Modified Car Insurance
Modified car insurance covers changes you’ve made to your car, like performance upgrades or aesthetic tweaks. It’s crucial because regular policies might not cover these alterations.
Why choose Howden for Modified Car Insurance?
Here at Howden, as a motor insurance broker, we pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. Thanks to the great relationships we have with our selected panel of standard and specialist car insurers, we make the process of comparing multiple insurance policies, on your behalf, simple and straightforward. What’s not to like?
We also recognise that each policy needs to be as individual as its owner and their modified car, and that’s why we provide a bespoke, personalised service, focused on getting to know you and learning more about exactly what you want from your modified car cover.
Ultimately though, whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new motor policy, or renew an existing one, just know that we’re here to help if you need us.
Benefits of working with us:
- You can trust us – we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
- We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
- Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
- Speak with your local branch, within your community.
- We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.
Can you insure a modified car?
Undoubtedly, insuring a modified car is not only possible but also necessary. Insurance for modified cars is essentially a standard car insurance policy that includes coverage for any modifications or alterations made to your car. This type of car insurance is designed to protect the unique aspects of your vehicle that make it different from the manufacturer’s original specifications. Giving your insurer precise information about any alterations to your car’s appearance or function is crucial to obtain a suitable quote and adequate coverage.
Any car that has been altered from the manufacturer’s original specification is considered modified. This could include anything from performance upgrades to aesthetic changes. Modified car insurance covers the same risks as standard car insurance, but it also takes into account the value of the modifications when making a claim. For instance, installing a custom exhaust or upgrading your engine would be covered under your policy, guaranteeing you receive compensation for their value if you file a claim.
Specialist insurers often provide better coverage options for modified cars compared to mainstream insurers. These insurers understand the unique needs of modified car owners and offer policies that can include agreed value policies and salvage retention options. However, remember that specific illegal alterations like heavily tinted windows or modified exhausts aren’t covered by modified car insurance.
Can I make modifications to my car mid-policy?
Indeed, with most insurers you can alter your car mid-policy, but prompt notification of any new modifications to your insurer is vital. Failing to inform your insurance provider about modifications can result in policy invalidation if you need to make a claim. Insurers may charge an administration fee to update your policy with new modifications. Additionally, the cost of your policy may increase if the modification raises the risk level of the vehicle. It’s advisable to check with your insurer about potential cost changes before proceeding with modifications.
Modifications can potentially increase your premiums, so consider this before deciding to make changes. Some modifications may necessitate specialist modified car insurance. Ensuring continuous coverage requires informing your insurer about any mid-policy modifications. This step is not just about compliance but also about safeguarding your investment in the modifications and ensuring your car remains fully covered under the insurance policy.
What classes as a modification on a car?
A car modification involves changing the car so it no longer matches the manufacturer’s original specifications. This can encompass a wide range of alterations, from performance upgrades to aesthetic enhancements. Performance modifications include upgrades to brakes, engine, exhaust, suspension, and steering. These changes can significantly enhance the car’s performance but often require specialized insurance coverage due to the increased risk.
Cosmetic modifications can involve changes to the car’s paintwork, body kit, and interior lighting. These adjustments can make your car stand out and reflect your personal style, but they also affect the car’s value and insurance needs. Interior modifications can involve custom seats, upgraded sound systems, and bespoke dashboards. Even though these changes might seem minor, they can still impact your insurance policy.
Suspension and handling adjustments include lowering springs, coilovers, and anti-roll bars. Brake upgrades often involve fitting performance brake pads and larger brake discs. Each of these modifications, whether performance-related or cosmetic, requires you to inform your insurance provider to ensure you’re adequately covered.
Most popular car modifications
Among the most popular car modifications are performance upgrades and aesthetic changes. Air filters, particularly cold air intakes, are commonly used to improve engine noise and turbo flutter, with potential minor performance and fuel efficiency gains. Performance exhaust systems reduce back pressure, allowing the engine to expel exhaust gases more efficiently. These modifications not only enhance performance but also provide a more engaging driving experience for car enthusiasts.
Cosmetic modifications are also highly popular. Adding spoilers, changing wheel accessories, and applying light lens tints are frequent choices. Alloy wheels, which make up 21% of all modifications in the UK, are sought after for their performance and aesthetic benefits. These modifications can significantly alter the car’s appearance and often require specialized insurance coverage to ensure the modifications are protected.
Does modifying your car affect insurance?
Yes, modifying your car can indeed affect your insurance premiums. Any modification to your car is likely to impact your insurance premium. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Modifications that boost a car’s performance or value typically raise insurance costs.
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Insurers may not cover cars with certain modifications, such as unprofessionally installed powerful engines.
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Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure any modifications are professionally installed and disclosed to your insurer.
Security features like extra locks and immobilisers can help lower insurance premiums. Not declaring modifications to your insurer can lead to claims being rejected or reduced. For instance, cosmetic changes like tinted windows can affect the insurance because they may increase the vehicle’s value or theft risk. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of modifications against the potential increase in insurance costs.
