Toronto, Ontario — After modifying his sports car a 21-year-old Ontario man was denied an insurance claim.
According to a Global News article, a year ago Modasir Ayobi decided to lease a 2020 Subaru BRZ for $500 per month.
Ayobi takes great pride in his sports car. He even works two jobs to be able to afford it.
So, after he got in an accident in March, and his insurance company refused to pay, he was devastated.
“They denied the whole claim, around $35,000,” Ayobi told Global News.
The claim was denied because Ayobi had modified the exhaust system, without the permission of his insurance company.
“If I knew modifications would affect insurance I wouldn’t have done that,” he said.
In a letter that was sent to Ayobi he was initially insured, Desjardins Insurance did warn him about the risk of modifying his vehicle.
“Your vehicle is considered to be modified if it has been changed in any way from its original condition in order to improve or alter its performance, appearance or increase its value. If you make or plan to make modifications to your vehicle, contact us to make certain we are able to insure you properly,” the document says.
Ayobi had the exhaust system upgraded, but kept the original. So, it could be reinstalled after his four-year lease ended. This minor modification ended up costing him not only his car, but his insurance policy was also cancelled.
However, Ayobi’s story does have a happy ending. After Global News contacted the insurance company. The company re-examined the case and has now decided to pay in full.
However, other drivers may not be as fortunate. If a person does want to modify their vehicle the safest route is probably to check-in with their insurance company first.
