Modified Car Insurance
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Modifying your car can be a great way to improve performance and aesthetic appeal over the factory standard. You'll definitely be driving something unique, but finding cheap insurance for a modified car could be more of a challenge.
Why are modified cars more expensive to insure?
Some car mods can affect the car's value, its potential speed, the risk of being involved in an accident or its appeal to thieves. Those are all increased risks which can increase the cost of insurance. If you're a young driver or it's an imported vehicle, those are increased risk factors, too.
All Young Drivers can help you get affordable cover for your modified car, with flexible payment options if you need them.
What modifications affect car insurance?
Each insurer has its own rules about modifications that affect the cost of insurance, but generally, you should always declare mods such as:
- Under-car neons
- Window tints
- Radar/laser detectors
- Non-standard alloy wheels
- Spoilers
- Super / turbo charged engines
- Body kits
- Aftermarket Exhaust(s)
- Roll cages
- Suspension changes
- ECU remapping
- Engine swaps
- LPG conversion
- Gearbox upgrades
- Bigger wheels
You should definitely declare any modification that is likely to affect your car’s performance. If you’re not sure whether to mention something or not, it’s best to let your insurer know anyway.
Not only will performance enhancing modifications almost certainly affect your insurance price, but cosmetic mods and changes to accommodate disabled users (such as wheelchair ramps) may as well. Adding functional attachments such as a tow bar or roof rack to your vehicle can also have an affect on your premium costs.
Even dual controls used by driving instructors can also result in increased costs due to only having partial control and a learner driver behind the wheel. Despite the controls and their experience, it’s unfortunately not always possible to prevent an accident with only secondary pedals.
Tips for cheaper modified car insurance
- Some insurers recognise that enthusiasts are likely to look after their vehicle and give a discount to members of a modified car club.
- Consider a black box (telematics) policy. Safe motorists could see a reduction in their premiums.
- Keep your vehicle safely parked overnight, ideally in a locked garage, to help reduce the chance of theft or vandalisation.
- Increase your voluntary excess, but be realistic. In the unfortunate event of a need to claim you will have to pay this amount.
- Limit your stated mileage, especially if it isn’t your “every day” car.
- Try to pay annually instead of monthly. Although not as convenient, you could get cheaper insurance by paying up front in a single lump sum.
- If you are a young driver you could reduce the cost of your premium by taking a Pass Plus training course.
Whatever you do, make sure you declare all the modifications your car has otherwise your insurance could be invalid.