Auto Insurance for Modified Vehicles

Have you been considering customizing your favorite car with any of the following:

• New alloy wheels
• Extra headlights
• Tuned-up engine

Modifying an auto is one of the best ways to personalize it and improve its performance. You’ll only face one disadvantage: the cost of car insurance can increase.

Compare car insurance quotes today to make sure you don’t overpay for the coverage you need. Just enter your zip code right here to begin.

What does “car modification” mean?

Car modification is a change made to an automobile so that it can differ from the original factory specification of the manufacturer.

Such changes are made to improve:

• Aesthetics
• Performance
• Function

Typically, it’s about custom wheels, paint jobs, body work, stereos, and custom interiors. The go fast guys often change the strokes, blowers, coil overs, bushings, and even brakes.

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Can modifications change the cost of car insurance?

We all know that insurance is based on risk and that a number of factors need to be considered before an insurer can provide the price.

Auto modifications will affect how an insurer assesses the insurance policy in these main areas:

• The risk of theft – modifications like performance and phone kits increase the chances of the vehicle getting stolen or broken into.
• The risk of accident – modifications that change the engine capacities or performance of a car increase the chances of getting into an accident.

Examples of Car Modifications that Can Increase the Premium Costs

– Supercharging/Turbo Engine

Increasing the power output of your car’s engine automatically increases its speed. The faster your car goes, the more you are likely to accelerate.

Faster acceleration means you are likely to be involved in an accident.

Insurers also tend to assume that drivers who use cars with such modifications like engaging in risky activities while driving.

They may choose to speed for their own satisfaction or overtake frequently. For these reasons, the insurance policy will be costly.

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– Uprated Brakes

Uprated brakes deliver more stopping power. Although you could perceive them as safer and better brakes, that may not be the way your insurer sees it.

One common reason for upgrading the brakes is because the car acceleration or power output has been upgraded, too. Faster road speeds and more power require a great stopping power.

When you uprate brakes, the insurer generally perceives that you’ll think you are safe and you can drive as fast as you can and still be able to stop. This is a great risk for the insurer to take on.

– Modifications to Gears or Transmission

Altering the gears or transmission means that you have changed its configuration.

The risk presented by a modified gearbox compared to that of an identical standard vehicle isn’t the same which means the insurance cost isn’t the same.

Modified transmissions and gears will be more expensive, time-consuming, and complicated to repair. The payout cost to the insurer in case the car is written off is also high.

These kinds of modifications are often performance enhancements, and they affect the acceleration capabilities and the general speed of the car. Again, this modification increases the chances of an accident occurring.

Tips on Insuring Modified Vehicles

Now that you have modified your car, and it’s time to insure it, consider these practical tips:

• Inform the insurance provider of the modifications you made to the auto. Failing to disclose such information can invalidate your policy. Ensure that you offer all the details; don’t leave anything out.
• In case you are doing some changes in the initial factory specifications, ensure that you inform your insurer at that time the change is made. Some insurers have different ways of defining a modification. It’s better to check if the policy is impacted in any way.
• If you are renewing insurance for a car you had modified, run numerous quotes. This helps you to get the most affordable price possible, and you could save money. The comparison will help you to get the cheapest and best option possible.

Can you save money on insurance for a modified car?

Although the cost will be higher than that of an ordinary car, it’s possible to save money and get the best premiums. Follow these tips:

• Do you intend to clock a thousand miles in one year? If so, be sure to inform your insurer because the provider may have a special policy that could suit your needs and save you money.
• Do you possess advanced driving qualifications that give you extra skills for driving the modified car? Qualifications and special skills could reduce the price of the car insurance. Drivers who have undertaken special skill course are less likely to get involved in accidents.
• Declaring modifications is important even if they do not enhance performance. Some insurers are very flexible and could reduce your premium just because you modified the car. You can also get all the upgrades covered to avoid paying for more each time you have to make a claim.
• Are you a member of any modified car owners club or an online forum? If you aren’t, consider joining one. Being around people who have their cars modified helps you to learn more about how to take better care of the car.
• Keep the car always garaged if possible and a quality alarm system must be installed. Garaging could reduce the cost of your premiums.
• Do you go for meets or rallies? Consider getting a track day cover as required by most policies.

Even though the insurance costs may be higher, you can still insure your modified car and save some money if you consider the tips we have outlined. Transparency is key to avoiding disputes with your insurer!

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