DTUK Tuning Box

[JeffPoe]

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.

[Exonian]

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.

[GTI_Ant]

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.

[fredgroves]

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

[andy28]

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

[fredgroves]

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...

[Booth11]

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.   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?

[CraigW]

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.   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

[WatchThis]

In the FAQ's 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 

[Booth11]

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.   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.