Last year we wrote a post about ‘8 ways to upgrade your car’, many car enthusiasts are keen to drive cars which are tailored to their particular set of preferences. This can include both visual and performance-related modifications. But every modification comes with a compromise, and sometimes that compromise can affect your insurance premium.

What is a car modification?

A car modification is a change made to a vehicle so that it differs from the manufacturer’s original factory specification. The changes can be made to improve performance, aesthetics, or be purely functional.

Why should you declare modifications?
It is quite simple, if your car has been modified, you must declare it. This applies even if you have not made the changes yourself. The result if you don’t declare could be  – an invalidated insurance policy.

Whos responsibility is it?

It is the responsibility of the policyholder to declare all modifications. If you’re buying a car second-hand and are in any doubt of work that may have been carried out, get the car checked by a mechanic. If you don’t declare the modifications, your claim may be refused, and your insurance will be void. It is also important to update your insurance company as and when you make additional modifications, so you remain covered.

Why do modifications affect the price I pay?

There are a few reasons why modifications will affect the price you pay on your car insurance premium. If the modifications increase the value of your car, then the insurance claims you make could be higher as it’s often more expensive to repair or replace parts. If you’ve made your car faster, it could increase the risk of you being involved in a speed-related accident.