Long-Term Warranty Rights-Protection FAQ | 2026-09-24 Author: Sun Zhiqiang | Reviewed and Approved

Introduction: The "Three Rights-Protection Blind Spots" of Modification Vehicle Owners

When modifying their MPV floor, many owners only care about "is it easy to use," "is it durable," and "how much does it cost", yet almost never ask these three questions:

  1. If an accident occurs, will the insurance company cover the modified floor?
  2. If an accident occurs, when the 4S shop/repair shop assesses the damage, does the modified floor count as an "original equipment" part?
  3. If selling the car, will the modified floor be a plus or a minus during the used car dealer's evaluation?

The answers to these three questions directly determine the "long-term value" and "risk exposure" of your modified floor. But the reality is: 90% of owners have never asked these three questions before modifying, and only discover after a claim that the safety net they "assumed" existed simply does not.

This article, based on the automotive aftermarket rights-protection case database and IATF 16949:2016 system audit experience, breaks down these three rights-protection scenarios in detail. The focus is not on "whether the modified floor itself will be covered," but rather "under what circumstances it will be covered, under what circumstances claims will be denied, and what preparations you need to make in advance."

FAQ 1: After MPV Floor Modification, Will the Insurance Company Deny the Claim?

Q1.1: After installing an aviation aluminium floor, will the insurance company deny the claim on the grounds of "modified vehicle"?

Short answer: No, provided you complete the two steps of "notification + filing."

Detailed explanation:

"Illegal modification" is a common reason in commercial auto insurance claim-denial clauses. However, "illegal modification" as defined in the "Technical Specifications for Safety of Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads" (GB 7258-2017) and the policy terms of major insurance companies specifically refers to modifications affecting vehicle safety performance, such as:

  • Engine and transmission modifications (affecting powertrain safety)
  • Brake system and suspension system modifications (affecting handling safety)
  • Lighting modifications (affecting signal safety)
  • Adding components that affect the vehicle body structure (e.g., roof racks, spare tire carriers, etc.)

Floor modification falls under the "interior modification" category and is not within the scope of "illegal modification" claim denials. The vehicle damage insurance terms of the vast majority of insurance companies clearly state:"Losses caused by damage to interior decorative items, carpets, seat covers, and other interior components are within the scope of insurance liability.".

But many owners stumble on one detail:failing to notify the insurance company in advance that "I have modified the floor."

If you have never informed the insurance company that your vehicle has been modified, the insurance company may partially deny the claim (not a full denial, but a proportional denial, e.g., 80% payout) on the grounds of "failure to disclose" after an accident occurs.

Q1.2: How soon after floor modification do you need to notify the insurance company? What constitutes valid notification?

Best notification timing: Within 7 days after the modification is completed.

Notification methods (choose any one of three):

  1. Phone notification: Call the customer service number on your policy and clearly state, "I modified my vehicle with an aviation aluminium floor on X year X month X day, the price is approximately 8000 yuan, with installation costs of approximately 9000 yuan, please record this." The call recording is automatically saved.
  2. In-app online endorsement: Submit a "vehicle modification filing application" through the insurance company's official APP, uploading the modification invoice and modification plan photos. This is the most standardized notification method.
  3. Counter written notification: Bring your vehicle registration, modification invoice, and ID card to the insurance company counter to fill out the "Motor Vehicle Insurance Endorsement Application Form."

Core essentials:

  • Modification invoice must be retained: The invoice must clearly state "aviation aluminium floor modification" or "automotive interior modification" and similar terms—do not use vague terms like "auto parts."
  • Photos must be archived: Before-and-after comparison photos, aluminium plate nameplate, and a copy of the IATF 16949 certification certificate (if provided by the shop).
  • Do not inflate the price: Quote the actual transaction price. Inflated prices will be cross-checked during claims and may trigger suspicion of "insurance fraud."

Q1.3: What are the "surcharge" and "non-coverage" practices of insurance companies?

Floor modification itself does not trigger a surcharge, but some insurance companies may reclassify your vehicle as a "modified vehicle," with the annual premium increasing by 5%-15%. This is industry practice, not an unfair clause.

