Lots of people customize their cars, often to reflect their personalities. Adding bumper stickers or window decals is an easy way to make a statement. But what if you go big and make modifications to your car that alter the vehicle or engine itself? Customizing your car is legal but you may want to think about your car insurance before you modify your engine or beef up your suspension.
Let’s learn more about what modifications may trigger a change in your insurance so you don’t get any surprises!
What is Modified Car Insurance?
If you add customizations, like an expensive stereo system for instance, you can add an endorsement to your policy to cover the new equipment. If you want to recover your investment should something happen to your car, you need to let your car insurance know that you have made the modification. If they don’t know about it, you will not be reimbursed for its damage or loss.
Sometimes called Custom Parts and Equipment coverage, modified car insurance adds coverage for parts and equipment that you add to modify your car.
What Is A Modified Car?
So, what is considered a modification? There are tons of modifications you can make to a car but those that generally affect your insurance usually fall into the bodywork and performance categories. It’s important to talk with your insurance company about your modification, especially if you expect to be reimbursed by the company if there is damage or loss.
Some common modifications include:
- Window and windshield tints
- Spoilers and other custom body work
- Lift kits or lowered suspension
- Undercarriage lights and neon lights
- Custom rims, wheels or tires
- Engine performance enhancements
- Telematics devices or dash cameras
- License plate frames and tinted plate covers
- Upgraded stereo or speaker systems
- Muffler modifications
- Custom paint jobs or vehicle wraps
Are There Modifications That Will Lower My Car Insurance?
While many modifications have the potential to increase your insurance premiums, there are some that could actually lower your car insurance costs. For instance, adding a telematics device to your car could be considered a modification but it may also prove to the insurance company that you deserve a discount for being a safe driver.
The bottom line is that while it’s fun to show your personality through vehicle customizations, it can end up costing you more for insurance. The best way to know is to compare rates. InsuranceWins can get you started. Just fill out our simple form to receive auto insurance quotes from well-known carriers. You can then let them know all about your modifications so you will know exactly how much they may increase your car insurance. Let InsuranceWins help you get started now!
