Temporary Modified Car Insurance

Why choose Howden for Temporary 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 temporarily insure a modified car?

Yes, you can temporarily insure a modified car. Many insurers offer short-term or temporary modified car insurance policies, usually for a period from one to 28 days. If you need insurance longer than this, speak to your insurer. They may offer an extended short-term policy or propose an alternative solution.

When you arrange temporary modified car insurance, you'll need to declare all of your car’s modifications. This includes both performance and cosmetic changes. Some modifications may be more readily accepted than others. Common modifications like alloy wheels or tinted windows are usually easier to insure than extensive engine modifications. It’s a good idea to have any related documentation on hand. You may need to provide details of the alterations you’ve made, including photographs, receipts, or certificates.

Bear in mind that some insurers may have age restrictions or require a certain level of driving experience before they agree to offer you modified car coverage.

And, as always, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare different providers, as policy conditions and prices can vary. While modified car insurance, including temporary modified car insurance, can be more expensive than standard car insurance, some specialist insurers offer good deals as they know that modified car owners are often enthusiasts who take good care of their cars.

When do I need Temporary Modified Car Insurance?

There are a number of situations where you might need temporary modified car insurance:

• Test driving a modified car: If you're considering buying a modified vehicle and want to test drive it for a day or two.
• Borrowing a modified car: When you're borrowing a friend's or family member's modified car for a short period.
• Short-term ownership: If you've just bought a modified car but haven't arranged long-term insurance yet.
• Car shows or events: When you’re attending or participating in car shows or events with your modified vehicle.
• Track days: If you're taking your modified car to a track day event.
• Seasonal use: If you only drive your modified car during certain seasons or for specific occasions.
• While waiting for parts: If your regular car is being repaired and you're using a modified car as a temporary replacement.
• Moving a modified vehicle: When you need to drive a modified car to a new location, perhaps after buying it from someone who lives far away.
• Learning to drive a modified car: If you're getting used to driving a newly modified vehicle before committing to long-term insurance.
• Renting a modified car: Some rental companies may require you to obtain your own short-term insurance for modified rental vehicles.

Temporary insurance for modified cars allows you to get coverage quickly for these short-term needs, often with more flexibility than annual policies. 

Which modifications are typically covered by short-term policies?

Most short-term policies cover the same modifications as standard modified car insurance, including:

• Mechanical modifications: These refer to modifications to your car’s mechanics, such as its engine, exhaust, suspension, and braking system. Since they often improve the car’s performance, and may increase the chance of an accident, insurers usually consider them high risk. As a result, these modifications are often more expensive to insure.

• Wheels and tyres: Alterations to your wheels and tyres are likely to change the handling of your vehicle. They’re also likely to increase the value of your car.

• Bodywork: Bodywork modifications might include custom paint jobs, tinted windows, body kits, and custom decals or wraps. While these modifications affect your car’s aesthetics more than its performance, they might affect the cost of your premium because they can increase the risk of theft.

• Changes to the interior: Some interior modifications, like upgrading your sound system or making changes to your dashboard, are easy to insure and are unlikely to affect your premiums. Changing the car’s seats, however, will almost certainly have an impact, as will any changes to your steering wheel and pedals.

• Security features: It’s worth bearing in mind that, while most modifications are likely to increase your insurance premiums to a greater or lesser extent, there are some modifications that might lower them. Insurers are likely to look favourably on security features, for example, such as alarms, immobilisers, and tracking systems.

Always declare all your modifications to your insurer to ensure you're properly covered. Failing to inform your provider might void your insurance in the event of a claim.

Read more: What modifications affect car insurance?

Are there any modifications that may be excluded from temporary coverage?

Yes, there are certain modifications that may be excluded from temporary modified car insurance or make it more difficult to obtain coverage. These typically include:

• Engine swaps or significant power increases
• Nitrous oxide systems
• Hydraulics or air ride suspensions
• Major structural changes, such as chassis modifications and installing roll cages
• Extreme body modifications
• Oversized or undersized wheels
• Altering safety features, like disabling airbags or removing seat belts
• Tinted headlights or taillights
• Non-standard fuel systems

While these modifications may be excluded from many standard temporary policies, specialist insurers might offer coverage. If you have unusual modifications you want to insure, speak to the team at Howden and we’ll do our best to find the right insurer for you.

Related articles about Temporary 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!

• Does your insurance go up if you modify your car?
• Modified cars – are you driving one and don’t know it?
• Can you get modified van insurance?