Modifying your car can be a double-edged sword when it comes to insurance. While some modifications can enhance your car’s performance and aesthetics, they can also increase the risk profile of the vehicle, leading to higher premiums.
Conversely, modifications that improve safety and security can potentially reduce premiums. Always consult with your insurer before making any modifications to understand their impact on your policy.
How does Modified Car Insurance work?
Modified car insurance works similarly to standard insurance but accounts for the unique risks and value associated with modified vehicles. This type of insurance considers all factors affecting the vehicle’s value and risk, such as:
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increased chances of theft or accidents
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changes to the engine or performance
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alterations to the body or appearance
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upgrades to the audio or navigation systems
It’s crucial to be honest about your car modifications to ensure appropriate coverage and avoid policy invalidation.
Modified car insurance typically includes a modified car insurance policy with modified car insurance cover for specific modifications to ensure they are protected in case of damage or loss. Insurance providers may offer like-for-like replacement of modified parts in the event of a claim. Additionally, some insurers provide courtesy cars and windscreen cover as part of their modified car insurance policies. This comprehensive coverage ensures that your investment in your car’s modifications is protected. In the UK, finding the right modified car insurance policy is essential for any car enthusiast.
Understanding how modified car insurance works is essential for any car enthusiast. The unique aspects of your vehicle, from performance enhancements to aesthetic changes, require tailored coverage to ensure you’re fully protected. By working with specialist insurers who understand the needs of modified car owners, you can find the right policy that covers all your modifications.
Types of modified car insurance
There are various types of modified car insurance, each catering to different needs and modifications. Specialist policies are available for various modifications, often provided by insurers experienced with modified vehicles. Agreed value policies help ensure the vehicle’s value is accurately covered, considering its modifications. These policies allow the insured to set a predetermined value for the vehicle, including its modifications.
Salvage retention policies allow the owner to keep the salvaged vehicle even after a total loss claim. Specialist policies can cover specific modifications such as suspension upgrades, alloy wheels, and performance enhancements. Choosing a specialist insurer can be beneficial if your car has extensive modifications that might not be well-covered by standard policies. These tailored policies ensure that all aspects of your modified vehicle are adequately protected.
How to insure a modified car
Insuring a modified car necessitates comparing quotes from various insurers, considering specialist providers, and declaring all modifications for precise coverage. When insuring a modified car, always declare any modifications to ensure accurate coverage and avoid invalidating your policy. Specialist insurers often offer better deals for modified cars as they understand that owners are enthusiasts who take good care of their vehicles.
Working with a specialist insurer can provide you with a policy that accurately reflects the value and risk of your modified vehicle. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers ensures that you’re getting the best coverage at a competitive price. By being transparent about your modifications, you can ensure that your policy provides the protection you need.
How much is modified car insurance?
Several factors can cause the cost of modified car insurance to fluctuate significantly. Modifications like roof bars or a towball might have little or no impact on the premium cost. Security modifications such as trackers and alarms can sometimes reduce insurance premiums. For instance, installing parking sensors can lower the risk of minor accidents and potentially reduce your premium.
However, if modifications increase your car’s value, you might pay a slightly higher premium. Young drivers typically pay more for modified car insurance due to their higher risk profile. It’s essential to provide all modification details to your insurance provider, especially for second-hand modified vehicles. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate the cost of insuring your modified car and make informed decisions about future modifications.
How to get cheap modified car insurance
Securing affordable modified car insurance necessitates thoughtful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to help lower insurance costs:
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Reduce your annual mileage
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Park your car in a garage or driveway overnight
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Pay for your insurance annually instead of monthly to avoid interest charges
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Notify your insurance provider of any new modifications as soon as possible to avoid policy invalidation.
Consider the potential premium increase before deciding to make modifications to your car. Installing parking sensors can lower premiums by reducing the risk of minor bumps. Adding security measures like an immobiliser or tracking device can discourage theft and potentially lower insurance costs. These steps can help you save money while ensuring your modified car is adequately covered.
When modifying your vehicle, it’s important to consider the impact on your insurance premiums. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
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Fitting a tow bar may lead to lower premiums as it suggests more cautious driving, although it can also be seen as an added risk by some insurers.
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Tinted windows have mixed effects on premiums; some insurers see them as a security measure while others view them as cosmetic modifications.
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When buying a second-hand modified vehicle, it’s crucial to get all modification details and inform your insurance provider.
Are modified cars more expensive to insure than cars?
Modified cars are generally costlier to insure because of the heightened risk they pose. Modifications can make a car more valuable, expensive to repair, or more likely to be stolen, increasing insurance premiums. However, some modifications, such as safety enhancements, might actually reduce insurance costs. Specialist modified car insurance might be needed if modifications alter the car’s original insurance group.
Young drivers often face higher premiums, and modifications can amplify this cost further. It’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of modifications and consider their impact on your insurance premiums. By choosing modifications that enhance safety and security, you can potentially reduce the cost of insuring your modified car.
Related articles about Modified Car Insurance
Want to learn more about modified cars? Read one of Modified Car Insurance Guides or any of the articles below, which you can find on the Howden Blog!
