NFU want engineers report for added solar (1 Viewer)

[Brianmor]

Ringing round for quotes for renewal motorhome insurance and I thought I would get a quote from NFU as a lot of people on here use them. All went well until they referred the installation of a replacement solar panel (30w to 100w) to the underwriters. They came back and said I needed to get an engineers report to the installation of the new panel, which is when I said thanks but no thanks. The only way to test the quality of the installation to my mind would be to try and prise the solar panel off the roof which would be self defeating.

 

[DavidG58]

I would have thought they want the electrical side certifying to reduce fire risk maybe

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Can understand why with the amount of dummies around bodging things now
Wouldn’t fancy seeing one heading towards me.
There was a thread about this before and one member picked up a new van and by the time he got home a solar panel had gone from the roof

 

[Jev88]

So have you got a price for a report from a local engineer?
Ps.. my NFU rep has never asked about solar and we have an RV.

 

[Brianmor]

So have you got a price for a report from a local engineer?
Ps.. my NFU rep has never asked about solar and we have an RV.

The basic price from NFU was more than quoted from CAMC so I didn't bother.

I got AIB to quote, who used Highway the same as CAMC but their price was cheaper still

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[The Wino]

Ringing round for quotes for renewal motorhome insurance and I thought I would get a quote from NFU as a lot of people on here use them. All went well until they referred the installation of a replacement solar panel (30w to 100w) to the underwriters. They came back and said I needed to get an engineers report to the installation of the new panel, which is when I said thanks but no thanks. The only way to test the quality of the installation to my mind would be to try and prise the solar panel off the roof which would be self defeating.

Just thinking about this it suggests that anyone insuring a motorhome they bought with solar already fitted (and most likely refillable gas, BBQ points, awnings etc) is going to need an engineers report on everything to get insurance! Bonkers

 

[Mikeco]

Just renewed my insurance with Senic and they did not want to know about any modifications to the camper side of the van only to the base vehicle. I mentioned the rear air suspension and the cost went up by £12, I had a similar conversation with the Caravan Club and the young lady on the end of the phone did not have a clue what I was talking about so referred it to the underwriters. She came back with an increase of £150. In both cases the underwriters were the same ones .

 

[Jim]

Just thinking about this it suggests that anyone insuring a motorhome they bought with solar already fitted (and most likely refillable gas, BBQ points, awnings etc) is going to need an engineers report on everything to get insurance! Bonkers

Makes sense to me that they ask, a bodged solar install is certainly a fire risk. Or more likely they've been reading MHFun about solar panels disappearing of roofs while being driven on motorways.

 

[Brains]

 

[The Wino]

Makes sense to me that they ask, a bodged solar install is certainly a fire risk. Or more likely they've been reading MHFun about solar panels disappearing of roofs while being driven on motorways.

So would be any DIY vehicle repairs they should on a similar note be asking for the service history previous mot advisories do you do your own brakes have you checked the tyre dates including the spare do you carry a gas BBQ where are the canisters stored, is there an extra leisure battery been fitted or a B2B etc etc.
It depends how long a list you want!

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[Jim]

So would be any DIY vehicle repairs

Who mentioned repairs, AFAIK Ive never had an Insurance company ask me to inform them about repairs. Have you? They do ask to be informed about additions or alterations. Whether I agree with them or not, given their aversion to claims its easy to see why one of them are wanting to be sure stuff has been fitted professionally.

 

[The Wino]

Who mentioned repairs, AFAIK Ive never had an Insurance company ask me to inform them about repairs. Have you? They do ask to be informed about additions or alterations. Whether I agree with them or not, given their aversion to claims its easy to see why they are wanting to be sure stuff has been fitted professionally.

I certainly agree about the aversion to claims! I think if they are worried about poorly fitted solar why wouldn't they be equally worried about other diy fixes.

 

[Jim]

I certainly agree about the aversion to claims! I think if they are worried about poorly fitted solar why wouldn't they be equally worried about other diy fixes.

Maybe they are, but we're talking about additions. Not fixing punctures. I can understand why a company might ask about a solar installation addition. You can't. No worries, neither of us run an insurance company.

 

[Sandancers]

Having just fitted a solar panel and after much talking to the technical depts of Sika and other companies I think it is pretty damn easy to fit a solar panel badly ! It's not just a matter of squirting some sika under the mounting feet and slapping it onto the roof !

There are some videos on Youtube which show someone fitting a panel in a manner which will almost certainly guarantee it will become airborne and that video had a couple of hundred followers..............................