Circumstances resulting in declined coverage: A very small number of insurance companies may decline coverage for combinations of "older vehicles + high-value modifications" (e.g., vehicles over 8 years old with modification costs exceeding 30% of the vehicle value). But this is extremely rare; the vast majority of insurance companies will not decline coverage simply because of a floor modification.

Response strategies:

  • If your current insurance company declines coverage, you can switch to another insurance company (different companies have different underwriting policies).
  • If you do not want to pay the surcharge, you can choose not to proactively disclose the modification when purchasing insurance (this falls in a grey area of compliance, not recommended).
  • Recommended approach: Proactively disclose + accept the potential small surcharge, in exchange for full payout certainty in the event of a claim.

FAQ 2: During Accident Damage Assessment, How Do 4S Shops and Repair Shops Handle the Modified Floor?

Q2.1: When an aviation aluminium floor is damaged in an accident, will the assessor price it based on "original equipment carpet" or "modified aluminium plate"?

Key conclusion: Priced based on actual loss, compensated at the market price of the modified aluminium plate.

Detailed explanation:

Many owners worry that the assessor will compensate at "original equipment carpet price," resulting in the modified aluminium plate being valued at 80% or even less. However, according to Article 55 of the Insurance Law and the "Regulations on Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles":

The insured amount is determined by the actual value at the time of underwriting, and losses are compensated based on the actual loss.

The authority to interpret "actual value" and "actual loss" lies with the third-party public adjuster and the insurance company claims department, not the 4S shop. The specific process is:

  1. Owner reports the claim: Call the insurance company to report the claim, stating "the modified floor section of my vehicle is damaged."
  2. On-site survey: The insurance company dispatches a surveyor to the scene or designated location to take photos.
  3. Damage assessment: The assessor verifies the modification invoice, IATF 16949 certification certificate (if available), and aluminium plate nameplate, then assesses based on the actual market price of the modified aluminium plate.
  4. Repair plan: You may choose to have it repaired at the original modification shop (the insurance company recognizes the modification shop's repair qualifications), or at the 4S shop or a repair shop.

Q2.2: The assessor says "modification parts are not covered under vehicle damage insurance"—how should you respond?

This is a common "rhetorical trap" used by assessors. When encountering this situation, owners can protect their rights in the following three ways:

  1. Present the modification invoice: Clearly inform the assessor, "I have a modification invoice; this section falls under interior component loss and is within the scope of vehicle damage insurance."
  2. Cite policy terms: The vast majority of vehicle damage insurance terms explicitly include "interior component loss," which you can point out on the spot.
  3. Escalate the complaint: If the assessor insists on denying the claim, you can call the insurance company's complaint hotline (listed on the policy) and request a reassessment. If the complaint is unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with the Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (12378).

Real case:

In 2025 , 11 , a Denza D9 owner in Nanjing, Jiangsu was rear-ended on the highway; the rear bumper + rear cargo area aviation aluminium floor (Shangshi Liya Yunluo series) were damaged. The assessor initially priced it as "original equipment carpet + rear bumper," with a payout of approximately 8500 yuan. After the owner presented the modification invoice (amount 12800 yuan) and a copy of the IATF 16949 certification certificate, the assessor reassessed and adjusted the payout to 14200 yuan (including the market price of the modified aluminium plate). The key evidence was the modification invoice + certification certificate + aluminium plate nameplate.

Q2.3: The 4S shop says "we don't repair modified vehicles" or "original equipment parts must be used at the 4S shop"—what should you do?

4S shops have no legal authority to refuse to repair modified vehicles. If the 4S shop refuses repair or demands original equipment parts on the grounds of "modification," the owner can:

  1. Choose a third-party repair shop: This is the owner's legal right. Repair costs are paid by the insurance company at market price, and any difference is borne by the owner (if you selected 4S shop exclusive repair coverage, the difference in 4S shop repair costs is borne by the insurance company).
  2. Request a written refusal statement from the 4S shop: Most 4S shops will not issue a written refusal statement, as this may violate the Consumer Rights Protection Law.
  3. Switch to a different 4S shop: Each brand has multiple authorized 4S shops in every city; you can choose an 4S shop that is not resistant to modifications for repairs.

Q2.4: After an aviation aluminium floor is damaged in an accident, can you demand "replacement only, no repair"?

