Which car modifications push up the cost of your motor insurance?

If your car has been altered since it was manufactured, motor insurance providers consider it modified. This is the case whether you, or a previous owner, has made changes. To the people who set the price of your premiums, changing either the performance or appearance of your car can indicate a higher risk of claims coming their way.

Increasing a car’s performance costs

Insurance providers will often think that increasing your car’s performance can mean a higher risk of accidents. They’re a signal to insurers that drivers are more likely to drive aggressively or take risks. The result is higher premiums.

Changing a car’s appearance costs

Modifying the appearance of your car could mean there’s a higher risk of your car getting stolen. Turning heads can also mean attracting thieves. It’s this higher risk of theft that usually translates into a higher premium charged by insurance providers.

How much more might you have to pay?

According to recent research, UK drivers can expect to pay up to 16% more for car insurance if they modify their cars.

Having compared insurance quotes in 10 major cities using identical driver and vehicle details, the study revealed the most common modifications and their higher insurance cost.*

Top 11 most expensive modifications to insure

1. Suspension changes +15.93%

2. Complete body kit +15.93%

3. Exhaust system changes +15.93%

4. Chipped or engine remaps +15.93%

5. Rear spoiler/aerofoil +12.10%

6. Tinted windows +12.10%

7. Non-standard respray +4.52%

8. Air filter +4.52%

9. Uprated brakes +4.52%

10. Side skirts +4.52%

11. Non-standard paintwork +4.52%

Even changes like adding alloy wheels, wheel trims or modifying your driving lights can increase your insurance costs, in these cases by an average of 0.79%.

Some modifications don’t usually affect your insurance

If you’re looking to modify your car and don’t want to pay any more in insurance, there are improvements you can make to your car without causing a spike in the cost of your insurance. These are:

• Alarms and immobilisers: Worth thinking about if your car doesn't already have them, because they can reduce the risk of theft. This might even reduce your premiums.

• Safety features: Adding safety enhancements like a rear-view camera or sensors to help prevent collisions can also reduce your insurance costs.

• Wheel and tyre upgrades: If you upgrade your tyres for added safety in winter, you normally won’t have to pay more to insure your car.

• Convenience modifications: Improvements that make your car more comfortable or more convenient won’t normally increase the cost of your insurance. A good example is a GPS device, which is usually a safe bet.

What this means for drivers

If you’ve not made any changes to your car yet, it's a good idea to recognise how they might affect your insurance. It’s also a smart move to discuss the changes you’re considering with your insurance provider to ensure you have the right cover. No matter how small the modifications you’re considering, always remember to inform your insurer.

Avoid your cover becoming invalid

While paying a higher premium due to modifications might hurt you in the wallet, it’s necessary to inform your insurer about them at the time of renewal as your insurance cover can become invalid if you fail to inform them. The result of this is that if you ever need to make a claim or if someone claims against you and you haven’t informed the provider, you might not be eligible for compensation. A situation that nobody wants.

* Source: UK drivers can expect to pay up to 16% more for car insurance if they modify their cars: Top 10 most expensive car modifications to insure: Cinch. Accessed 20 July 2024