I'd be happy to have an independent engineer assess not only my solar fitting but also any other modifications I have done on the vehicle. I'd also show them my qualifications which enable me to do them safely. I'd also suggest that I'd be expecting a reduction on the insurance cost in exchange.

 

[dawsey]

Makes sense to me that they ask, a bodged solar install is certainly a fire risk. Or more likely they've been reading MHFun about solar panels disappearing of roofs while being driven on motorways.

And maybe water damage caused by leaking fixing holes in the roof.

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[chaser]

NFU will insure over 5.5, but they don't supply breakdown on any size motorhome.

 

[Brianmor]

NFU will insure over 5.5, but they don't supply breakdown on any size motorhome.

I get my breakdown cover for the UK and Europe foc through my NatWest account. Parameters are 3.5ton and under 3m high

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Australia. Plastic corner blocks. Fifth wheeler. Does show how small the actual footprint is for those corner blocks, with the middle section hollow, and only a tiny thin edge around the block where it sits under the panel.
Mike.

 

[mitzimad]

i dont think the plastic blocks are fit for purpose2 inch ally angle gives a huge foot print in comparison

 

[nabsim]

i dont think the plastic blocks are fit for purpose2 inch ally angle gives a huge foot print in comparison

Sounds like there may be different plastic feet. The ones I used are solid and the base is a large surface area, plus I added side feet along the long edges

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[prenteye]

Try LV

We get good rates from them and European breakdown cover.

Never been asked about mods.

 

[Pausim]

Try LV

We get good rates from them and European breakdown cover.

Never been asked about mods.

Best check the policy, perhaps they don’t have to ask but you have to tell them. My NFU policy clearly states in bold letters “YOU must tell US” in the bit about modifications.

 

[Paul F]

NFU asked about my solar panels, but as soon as I confirmed they were main dealer fitted it was no problem. No impact on the premium and no engineers report required. The panels are noted in the schedule and the value included in the total sum insured.

I think asking about the nature of the installation and seeking proof that it has been done properly is probably a valid consideration when underwriting the risk. An engineers report would be a bit of a pain, but I would have thought a chat with the engineer about the products and methods used for installation, along with a visual inspection would be sufficient. Having said that, as Brianmor could get cover cheaper elsewhere without the need for it, I don’t blame him.

 

[SVMC15]

So would be any DIY vehicle repairs they should on a similar note be asking for the service history previous mot advisories do you do your own brakes

Surely the MOT retest would count as a good enough report?

 

[Garry - June]

One point i always find amusing about this is the difference when you compare a Motorhome to say a Boat.... having owned both a Boat and a Motorhome are very similar...in fact many have identical systems.. 12v electrics, solar, gas installations etc etc... and they actually have similar insurance premiums... yet there are never any questions about modifications or accessories fitted to boats... you don't even need an annual MOT or hab/service checks or anything like that.. its presumed the owner/skipper will keep it in seaworthy condition.

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[Dave and Jan]

Can understand why with the amount of dummies around bodging things now
Wouldn’t fancy seeing one heading towards me.
There was a thread about this before and one member picked up a new van and by the time he got home a solar panel had gone from the roof

Autotrail are sending out letters recalling vans due to loose solar panels.

 

[kev54]

One point i always find amusing about this is the difference when you compare a Motorhome to say a Boat.... having owned both a Boat and a Motorhome are very similar...in fact many have identical systems.. 12v electrics, solar, gas installations etc etc... and they actually have similar insurance premiums... yet there are never any questions about modifications or accessories fitted to boats... you don't even need an annual MOT or hab/service checks or anything like that.. its presumed the owner/skipper will keep it in seaworthy condition.

I guess it’s rare to get a boat traveling at 60mph though

 

[Tude]

Just thinking about this it suggests that anyone insuring a motorhome they bought with solar already fitted (and most likely refillable gas, BBQ points, awnings etc) is going to need an engineers report on everything to get insurance! Bonkers

This as already happened in Spain when you take your van for a itv Spanish mot you need the professional cert for someone fitted the new panel or bike rack or towbar

 

[TOAD on Tour]

I get my breakdown cover for the UK and Europe foc through my NatWest account. Parameters are 3.5ton and under 3m high

And under 7m long, that catches a few out……dont ask how I know!

 

[Garry - June]

I guess it’s rare to get a boat traveling at 60mph though

Or Motorhomes floating on water eh ..

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