If you’ve customised your car with the latest upgrades and trims, it’s likely you’ve invested significant time, effort and expense into getting it just right. Protecting that investment with the right insurance should anything happen is just as important.
While it’s quick and easy to compare quotes online, standard policies found on price comparison website aren’t always suitable for non-standard vehicles. Choosing the wrong insurance policy could leave you underinsured, or worse still, unable to make a claim when you need to, leaving you to foot the bill. That’s when speaking to a specialist broker that is experienced in arranging modified or imported car insurance can make all the difference.
Do modified cars need special insurance?
In most cases, yes. Standard car insurance policies cover standard vehicles that haven’t been altered, remaining exactly as they left the factory. As soon as you begin to change that original specification, insurers start to assess your car differently, which is reflected in your insurance premium.
A modification to a vehicle can range from performance upgrades like engine remaps, turbo kits, or upgraded exhaust systems, to cosmetic enhancements such as body kits, alloy wheels, or wraps. Suspension changes like lowering kits or coil-overs, as well as interior upgrades such as aftermarket seats or steering wheels are also modifications.
Even minor alterations can impact how insurers view your vehicle. That’s why it’s essential to declare every modification, no matter how small, to ensure your insurance policy provides the right level of protection.
When standard insurance falls short
One of the biggest risks for modified car owners is failing to inform their insurance provider about any changes that have been made to the vehicle. If modifications aren’t declared, your policy could be invalidated, meaning that any claims may be refused.
You may have spent a lot of money upgrading your car to increase its value, but a standard policy may only cover its original market value. This can leave you out of pocket if your vehicle is stolen or written off.
Modified cars can become riskier to insure. Increased performance, altered handling, or even visual enhancements can make a car more attractive to thieves or more likely to be involved in a claim. Therefore, insurers may need to account for this properly within your insurance policy.
What is modified car insurance?
Modified car insurance is specifically designed for vehicles that have been altered. Rather than treating your car as standard, it includes the type and extent of the modifications, the adjusted value of your car, and any specialist repair or replacement requirements.
This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be more expensive though. Some insurers specialise in enthusiast vehicles and recognise well-maintained, carefully modified cars as a lower risk, especially those that are stored securely or used occasionally.
Choosing the right policy for your modified car
Finding the right insurance for your pride and joy isn’t about price. It’s about making sure your policy truly reflects your vehicle. When choosing a policy for your modified car, your policy should include the following covers:
- Agreed value cover: Instead of market value, agreed value cover allows you and your insurer to set the car’s value upfront, including all modifications, so there’s no uncertainty if you need to claim.
- Full modification cover: Every declared upgrade or alteration should be listed and protected under the policy. This means you should tell them about every modification, no matter how small.
- Like-for-like repairs: If your car is damaged, you’ll want to replace damaged parts with equivalent replacement parts that match your modifications, not standard ones.
- Specialist insurers: Use insurers who specialise in modified cars and understand the passion behind them. They’re often more flexible and better equipped to provide the covers you need.
Protect your modified car with specialist insurance
If your car is modified, it’s important that your insurance reflects its true value and risk. While a standard policy may seem cheaper, it may not provide the protection you actually need.
Always declare every modification, no matter how minor it seems, and keep receipts or documentation for any work carried out. If your car is heavily modified, you should consider using a specialist insurance broker who understands your unique needs.
Don’t forget to review your insurance on a regular basis, especially after making further changes to your car as this ensures your policy accurately covers you.
A specialist broker like AIB will take the time to tailor your policy to your exact needs, giving you the confidence that if something goes wrong, you and your car are suitably protected.
You must be logged in to post a comment.