NRMA say they will insure body lifts

[Mark2]

Renewed the comprehensive insurance on my GQ last week, I asked how a 2" body lift would affect my insurance as I'm thinking of doing one. They said that as long as it is Qld Transport Approved (I'm in QLD) no worries. Just ring and let them know and they will add it to the list of mods/accessories. No increase in premium. I thought this sounded a bit too good to be true as I've heard others mention insurance problems in the same sentance as body lifts.

BTW, NRMA is the cheapest insurance I could find, I pay about $240 per year for comprehensive (current market value of $10,900). This includes my accessories - UHF, spotlights etc.

[Beastmavster]

The issue is less the insurance and more the hassle of getting the bodylift approved by QLD transport.

QLD transport require a full inspection of the car and application approved in writing from them first. How full they do is entirely up to them.

For an older modified 4by (GQ's being mostly 10-15 years old) you can expect lots of issues like cracks in windscreens, tears in seats, water marks in headlight reflectors, worn bushes etc which can all make it a very expensive exercise.

Hence many people dont do it and then have the insurance issues to deal with instead.

Having a recent safety certificate does not exempt you or really prepare you for what they may choose to find.

[MEX]

QLD Transport also told me that the body lift blocks cannot be steel, they have to be plastic with a tube insert for the lift to be approved.

Also look at your suspension. QLd Transport implied to me that if you have a SWB then combined lifts (body & sus) of over 4 inches will be "examined thoroughly".

Regards MEX

[HeathGQ]

QLD transport have no idea what they friggin want. One says must be metal.

The guidelines do not specify any maximum suspension lift, apart from 1/3 of the original bumpstop height. and actually if you read it, it says 'the suspension travel in the bump or rebound mode must not be altered by more than 1/3 of that specified by the manufacturer'.... and no heating or welding of steering components or axles etc.

[Beastmavster]

QLD transport used to want solid only metal body lift, and now will also agree to HDPE with metal tubes.

4" lift would be a reasonable ask for thorough examination - sicne other states have swerve tests for such levels of lift.

however since only +15mm tyre size is legal here aren't QLD transport asking why they can and do agree to 100mm lift for tyres 7.5mm larger in radius?????

[djr320kw]

That is cheap for insurance I pay 1450 for a $15000 pajero in sydney. When doing the list of modifications for the NRMA I stated it had a 50 mm sus lift. They said that is the maximum lift they will insure. I asked about a body lift and they said all up no more than 50 mm from standard. If I was you ring back speak to another person and see what they say. If it is the same thing get it in writing. I would never belive anything they say.

[holeyhardtop]

racv is the same.
50mm max from standard whether it is a suspension or body lift or a combination of the two. kind of a grey area when every company that does suspension lift kits can't give you a base line measurement to judge what lift you've achieved. btw my premium is @500 full comp with extra's.

[bogged]

That is cheap for insurance I pay $1450 for a $15000 pajero in Sydney.

GOt my renewal the other day for my GQ, Agreed $25k $782.00 which I thought was a bit rich.. will be callin round tomorrow for quotes.

[Area54]

The issue is less the insurance and more the hassle of getting the bodylift approved by QLD transport.

QLD transport require a full inspection of the car and application approved in writing from them first. How full they do is entirely up to them.

For an older modified 4by (GQ's being mostly 10-15 years old) you can expect lots of issues like cracks in windscreens, tears in seats, water marks in headlight reflectors, worn bushes etc which can all make it a very expensive exercise.

Hence many people dont do it and then have the insurance issues to deal with instead.

Having a recent safety certificate does not exempt you or really prepare you for what they may choose to find.

The items you mentioned are part of a general roadworthy inspection, besides if your vehicle would not pass a complete pit inspection, that can make the vehicle a danger on the road, so it is in the best interest of your own safety and to the safety of other road users to ensure that your vehicle is in top mechanical and roadworthy condition.

Getting a body lift passed is not the giant problem that so many people make it out to be. You apply, they pass the application to fit based on your comprehensive fitting instructions and plan, you fit it, then you have a complete pit inspection. If your vehicle is in top mechanical working order (as it should be) you will have nothing to worry about. And don't argue with the inspectors about what jonno down the road said, get the facts, do it right, and all will be well. They are just doing a job too, and how you conduct yourself and how you present the vehicle can go a long way to their impression of the condition of the vehicle. I agree some of the inspectors may not have all the knowledge, but if you work with them, everyone will get a good outcome.


Got legal?

I do...

I'm with suncorp and they don't have a problem either, I'm booking the vehicle to have a full inspection for them to assess the risk, and to tally up the mods and accessories, the only way for me to have TOTAL disclosure with them. I will go through the reams of reports and DOT approvals I have for the rig, and prepare copies for them to have on file, so they can have no back exit if I need to make a claim.