I recently bought a mesh infill for the grille on my S Type Jag; all above board - reputable specialist supplier etc. I thought I should tell my insurer of the 'modification' rather than have it come back to bite me later.

Expected no effect on the terms for a minor cosmetic modification costing £60 and 20 minutes work by a 10 year customer (on two cars) with no claims. Did the bulldog say, 'Oh Yessss?' No, his computer said, 'another £140 pa premium and extra £200 excess please.'

Obviously I immediately changed insurer on both cars (to see net saving anyway).

Is this the 'private equity/banks' thing again that makes insurers care only for new customers always at the expense of existing ones? Should we all change annually as a result? And was I naive to advise them of the 'modification' or is that always advisible anyway?