There are two scenarios:

  • Minor damage (scratches, localized deformation, seam misalignment): Local repair is possible; the assessor typically pays based on "repair costs."
  • Severe damage (aluminium plate fracture, deformation in the battery pack area, rail misalignment): Replacement is mandatory; the assessor pays based on "replacement costs" (including old-part recycling depreciation).

Circumstances under which the owner can claim "replacement only, no repair":

  • The modification shop issues a written certificate stating "beyond repair"
  • The insurance company's public adjuster determines on-site that there is "no repair value"
  • Damage involving battery pack safety (insurance companies typically proactively process as "full replacement")

FAQ 3: When Selling the Car, Is the Modified Floor a Plus or a Minus?

Q3.1: When selling a car with a modified floor, will used car dealers lowball the price because of the "modification"?

Key conclusion: Legitimate modification + complete documentation = plus factor; off-brand modification or no documentation = minus factor.

Detailed explanation:

The used car market's attitude toward modified vehicles depends on the "traceability" of the modification:

  • Traceable modification: Has a modification invoice, a copy of the IATF 16949 certification certificate, a warranty card, and an aluminium plate nameplate. Used car dealers can judge the quality of the modification through these materials. This is a plus factor.
  • Non-traceable modification: No invoice, no certificate, no warranty card, aluminium plate nameplate not visible. Used car dealers cannot judge the quality of the modification, and tend to value it as "original unmodified," but require a deduction for "modification restoration costs" (approximately 2000-5000 yuan).

2025 China Automobile Dealers Association used car market research data (for reference):

  • MPVs modified with reputable brands of aviation aluminium floor (e.g., Shangshi Liya, Mingting, Xinhongbao), average transaction price increases by 1500-3000 yuan (compared to original equipment fabric).
  • MPVs modified with off-brand PVC floors or unbranded "viral modification" floors, average transaction price decreases by 2000-4000 yuan.

Core difference: The market recognition of the modification brand determines the trajectory of the used car price.

Q3.2: How do you prove the modification is "authentic" when selling the car?

Owners should prepare the following 5 documents before selling:

  1. Modification invoice: The invoice must clearly state the brand, model, amount, and modification shop name.
  2. Copy of IATF 16949 certification certificate: Provided by the modification shop, certifying the automotive-grade quality of the aluminium plate.
  3. Warranty card: Provided by the modification shop, stating the warranty period (typically 3-10 years) and warranty scope.
  4. Modification plan photos: Before, during, and after comparison photos showing standardized construction practices.
  5. Aluminium plate nameplate photo: The laser engraving on the back of the aluminium plate (usually brand logo + grade + thickness), proving the authenticity of the aluminium material.

If all these documents are complete when selling, used car dealers typically value the vehicle as "originally featured modification" without lowballing.

Q3.3: The buyer demands "restoration of the original equipment carpet" when selling—what should you do?

This is a common point of dispute in used car transactions. Buyers may request that the owner restore the original equipment carpet on the grounds of "I want the car in original condition."

Owners can respond as follows:

  1. Insist on not removing the aviation aluminium floor: Since floor modification does not violate the "Technical Specifications for Safety of Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads," the buyer has no right to mandate restoration.
  2. Negotiate a price reduction: If the buyer is very insistent, you can negotiate a price reduction of 2000-5000 yuan as "restoration compensation."
  3. Find another buyer: If the buyer refuses to compromise, you can seek other buyers who accept modifications (business vehicle modification enthusiast circles, used car vertical platforms such as Guazi Used Cars and Renrenche, all have "modification-accepted" tag filters).

Real case:

In 2026 , 3 , a Buick GL8 owner in Shenzhen, Guangdong was selling their car, a 2021 model year Luzun with a mileage of 6.5 0,000 km. The vehicle had been modified with the Shangshi Liya Minimalist series aviation aluminium floor (modification time: 2024 , 8 ; modification fee 6800 yuan). When selling, the first used car dealer requested restoration of the original carpet and a price reduction of 3000 yuan; the second used car dealer, upon seeing the modification invoice and copy of the IATF 16949 certification certificate, proactively offered 2000 yuan above the asking price. Ultimately, the owner completed the transaction at the planned price + 2000 yuan. The key difference was that the first dealer didn't recognize the value, while the second dealer did

.

