Car enthusiasts know that customising your car is more than just a hobby—it’s a passion. Whether you’ve added a turbocharger, a body kit, or upgraded your suspension, your vehicle is a reflection of your unique style and personality. But with these modifications comes a challenge: finding affordable insurance that covers all the hard work you’ve put into your car.
Why You Need Specialist Modified Car Insurance
Standard car insurance policies are designed for factory-built vehicles and may not fully cover modifications, which is why understanding car insurance coverage is essential. If you’ve invested in upgrades, it’s crucial to have an insurance policy that considers the true value of your car, including those custom parts. Modified car insurance policies are important as they provide tailored coverage specifically for vehicles that have been altered or enhanced.
Common Modifications That May Affect Insurance
- Engine Enhancements: Turbochargers, superchargers, or engine swaps can significantly boost your car’s performance but also increase the risk in the eyes of insurers.
- Suspension Modifications: Lowering or raising your suspension can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety, influencing your insurance rates.
- Body Kits and Exterior Mods: Aesthetic changes like body kits, custom paint jobs, and spoilers can make your car more expensive to repair.
- Wheel Upgrades: Custom wheels and tyres are often more costly to replace, which can affect your coverage.
- Interior Modifications: Upgrades to your car’s interior, such as custom sound systems, leather seats, or advanced tech installations, add value to your vehicle.
Why Standard Policies Fall Short
Most standard car insurance policies don’t account for the added value of modifications. In the event of a claim, you might only receive the market value of your car without considering the cost of your custom parts. Specialised modifications car insurance ensures that you’re fully covered, both for the standard vehicle and for the aftermarket parts you’ve added. Modified car insurance cover is tailored to provide comprehensive protection for both standard and unique features, ensuring full coverage for all your vehicle’s modifications.
How To Get Cheap Modified Car Insurance
Getting affordable modifications car insurance might seem challenging, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. When looking for cheap modified car insurance, it’s crucial to shop around and ensure the right level of coverage is in place, as traditional insurers often lack the knowledge of vehicle modifications, leading to higher quotes. Here are some strategies to help you secure the best rates.
1. Shop Around For Quotes
One of the most effective ways to save on car insurance is to compare quotes from multiple providers. Each insurer has its own way of calculating risk and premiums, so prices can vary significantly.
- Use Online Comparison Tools: These tools allow you to enter your vehicle’s details and get quotes from various insurers quickly. Look for sites that specialise in modified cars for more accurate comparisons, ensuring you get a precise modified car insurance quote.
- Contact Specialists: Some insurance companies specialise in covering modified vehicles. These specialists understand the intricacies of custom parts and are often more flexible with their rates.
2. Consider Agreed Value Insurance
Instead of insuring your vehicle based on its depreciated market value, look for insurers that offer agreed-value policies. With agreed value insurance, you and the insurer agree on the car’s value upfront, including the cost of modifications. This can sometimes result in lower premiums, as the value is locked in and doesn’t fluctuate over time. Additionally, ensure you have a modified car insurance policy to accurately cover all modifications, which helps avoid complications during claims.
3. Increase Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. By opting for a higher deductible, you can reduce your premium. However, make sure you choose a deductible amount that you can comfortably afford in the event of a claim.
4. Bundle Your Policies
If you have other insurance policies like home, renters, or life insurance, think about combining them with the same company. Many insurers give discounts for having multiple policies, which can help you save a lot on your car insurance.
5. Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Your driving history is one of the most significant factors in determining your insurance premium. Drivers with clean records—meaning no accidents, traffic violations, or claims—are often rewarded with lower rates. If you have a spotless record, make sure to highlight this when negotiating your premium.
6. Limit Your Mileage
The more you drive, the higher the likelihood of an accident. Some insurers offer discounts for low-mileage drivers, especially if your modified car is a secondary vehicle used primarily for shows, events, or occasional weekend drives. If you fall into this category, be sure to ask about low-mileage discounts.
7. Install Safety Features
Adding safety features to your car can keep you safe and help you save on insurance. Features like advanced alarm systems, immobilisers, and dash cams can reduce the risk of theft and accidents, making your car less risky to insure.
8. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Completing a defensive driving course can make you a safer driver and often results in an insurance discount. These courses teach you how to avoid accidents, understand road safety better, and demonstrate to your insurer that you’re a responsible driver.
9. Join a Car Club
Some insurers offer discounts to members of recognised car clubs, especially those focused on modified vehicles. Membership in a club shows that you’re part of a community that values safe driving and car care, which can lead to lower premiums. Additionally, modified car owners can benefit from these discounts, as insurers often provide special rates for those who are part of such clubs.
10. Consider Temporary or Usage-Based Insurance
If you only drive your modified car occasionally, temporary or usage-based insurance might be a cost-effective option. These policies charge you based on the amount of time you drive or the number of miles you cover, rather than a standard annual rate.
The Importance of Disclosing Insurance for Modified Cars
When applying for modifications car insurance, it’s crucial to disclose all car modifications to your insurer. Failing to do so can lead to denied claims or even policy cancellation. Here’s why:
Transparency Protects You
If you don’t inform your insurer about your modifications, they might refuse to cover the cost of repairs or replacement parts in the event of a claim. This could leave you with a hefty bill and an underinsured vehicle.
Accurate Coverage
Providing accurate information ensures that your car is covered for its true value, including the cost of all modifications. This means that if the worst happens, you’ll receive a payout that reflects the full worth of your vehicle.
What To Do If Your Insurance Is Still Too Expensive
If you’ve tried the tips above and your car insurance is still too costly, consider looking into specialist-modified car insurance policies. These tailored policies can help reduce costs by covering modifications specifically and ensuring you are not overpaying for insurance.
1. Reevaluate Your Modifications
Consider whether all your modifications are necessary, especially if they significantly increase your premiums. For example, removing a high-performance engine upgrade or reverting to factory suspension could lower your insurance costs.
2. Look For Classic Car Insurance
If your modified vehicle is an older model, you might qualify for classic car insurance, which often has lower premiums. Classic car policies are typically tailored to enthusiasts who drive their vehicles less frequently and take great care of them.
3. Install a Tracking Device
Some insurers offer discounts if you install a GPS tracking device in your car. This allows them to recover your vehicle quickly in the event of theft, reducing their risk and potentially lowering your premium.
4. Negotiate With Your Insurer
If you’ve been a loyal customer or have multiple policies with the same insurer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Contact your insurance provider, explain your situation, and ask if they can offer any additional discounts or better terms.
At AMC Performance, we understand the love and dedication that goes into modifying your car. Protecting that investment with the right insurance is essential, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can secure affordable modifications car insurance that provides the coverage you need without draining your wallet.
Remember, the key to getting cheap insurance is to shop around, be honest about your modifications, and take advantage of discounts and special offers. With a little effort, you can find a policy that fits your needs and your budget, so you can enjoy your custom ride with peace of mind.
