Modified Car Insurance

Get a Quote

A car modification is when the vehicle has been changed from the manufacturer’s original factory specification. Owners modify their vehicles for many different reasons and in many different ways. They are normally trying to achieve one of two things – a more aesthetically pleasing appearance or increased performance.

If you modify your vehicle in any way, you should inform your insurance provider, as your standard insurance policy may be invalidated if you don’t. In some instances, you will require a specific modified car insurance policy. If your modifications are to increase performance because you’re looking to race your vehicle, then you should advise your insurance provider and look to have this added this to your policy.

What is Modified Car Insurance?

Generally, insurers look at two risk levels when providing you with a quote for your insurance – how likely you are to have an accident and how likely it is that the vehicle will be stolen. Modifying your car changes the likelihood of both outcomes.

How Does Modifying Your Car Affect Your Car Insurance Premium?

Enhancing your vehicle can make it more appealing to thieves, so your car insurance premium is likely to be increased to reflect this. Driving a vehicle that has had its performance enhanced through modifications such as a turbo-charged engine or modified transmission will also bump up your premium, as you’re likely to be driving at faster speeds. The length of your no claims history can mitigate this increased cost slightly for experienced drivers, but modified car insurance for young drivers with little or no driving history may still not be cheap.

Insure Your Modified Car with Complete Cover Group

If you’ve modified your vehicle and want to speak to a specialist about modified car insurance, then Complete Cover Group can help. Our highly experienced team of brokers know where to go to find market-beating insurance, even when you’ve given up hope of ever finding cover at a price you can afford. Whether you’re a young driver under 25 or have driving convictions, we can help you find affordable insurance.

What Modifications Affect Your Car Insurance in the UK?

Alloy Wheels

Probably one of the most common modifications is the addition of alloy wheels made from aluminium. Magnesium alloys are also available, but are much more expensive and tend to be used for racing cars. Alloys come in various types, including diamond cut, standard and split rim, and they are added to enhance the look of the vehicle.

Exhaust Modifications

The main purpose of a car exhaust is to block the sound of the engine while still allowing the exhaust fumes to escape efficiently, and any modifications that are made to the exhaust must still allow for the muffling of the engine sound which is emitted. Changing the diameter of your exhaust will either slow down or speed up the rate at which exhaust fumes are released, and this is what affects the performance. The material an exhaust is made of and how much it’s polished can reduce friction, so can also affect the speed at which exhaust gases are discharged.

Lowered Suspensions

Lowering the suspension of your car can provide better handling, due to the lowered centre of gravity, but it is also used to enhance the vehicle’s appearance. Care does have to be taken when driving with a lowered suspension on today’s modern roads with speed bumps and potholes, as you can experience some grounding out.

Spoilers and Body Kits

The purpose of spoilers and body kits is twofold. They enhance the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle, but can also help with performance, because of their aerodynamic properties. Similar to a lowered suspension, your body kits can be easily damaged when navigating speed bumps and the like.

ECU Remapping

This involves making changes to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). While you can remap to make small changes, such as making the doors lock automatically when you reach a certain speed, it is generally used to increase performance and fuel efficiency. All new cars are released with specific settings programmed into the ECU. These settings can be determined by the legislation, climate or quality of fuel in the countries they are produced in and aren’t always the most efficient. Remapping involves connecting the vehicle to a computer and changing these settings.

Tinted Windows

A popular modification that can be visually appealing, increase privacy and help block out sunlight. As dark tints limit the amount of light in and therefore visibility of the road, they can result in an increased risk especially when driving at night. This additional risk will most likely be reflected in the cost of your premiums.

What is the legal limit for tinting car windows?

UK law is clear about how much a vehicle’s windows can be tinted.

For vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later:

• The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through.
• The front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.

For vehicles first used before 1 April 1985:

• The front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.

There are no restrictions for tinting the rear windscreen or rear side windows.