Modified Car Insurance FAQs
What modifications affect car insurance?
Several modifications, including performance upgrades, body kits, suspension alterations, and engine tuning, can impact car insurance. Here are some examples:
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Engine modifications, such as adding turbochargers, can lead to a higher insurance premium because they often result in higher risk driving behavior.
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Suspension changes can affect a vehicle’s handling, potentially increasing the risk of accidents and insurance costs.
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Upgraded alloy wheels may increase a car’s value and attractiveness to thieves, thus raising insurance premiums.
Custom paint jobs and body kits can also increase a car’s value and its insurance cost. Even seemingly minor changes, like installing a cold air intake to improve engine combustion, must be declared and may slightly increase premiums. Each of these modifications alters the vehicle’s risk profile in some way, which is why insurers need to know about them to provide accurate coverage.
What modifications do you have to declare?
You’re required to declare the following alterations to your insurance provider:
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Turbo/supercharging
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Exhaust modifications
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Suspension changes
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Adjustments to the vehicle’s mechanics or appearance
Modifications to the engine or vehicle mechanics, like turbocharging or changing the exhaust system, must be declared to your insurance provider. Wheel upgrades, including fitting alloy wheels or wider tyres, need to be reported as they can alter the handling and value of the car.
Changes to the car’s bodywork, such as adding spoilers, flared wings, or tinted windows, should be declared as these can affect insurance costs. Upgraded brakes and modified suspension systems need to be reported due to their impact on the car’s road behaviour. Even interior changes such as replacing seats, pedals, or the steering wheel must also be declared to your insurance provider.
What happens if you don't declare car modifications?
Neglecting to declare car modifications can invalidate your insurance policy, leading to rejected claims when you need financial protection. If you don’t declare modifications and need to make a claim, the insurer may refuse to pay out or provide a reduced rate. This could leave you facing significant out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements.
Moreover, modifications that break the law, such as illegal wheel changes or excessively tinted windows, will void your insurance if not declared. Not declaring modifications can result in your insurance being invalidated and your claim being refused when financial protection is needed. The consequences of not declaring modifications can be severe, so it’s always best to be transparent with your insurer.
How to report illegal car modifications
To report illicit car modifications, you can take the following steps:
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Reach out to your local authorities or your vehicle licensing agency.
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Report illegal modifications like heavily tinted windows, undercar neon lights, and non-road legal LED headlights to the authorities.
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Void insurance and should be reported to authorities.
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You can report such modifications to the police using the local force’s website or by calling the non-emergency 101 number.
The police may issue a Section 59 notice to individuals with illegal car modifications, which could result in the car being taken away if the individual reoffends. Reports can be made anonymously to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) without giving your name or contact details. Providing as much information as possible about the person or company involved can help authorities take appropriate action.
Is there a van insurance for modified vans?
Indeed, insurance is available for modified vans. Specialist insurers provide modified van insurance, covering performance upgrades, aesthetic changes, and other alterations. Modified van insurance requires declaring all additions to the insurer, similar to modified car insurance. Common modifications for vans include seating, storage, and adding or removing windows.
Some specialist insurers offer policies for modified vans, including campervan insurance. Popular van models insured under modified van policies include VW Transporter, Ford Transit, and Mercedes Sprinter. These policies can cover a wide range of modifications, ensuring your van is fully protected.
Does a car wrap affect insurance?
Indeed, if a car wrap considerably changes the vehicle’s appearance or worth, it can impact insurance. Car wraps are often viewed as modifications by insurance companies, which can impact your insurance policy. Failure to declare a car wrap to your insurer can result in rejected claims and potential accusations of fraud.
Declaring a car wrap to your insurance company is essential for accurate identification in case of theft or an accident. Insurance premiums may increase if a car wrap is considered a modification that deviates from the manufacturer’s standard.
You also need to inform the DVLA about any changes to your car’s appearance, such as a new wrap. This ensures that all aspects of your vehicle are accurately documented and covered.
Does modifying a car increase value?
If the alterations are appealing and professionally installed, modifying a car can raise its worth. Modifications can increase car value, but it depends on the type of modifications and the preferences of potential buyers. Engine upgrades and aesthetic modifications like body kits can increase value for the right buyer. Using OEM parts for engine repairs or improvements helps maintain or increase car value.
However, aftermarket parts can decrease car value if they don’t meet the same standards as OEM parts. A new engine or performance upgrades using OEM parts can increase car value if installed correctly. It’s essential to consider the potential impact on value when deciding on modifications.
What modifications could potentially reduce the cost of my car insurance?
Alterations that enhance safety or security, like alarm systems or advanced braking systems, might potentially lower car insurance costs. Upgrading the brakes and suspension system to better-than-standard parts could potentially lead to a reduction in insurance premiums. Engine downsizing to a smaller, more efficient engine can reduce insurance premiums.
Installing high-performance brakes may reduce premiums by up to 10-15% for heavily modified cars. Adding sway bars can potentially reduce insurance costs by around 5% for highly modified vehicles. These modifications enhance the vehicle’s safety and performance, which insurers may view favourably.
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