This is the case. I couldn't provide a report in the time-frame because every garage I went to in the area didn't have the equipment to test the windows. I was advised by one garage that it is not a requirement of the MOT to test windows. Apparently, after looking at VOSA web site, they do not form it as part of an MOT because it would be too costly for every MOT centre to get this equipment. Here is the link to the VOSA document on tinted windows: http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Tinted%20Windows%20Oct%202008.pdf The underwriter said that their assessor did take a photo of the tint and in his opinion they were illegal. This is what she went from. I can't prove whether they were legal or not. I've already gone to the ombudsman but I really do not have the strength to carry on knowing it could be a long battle. I haven't had much sleep over the past 2 weeks worrying about this and I just want to get on now. The insurance I was with was Sheilas Wheels (part of eSure). I have now contacted NFU, advised them of the full story (they were amazed at this) and are looking into insuring me.

I've just had a call from the insurance underwriter. It's not good news. They are cancelling my insurance for non-disclosure of a modification. Basically it's not the fact that the car was fitted with the tinted windows from new by Honda, it's because they didn't know if they were legal or not. Because I didn't send them an engineers report to prove they were legal (in the time frame they gave me - 7 days). They have to cancel the insurance. If I had provided this report then she said they would have back-dated the insurance and adjusted the premium. The car is scrapped now and quite frankly I haven't got any more energy to deal with this. It's time to move on. I would just like to say to everyone that if you have had ANY extras added to your car TELL the insurance. Then, even if they say it's not a modification, at least then you have informed them (I would also tell them to put a note on file so it's there for future reference). My story has a bad ending but i hope it helps other people.

just a follow up from my thread... I tried phoning 'Customer relations' to register my complaint (as per their complaint procedure) only to be told there is nothing they can do about it as it's an underwriters decision. I was gobsmacked! I tried to get to speak to someone in charge but they were 'in a meeting'. So I wrote a letter (3 pages long), contacted the Ombudsman and waited to see if i would hear anything. Last night (Tuesday) I had a call from the manager telling me he had received my letter and apologised for the way I was treated on the phone. However, he said the underwriter is now looking into it and will be getting in touch. The insurance has been stopped because of non-disclosure of modification but the claim has still been honoured. My car is being picked up today by the salvage company. He also stated that if they had known about the tinted windows he didn't think they would of insurance me. I find this very hard to believe as it doesn't enhance performance or desirability to thieves. I told him I didn't intentionally not tell them - I didn't think it was a modification and have never been told (by them or garages) that they were a problem. As insurance companies take such different views on modifications (there's not a set standard) how is a person like me to know what will be classed as a modification. It says on the schedule to let them know about modifications e.g. wheels, suspension, bodywork or engine. Anyway I'm waffling on, I'll let you know what happens next so others can learn from this

sorry I posted my reply before reading this. I will go ahead with my complaint the Chief Executive to try and get a resolution. Thank you for taking the time to reply

I'm not sure what to do really. If the car is being written off then the insurance has come to an end for the car. However, I can't have it on record that my insurance was cancelled as (unclebugaria67) states that this will have an adverse effect in getting future insurance. There must be some way I can resolve this amicably.

I thought this is how the car should look as it was like that from new. I don't know about the original specifications. It's an old car (Honda Accord Coupe 1996 to be exact) how am I to check what were original spec? It seems a gray area what is classed as modification and factory extras. However, I am now more confused because i have just come off the phone from the claims dept who are paying my claim and writing the car off. Seems a contradiction in terms I think

This is what I thought as well! I have the original receipt from the first owner when he purchased it new. On the order/invoice it clearly says extras: metallic paint, walnut dash and tinted windows. I always thought that was a factory fit and not a 'modification'. Seems they change the goal posts when they want. I tried phoning this morning but was just told they can't override an underwriters decision. I'm going to have to send a letter now but time is running out because my policy is cancelled from Thursday. However, I have spoken to a friend of a friend who is a top underwriter for Norwich Union and she said that this decision to cancel my policy seems really harsh considering the circumstances. Looks like I'm going to have a battle. I suppose the main thing to say here is, if you are not sure about the 'extras' on the car tell them to note it on the policy so when it comes to a claim then they can't say you never mentioned it.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will call head office tomorrow and appeal to them about the decision to cancel my policy. I regard myself as having the utmost integrity and I hope they will see this and overturn their decision. Thanks again

Hi I hope someone can help me. I had an accident in my car on 11th June 2010. It wasn't a major accident and I didn't think it was completely my fault but phoned insurance company and went through the repair process. My car was collected by the garage two days later. I then had a letter from my insurance saying that they have found i had tinted windows and didn't tell them about this. When I purchased the car (second-hand) I was told the tint was factory fitted and I have all the receipts from the first owner (when purchased from new) that the extras added to the car were metallic paint, walnut dash & tinted windows. When I took out the insurance they asked me about 'modifications' like wheels, engine, suspension. bodywork. I never gave it a second thought about the tinted windows as I presumed they were factory fitted. However, I had a call from the claims department advising that the cost of repair exceeded the value of the car so they would be offering me payment for the car to be scraped. When I got home from work I had a letter waiting for me from the underwriter advising that they are cancelling my insurance from 1st July because of the tinted windows! I'm at a loss of how they can do this when I have given them the facts and advised that it was not an intentional non-disclosure of a modification. I'm a 42 year old woman - not a boy racer. The tint isn't 'limo black'. I've never had any problems with vision (if I had I would have obviously done something about it). I think they are being extremely harsh considering the circumstances. I've got 12 years no claims discount - so my risks are extremely low. I'm not even sure if it would have made a significant change to my premium. I never intentionally omitted to tell them about the tint. Can someone help me please.

Still unsure where I stand as accepting the agreement but will probably go to the OFT as they have already taken action against them for the PPI charges. What do you think?

bad advice from another site. Only just found this one! Just need to know where I stand now. I don't owe any money on this card but really need help to sort it.

I put a claim into Capital One for charges dated from 6/11/2002 to 4/6/2005. Letter sent on 15th May 2008. I requested the difference between the charges and the £12 for a speedy outcome. On the 23rd May they sent a letter stating the T & C's etc but made an offer as a matter of goodwill. I was willing to accept this offer and returned the form accordingly. On the 5th June I received another letter from them confirming receipt of my acceptance and that they would send a cheque within 21 days. I have never received this cheque. I received a statement to say they had credited the money into my credit card account on the 5th June and then taken it out. Phoned several times to chase cheque put was told I would be receiving shortly. Still not got it. On the 7th July 2008 I sent another letter advising that I had not received the promised payment within the 21 days and that I intend to claim the full amount claimed plus interest through the county court. I have given them 14 days to respond. My question is this: Can I claim the full charges even though I had accepted their offer? Have they breached their offer by not sending the cheque and would it make the offer invalid? Any help would be appreciated.