Car Insurance for modified cars - tips and a guide

Here is a long overdue thread. Car insurance - all policies state "Has the car been modified, altered or adapted from the manufacturers original specification or has it been tuned.

All insurers need to know if a car has been modified. The stats of the insurers generally show that modified cars are involved in more claims, not just accidents but there is a theft risk. There is also the possibility that lower suspension or wider wheels could adversely affect the handling of the car so the model they rated and gave a group to does not apply to your unique vehicle. So an underwriter needs to agree 'terms' of cover.

Even stickers could represent a 'Moral hazard' to the insurers. Failure to notify insurers could render your insurance invalid leaving you to face prosecution for failure to insure your vehicle or if a claim is paid on your behalf they could well ask for reimbursement of amounts paid out for you so even if you are Third Party Only you could lose out.

Always keep a copy of all corresponce sent/recieved in response to a modification being notified.

Insurers may insure car at normal terms (no extra premium), Apply terms (extra premium, & or higher excess & or agreement to replace modified parts with standard parts.

State honestly what you have done but note that a SPORTS EXHAUST is the same thing as a 3inch bore stainless steel exhaust with a 25 year guarantee. (One sounds much better to an insurer than the other.) As does a high performance air filter and washable direct replacement air filter. If a chip increases MPG state this as a big reason rather than a side effect and then state that it also gives slightly more power as a secondary reason.

They will also look at the base car - diesels are favoured over petrol. A £500 car with a £1000 ICE install and £2000 worth of 20 inch alloy wheels is an obvious increased theft risk and most insurers would refuse this unless you agree that they can replace the stolen items with standard parts.

Insurers want to see enthusiasts that love cars and look after them rather than the boy racer who wants to impress his mates in the 7/11 car park.

Getting cover first then applying modifications later to the car often means the insurer will listen to you whereas they would refuse a new person with no record. Buying an already modified car is also a good bet - you didn't do the Modifications so theoretically are not so much of a risk.

Modified friendly insurers - Norwich Union, Adrian Flux - if you have any others please post them here.

Calibra-Keith wrote:

Getting cover first then applying modifications later to the car often means the insurer will listen to you whereas they would refuse a new person with no record. Buying an already modified car is also a good bet - you didn't do the Modifications so theoretically are not so much of a risk.

That sounds like a contradiction to me!

my insurance is lower with all mods declared the wot it would be standard and its over £150 lower and all parts are replaced with wot is on car as long as i can prove that i bought the parts and thats with

adrian flux