I upgraded my Onewheel XR with a ChiBattery Quart to increase the range. A month later, it was stolen. I submitted receipts for the board ($1,800) and the battery upgrade ($600). The insurer paid $1,800 for the board but denied the battery claim, warning that I was “lucky” they paid anything at all because the vehicle had been modified.
Key Takeaways
- Material Change: Modifying the battery changes the risk profile (fire risk, speed, value). If you didn’t tell the insurer, they can void the policy for “misrepresentation.”
- Scheduling Parts: You must list aftermarket parts separately. You cannot just lump them into the bike’s value.
- Fire Exclusions: If your modded battery causes a fire, and the insurer finds out it wasn’t factory/UL certified, they will almost certainly deny the fire liability claim.
- Valuation: Factory boards have a “Blue Book” value. Modded boards do not. You need receipts for every mod to prove value.
The “Why” (Undisclosed Risk)
“We do not cover property that has been modified from its original manufacturer specifications unless such modifications are disclosed.”
The Investigation: The Modded Board
I tried to insure a highly modified Onewheel (VESC build).
1. Standard PEV Insurance
- Response: “Is it a factory Onewheel?” No, it has a custom controller and battery. “We can’t insure it. We don’t know if it’s safe.”
2. Oyster / Sunday
- Response: “We can insure it as a custom build, but we need an itemized list of parts and the total value.” You pay a higher premium based on that total value.
3. Renters Insurance
- Response: They barely cover the stock board. They definitely won’t cover the $600 battery upgrade.
Comparison Table
| Modification | Impact on Insurance | Action Needed |
| Fender/Rails | None (Cosmetic) | Keep receipts |
| Battery Upgrade | High Risk (Fire/Value) | Disclose Immediately |
| Controller (VESC) | High Risk (Performance) | Disclose as Custom |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Update Your Policy: Log in and add “Custom Parts” or increase your “Agreed Value.”
- Safety Check: Ensure your wiring is professional. If a fire investigator sees wire nuts and electrical tape, you’re doomed.
- Keep the Old Battery: If you have to file a claim and they only cover the stock board, you can at least say “It was a stock board” (if you put it back… but don’t commit fraud). Better to just insure the modded one correctly.
FAQ
Does the mod void the warranty?
Yes. Instantly.
Does it make my premium go up?
Yes, because the insured value is higher. A $2,500 board costs more to insure than an $1,800 one.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Onewheel disassembled with a custom battery pack visible]