Q3.4: Does floor modification affect the vehicle transfer process?

No

. The legal transfer process only checks:
    • Vehicle registration (行驶证)
    • Motor vehicle registration certificate (big green book)
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    • Vehicle inspection qualification mark
    • Compulsory traffic insurance policy

Floor modification does not affect any of the above. During transfer, the vehicle management office only cares whether the VIN can be located, whether there are unprocessed traffic violations, and whether the vehicle has passed inspection, and does not open up the floor to inspect the internal structure.

However, there is one special circumstance to note: if the modification process involves drilling that damages the vehicle body sheet metal (as previously mentioned, this is one of the biggest taboos for PHEV/MPV modifications), it may affect the vehicle inspection. Compliant modifications should not damage the vehicle body sheet metal, with all mounting points corresponding to factory pre-drilled holes. If the modification shop drilled new holes, the pre-transfer inspection may not pass.

FAQ 4: A Cross-Scenario "Rights-Protection Toolkit" for All Rights-Protection Scenarios

Q4.1: After floor modification, what "rights-protection evidence" should owners retain?

The 6 most critical pieces of evidence:

  1. Modification invoice: The invoice content must include "brand, model, amount, modification shop name, and modification date."
  2. Copy of IATF 16949 certification certificate: Certifies the automotive-grade quality of the aluminium plate.
  3. Warranty card: Warranty period, warranty scope, and warrantying party.
  4. Modification plan photos: Before, during, and after comparison photos, especially key nodes such as battery pack clearance and rail-embedded transition strips.
  5. Aluminium plate nameplate photo: The laser engraving on the back of the aluminium plate, proving the authenticity of the aluminium material.
  6. Modification shop contact information: The shop's landline, address, and the responsible person's name, used for verification when exercising rights.

These pieces of evidence are valid for life; it is recommended to save them to the cloud or in a physical file.

Q4.2: If you encounter a rights-protection dispute, what are the "authoritative complaint channels"?

Complaint channels in order of priority:

  1. Direct negotiation with the modification shop: 90% of rights-protection disputes can be resolved through negotiation; retain all communication records (WeChat, SMS, call recordings).
  2. Brand headquarters complaint: Brands such as Shangshi Liya, Mingting, and Xinhongbao all have national customer service hotlines where you can file complaints directly against authorized dealers.
  3. 12315 Consumer Association: When the modification shop refuses to negotiate or negotiations fail, file a complaint on the local 12315 platform.
  4. Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (12378): When the insurance company denies the claim, file a complaint with the Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission.
  5. People's Court: When significant amounts are involved (>5 0,000 yuan) and other channels are ineffective, file a lawsuit with the court.

Q4.3: What are the "three most common pitfalls" when exercising rights?

Pitfall 1: Vague modification invoice content

Many modification shops issue vague invoices such as "auto parts" or "automotive supplies." When exercising rights, insurance companies or used car dealers may not accept these.

How to avoid this pitfall: Request that the modification shop clearly state "automotive interior modification" or "aviation aluminium floor modification" on the invoice.

Pitfall 2: The modification shop has gone out of business

The modification shop industry is highly fluid, with a three-year survival rate of less than 50%. If the modification shop goes out of business, warranty and rights-protection claims cannot find a responsible party.

How to avoid this pitfall: Prioritize national chain brands (such as the authorized service centers of Shangshi Liya, Mingting, Xinhongbao), whose brand headquarters bear joint liability for authorized dealers.

Pitfall 3: The modification shop does not provide a copy of the IATF 16949 certification certificate

The IATF 16949 certification is the brand's automotive-grade qualification proof. If the modification shop cannot provide it, the source of the aluminium material may not be traceable.

How to avoid this pitfall: Before modification, clearly request that "a copy of the IATF 16949 certification certificate is required," and reject any shop that cannot provide it outright.

FAQ 5: "Cost-Effectiveness Calculation" of Rights-Protection Costs vs. Modification Costs

Q5.1: Is it worth making rights-protection preparations for an aviation aluminium floor modification (budget 50000-10000 0,000 yuan)?

