What Is The Impact Of Modifications On Your Car Insurance Policy?

People usually relate car modification with an image of a bulky-looking and bright-coloured car. However, car modifications are not limited to aesthetic changes. Engine enhancements, installation of safety features, etc., are also considered as modifications. These alterations can have implications beyond just the vehicle’s appearance.

In fact, modifying your insured four-wheeler can affect your car insurance policy. This blog will discuss how certain car modifications affect your insurance policy.

Car Insurance Modifications List: How Some Modifications Affect Premiums? 

Any modification to your four-wheeler that differs from the manufacturer’s original factory specification is considered a car modification by the insurance provider. 

The insurance provider gauges car modifications for additional risks to be covered and will estimate the premium accordingly. 

Wheel Modifications 

Modifications to the wheels or tyres usually enhance the look of the four-wheeler. Upgrading the wheels might also increase its value. Therefore, the premium of car insurance for commercial vehicles will increase.

Mechanical and Engine Modifications 

Car modifications that boost the acceleration speed or engine performance also increase the risk of an accident. Hence, getting a supercharger, turbocharger, or nitrous oxide injection kit added to your four-wheeler can increase the premiums of car insurance for modified cars.

Paintwork 

Changing your four-wheeler’s paint can significantly modify its look, especially by adding eye-catching designs and patterns similar to racing cars. While changing the paint might seem like a harmless car modification, you still need to inform your insurance provider about it. 

This type of car modification increases the risk of your car being stolen, which might lead the insurance provider to hike your modified car insurance premium.

Suspension and Brakes 

Upgrading the suspension or braking systems of the four-wheeler drastically affects its performance by changing the speed and power speed. You must inform your insurance provider about such modifications, which include information about the service provider.

The Four-Wheeler’s Interior 

Insurance providers consider changes to the steering wheel, pedals, seats, sound system, etc., crucial. Therefore, you must inform your insurance company about such car modifications. The quality of the products used and their wear and tear affect your modified car insurance premium.

Non-Standard Engine Modification 

Your four-wheeler’s engine is one of the main aspects that determine your modified car insurance premium. Getting a non-standard engine installed in your car is a major modification and increases the risk of breakdown or accidents, resulting in premium spikes.

Car Modifications That Don’t Affect Insurance Negatively

Not all car modifications can affect your car insurance policy. For instance, insurance providers do not consider some car modifications, such as installing parking sensors, because these changes help protect the four-wheeler from damage by reducing the risk of accidents or thefts. Such four-wheeler modifications do increase your car insurance premium, but they may help reduce it.

Simply remember that car modifications that do not increase the risk of theft or an accident involving a valuable car part will not affect the insurance policy.

To Wrap It Up 

The most important point to remember about greenlight-modified car insurance is that you must always inform your insurance provider before getting modifications done to your car.​ 

This is because certain modifications can cause your four-wheeler to malfunction or damage other parts. Also, you might have to pay a higher modified car insurance premium if you get certain modifications done. 

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