurer like DL not have Dash cams, which are increasingly common place, as a listed item. Beyond belief!
Then, at great risk of buggering everything up, at great risk of being questioned again over the pedal box I asked for assurance this was on my notes, as it doesn’t show on the schedule. The pedal box was added to my policy back in Feb 2016, resulting in my premium dropping slightly so clearly was added at that time, after lengthy explanation of what it did and was given the ok. Anyway I took a deep breath and asked the guy the question if it was definitely on my policy. Answer “No” No pedal box noted. Holy s**t! Here we go I thought, now they won’t approve it I bet. But I explained that it had been agreed and approved 2 years ago! The guy said to hang on for a minute. Comes back to tell me, surprise, surprise, that ‘Pedal box’ is not on their drop down menu. :rolleyes: I know that! Anyway I thought this was it and I’d be looking for another insurer later that day, but after me reasserting that this had all been accepted in 2106, he just manually added it to the policy (why can’t they do that with dash cams?) and I’ve asked for an amended schedule to be sent. Phew! But what a palaver.
So it potentially raises a question for anyone with a pedal box covered by DL, and it not being itemised on their schedule. Has it actually been added?
Not to put the fear of god in you Rebecca but it strikes me as being very odd that the underwriters would decline Andy’s request but accept yours. I can only think that the person/people you have spoken to have not consulted their underwriters. Also very strange that your premium actually reduced
Lol, you haven’t put the fear of god into me. Who can second guess these insurers. It’s not just me or a Direct Line thing. I know other pedal box owners with other insurers - Aviva, Admiral, where some have been accepted, others turned down but the same insurer. So same situation. I’ve declared my pedal box (twice now) and it’s been accepted onto my policy and on the schedule, that’s as much as I can do. I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.
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Possibly a question of gender...?
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I wouldn't worry, as fredgroves has said I just might not fit their criteria for the moment. Btw I checked with Admiral too (who DTUK suggested) and they rejected it too. I guess the right approach with all modifications is to check with the insurer first and always call rather than use the chat function as I think that's how it ended up rejected by the underwriter in the first place. Interestingly I asked DL about a cold air intake and they said I would receive a refund of £40 so who knows what's happening!
Sorry for hijacking your thread boulton, I hope you have fun with your tuning box... not jealous at all!!
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I wouldn't worry, as fredgroves has said I just might not fit their criteria for the moment. Btw I checked with Admiral too (who DTUK suggested) and they rejected it too. I guess the right approach with all modifications is to check with the insurer first and always call rather than use the chat function as I think that's how it ended up rejected by the underwriter in the first place. Interestingly I asked DL about a cold air intake and they said I would receive a refund of £40 so who knows what's happening!
Sorry for hijacking your thread boulton, I hope you have fun with your tuning box... not jealous at all!!
I asked Admiral to quote me for an aftermarket exhaust system and was quoted an extra £25 so at least they do accept some mods