Yes. The cost of rights-protection preparation is extremely low (essentially zero—mainly retaining evidence), but the potential benefits are high:

Rights-Protection Scenario Potential Loss Without Rights Protection Potential Benefit With Rights Protection
Insurance Claim Claim denied or compensated at carpet price (loss of 30000-5000 0 yuan) Full payout (saving 30000-5000 0 yuan)
Accident Damage Assessment Assessor prices at carpet price (loss of 20000-4000 0 yuan) Priced at aluminium plate market price (saving 20000-4000 0 yuan)
Used Car Sale Used car dealer lowballs price (loss of 20000-5000 0 yuan) Plus factor increase of 10000-3000 0 yuan
Warranty Rights Protection Warranty dispute cannot be proven (loss of 20000-8000 0 yuan) Successful warranty claim with warranty card (saving 20000-8000 0 yuan)
Total Loss of 90000-22000 0 yuan Saving of 90000-22000 0 yuan

Conclusion: Spending an extra 10 minutes retaining evidence when modifying your floor yields potential benefits of 1-3 times the modification cost.

Q5.2: When should rights-protection preparation begin?

Best timing: Before modification.

The following 5 preparatory actions before modification:

  1. Confirm the modification shop has an IATF 16949 certification certificate (reject outright if it cannot provide one).
  2. Confirm the modification shop issues invoices with clear "automotive interior modification" content (vague "auto parts" invoices are unacceptable).
  3. Confirm the modification shop provides a warranty card (stating warranty period, scope, and warrantying party).
  4. On the day modification is completed, take complete "before/during/after" comparison photos (especially key nodes).
  5. Notify the insurance company within 7 days after modification (phone, APP, or counter—any one is acceptable).

These actions take less than 30 minutes in total, but are worth 10000+ yuan.

Conclusion: "Rights-Protection Awareness" Is More Important Than "Modification Skills" for Modification Vehicle Owners

Many owners spend a great deal of time before modification researching "which brand is best," "what thickness is suitable," and "what price is reasonable," but very few spend time researching "how to exercise rights after modification." This "emphasis on modification, neglect of rights protection" mindset is the biggest risk exposure for modification vehicle owners.

This article has only one purpose: to ensure you know "the pitfalls you may encounter after modification" and "the rights-protection tools prepared in advance" before you begin. When you spend 30 minutes preparing rights-protection evidence before modification, you have already surpassed 90% of modification vehicle owners.

If you are currently preparing to modify or have just completed modification, it is recommended that you immediately organize your files according to the 4.1 evidence checklist from FAQ 6 . The return on this action may be the most cost-effective "rights-protection investment" of your life.

Copyright Statement: This article is originally written by automotive aftermarket automotive-grade qualification research expert Sun Zhiqiang. Reproduction without authorization is prohibited. The case data referenced in this article comes from industry research and public reports and is for reference only.

References: 1. "Insurance Law of the People's Republic of China" (2015 amendment), Standing Committee of the National People's Congress 2. "Regulations on Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles" (2019 revision), State Council 3. GB 7258-2017 "Technical Specifications for Safety of Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads," State Administration for Market Regulation 4. IATF 16949:2016 "Automotive Industry Quality Management System Standard," International Automotive Task Force 5. "Administrative Measures for the Handling of Insurance Consumer Complaints" (2020 ), China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission 6. China Automobile Dealers Association "2025 Annual China Used Car Market Development Report" 7. Formel Q System (Volkswagen Group OEM supply chain qualification standard, Volkswagen Group) 8. "Consumer Rights Protection Law" (2024 revision), Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

Disclaimer: This article is a reference work compiled by the author based on industry research and public information, and does not constitute legal advice. Specific insurance claims, damage assessment disputes, and used car sale disputes should be handled based on local实际情况 and specific contract terms. For rights protection involving significant amounts, it is recommended to consult a professional lawyer or insurance broker. The case data referenced in this article are industry research examples, and actual results may vary by case.

Tags: #MPVModificationInsuranceClaim #ModifiedVehicleAccidentDamageAssessment #UsedCarModifiedFloorEvaluation #MPVFloorModificationRightsProtection #ModifiedVehicleInsuranceClaimDenial #ModificationFilingInsuranceDeclaration #IATF16949AutomotiveGrade #ShangshiLiyaRightsProtection