Which car modifications bump up your insurance costs?

Thursday August 17

In the Wild West, phrases like "we don't like your kind around here" were not uncommon and usually associated with outlaws. In our society today we see a similar attitude being adopted by the majority of insurers when it comes to car modifications, or 'modding' as it has become known. Though there are exceptions, it is fair to say that most insurance companies don't like car modifications and would much rather we all drove around in sensible cars with little risk.

Of course, the insurance companies have a very good point. Some modifications will increase the likelihood of an accident occurring in the first place due perhaps to an increase in performance (be that in a straight line or around corners), while others will make a car stand out as a potential target for thieves of vandals. Then there is the simple fact that some modified cars are worth a lot more than the basic car the 'modder' started with.

The flip side of the coin is that many modifications improve a car's dynamics (think better brakes and suspension components). Another consideration is that the average modder is not going to lavish all his time and money on a modification and then put it at risk, so you'll find that many such drivers don't actually drive particularly fast and won't park their car anywhere they think there is even an outside chance it will attract unwanted attention.

Admittedly, the car modding culture is so developed now that it encompasses all sorts, from a nasty body kit riveted to a 20-year old Vauxhall Nova to a professional engine and chassis overhaul carried out on the latest Porsche 911. Estimates put the business at £250 million a year, not including the cost of the actual cars. The insurance companies can't ignore this market, but you can do yourself a favour by looking into the consequences of modifying your car before you open your toolbox.

You won't be surprised to learn that the most popular car modification by some way is the addition of alloy wheels. This is such an easy change to make to a car and given the massive choice of wheels on the market, it can be a relatively cheap way to effectively change the appearance too. Good news is that most insurance policies will allow this modification without any increase in your policy, especially so if the new wheels include locking wheel nuts. Beware though that if your lovely new rims get nicked, the policy may only cover their replacement with a standard set of wheels. As with all modifications, you should be up front with your insurance company about the addition of new wheels, even if they are the same size as the standard items.

Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that what you've done to your car is not a modification in the insurer's eyes. Giving your 'ride' a sparkling new paint job may make you easier to see on the roads, but your insurer will want to know about it. Same goes for tinted or smoked windows, though again these are unlikely to cause much of a policy increase, if any.

The majority of car modifications are actually cosmetic, though it should be noted that even fitting new bumpers or a body kit, while not increasing your car's performance, is likely to cost you more on your insurance. With bumpers in particular, look closely at the small print in your policy, as a prang may result in the insurance company stumping up for the cost of the original bumper only, not the more expensive replacement item you fitted yourself.

Depending on your point of view, other performance and handling enhancing modifications could be seen as cosmetic changes too, such as big, shiny exhausts and a lowered suspension. These items will definitely increase your insurance premium so make sure you check with your insurer by how much before you make the changes.

Finally, there are the more extreme modifications, such as complete engine transplants or the fitment of a turbocharger where none was before. You may think that nobody will notice if you replace the regular Rover K-series engine in your Lotus Elise with a (twice as powerful) supercharged Honda unit, but if you should crash, it will be picked up and your policy could be null and void. In summary, modifications do not necessarily mean exorbitant insurance premiums, but you should always check it out with your insurer first. Playing ignorant is not a defence.
 

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