All About Car Insurance

“Has the car been modified or adapted from the manufacturers specification in any way?”…the words every modified car driver dreads. But lying about it is more trouble than it’s worth.

Every insurance company needs to know about any modifications on a car. There are three main reasons for this: high-performance cars are more likely to be in collisions (sometimes due to the driver not being able to handle his own car), and if a modification is done well, the car is a more attractive target for thieves. In addition, a car with lowered suspension or wider wheels may affect the handling of the vehicle, presenting it as more of a risk.

Basically, car insurance is worked out on manufacturers specifications of a particular vehicle. If you have altered your car from this, it’s no longer a standard model, but unique to you, and therefore, strictly speaking, is in a class of its own and needs appropriate insurance.

This is why every non-standard extra must be declared, or any future claims could be rendered invalid. Nearly all will raise your premium, even if only slightly, but it’s nothing compared to the cost of having to pay for repairs out of your own pocket in the event of a collision.

It’s worth making a full list of all your modifications before getting a car insurance quote, so you can be sure you’re not missing anything out which could trip you up later on. Keep any receipts for tuning parts so you know exactly what to tell the insurer.

You may also have to say why you have made certain modifications, but think about how you word things. For example, if you have installed a chip that will increase your power, and it just happens to make your car more economical on fuel as well, then state this as your primary reason for installing it. If an insurer thinks you’re just a speed-freak hellbent on scaring pedestrians with a roaring engine, not only will you not get cheap car insurance, but you may find yourself refused completely. And of course, being refused car insurance in the past can also adversely affect future premiums.

You’re also more likely to get decent quotes if you appear to be a genuine car enthusiast rather than a boy racer just looking to impress his mates in the local car park. Therefore, fitting expensive parts on an expensive car, in spite of needing a high premium to cover repair costs, will be looked upon more favourably than a cheap car with a fibreglass bodykit you’ve fashioned yourself.