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MG Midget and Sprite General - K series and Insurance.

I can insure my 1275 engined sprite fully comp for less than 110 quid a year

Can anyone tell me what view the insurance companies take with a k series convert in a Spridget?

Am I right in assuming that they would regard this as a significant performance mod, and hike the premium accordingly?

Is there a specialist insurer that insures these?

Lawrence Slater

Yes, it's a significant mod - and, as such, most of them like to know that you've done everything you can to make it safe to drive and secure! It also depends which k-series engine you put in.

Yes, it will be more than £130 (which seems a tad steep anyway - how old are you?)

Your best bets to try are (in no particular order): Peter Best, Lancaster, Footman James and Adrian Flux
rachmacb

heh heh, too old. 55 plus.

Actually I get ins' for my 1275 for £94.50 this year. I used the £130 figure as that was the top quote I got.

I was thinking of a 1.4

I am tempted to get a 2nd spridget, and either DIY it, or get one already done, and wondered about running costs.
Lawrence Slater

Ah - ok - that makes sense then!!!!

The 1.4 doesn't alter it too much, I believe that you can get some quotes (well, a year or so ago!) for in that sort of region. Plus, even if you got a 1500, which makes an easier conversion in many ways, you would then be still in the cheaper end of the historic road tax, which keeps general running costs down.

Have fun :)
rachmacb

insurance for me on midget with 1275 engine at 22 was £640

insurance for me on midget with 1.4 K series at 24 is £520

both fully comp, agreed value on the K of £7K.

make of that what you will....

You'll definitely need a letter from a garage for engine number change and possibly a receipt for the engine (check new rules)

If you go over 1500 with a non tax-free car then you'll have to pay the over 1500cc tax, which is £205 IIRC.

Footman James where the only people that would insure me. Everyone laughed at me with a 1.6 or a 1.8. Dunno why, they're not much faster :p

still keeping it under the 1500 midget engine size helps with insurance and tax.

Running costs - it's cheaper once it's done. So far mine has cost me an expansion cap. And at 50-60 mpg for the K and 30-40 for the A that saves some money. Services every 12K help, and no oil is leaking out or being used. Using the tyres faster though.

Yes, it is a significant performance mod. :) But I've not regretted it for one second.

for an idea of what's involved, check out www.robsmidget.co.uk :)
Rob Armstrong

Hi Lawrence

My Midget was just about 100 quid when I was using a normally aspirated engine (bored out A series to 1400CC) then I turboed it and was told that it would incur a 50% surcharge so I am now paying 150 so I am happy with that.

I am with Peter Best and am a member of the MGCC which gets us a reduction.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Surely the insurers must kept in mind that Bob(R)'s car doesnt get to see the public roads much... ;)
Arie de Best

Hmmm, thanks for those replies. Not bad for an oldie like me then as far as the insurance goes.

Early day as this is just a thought. At least there are loads of postings about conversions and what to look out for if buying a ready made.

What makes the 1500 easier to convert, I've not looked into this at all yet, so I'm interested. Actually 1500's seem cheaper to aquire, so might be worth paying the road tax.
Lawrence Slater

Nice website rob.

I especially like the make as much as you can yourself approach. You didn't have much money. Me I'm just tight, lol.

I'll read it all tomorrow when I have time.
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence , have a look at the Twincam 16v ser Midgets & B's section.
Neil K

I'll do that. Thanks
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 07/07/2011 and 08/07/2011

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