Does Installing an Engine Guard Plate Affect Insurance Claims?
2 Answers
Installing an engine guard plate affects insurance claims. Under the vehicle damage insurance, only original factory parts are covered for compensation, and any aftermarket additions are not covered. In such cases, insurance compensation is only possible if the additional equipment loss insurance has been purchased. Insurance Company Contract Introduction: Insurance companies only cover the vehicle's original configurations. Any aftermarket accessories not reported to the insurance company and without corresponding insurance coverage will not be eligible for claims. Third-Party Liability Insurance Overview: This insurance compensates for personal injuries or property damage caused to others by the insured vehicle, excluding the vehicle itself. This type of insurance does not specify the type of property, so there is no issue regarding whether the damaged parts of the other party's vehicle are aftermarket additions.
Having worked in the automotive industry for years, I've often seen customers install engine skid plates to protect against road debris or undercarriage scrapes, safeguarding engine components. The skid plate itself doesn't affect insurance claims as long as it's properly installed and the product complies with regulations. However, if modifications aren't declared, insurers may deny partial compensation after an accident, citing unauthorized alterations. For instance, if a loose skid plate causes engine damage, they might shift blame. I recommend choosing reputable brand skid plates, consulting the vehicle manual beforehand to ensure proper ventilation gaps, taking post-installation photos for records, and proactively notifying the insurer to add a note—this smoothens claims. For frequent off-roading or rough-road driving, skid plates reduce damage and claim hassles, but DIY installations carry high risks. Overall, skid plates offer more benefits than drawbacks when installed compliantly—never compromise quality for cost.
