Tinting your windows? Upgrading your audio system? Adding a roof rack for your holidays? If you want to upgrade your car without buying a new one, we’ve got the ins and outs of how modifications might affect your car insurance policy.
- What is a car modification?
- What modifications will affect my car insurance?
- Are there any car modifications that don’t affect my insurance?
- Do I have to declare modifications to my insurer?
- What happens if I don’t declare modifications to my insurer?
What is a car modification?
Car modifications - or mods - cover a range of things. Anything not originally in the vehicle when it was made is a modification. You should tell your insurer about them - even if they were done by someone else. If you’re not sure if any changes were made before you got the car, it’s best to check with the previous owner.
Aesthetic changes include changing the body paint colour or adding tints to the windows. But there are also mods which affect how your vehicle performs. You'll need to declare any modifications to your insurer - even the aesthetic ones.
What modifications will affect my car insurance?
Almost all modifications will affect your insurance. Depending on the mod, it could result in your policy being cancelled. The changes most likely to lead to an insurer not quoting for your vehicle are:
- Turbo/supercharging. This is done to increase power, fuel economy, or both.
- Transmission or gear change. This makes it so your car can handle more engine power and improve performance.
- Complete body kit. This will change the look of your car completely.
- Wheel arches. Wide wheel arches are added to fit wider or bigger, grippier tyres.
- Roll bars. These help with the stability of the vehicle.
- Roll cages. This protects the occupants if the vehicle rolls.
- Uprated brakes. For maximum braking performance.
- Replacement of seats. This gives a racing-style interior, changing the weight and handling of your car.
- Some exhaust changes. Some upgrades mean more power. They can also increase how loud the exhaust is - or silence it altogether.
Are there any car modifications that don’t affect my insurance?
Here’s the details of car modifications AXA cover:
- Additional security (alarms, immobilisers, trackers)
- Audio systems less than £1,000 in value
- Dashcam
- Legally tinted windows
- Manufacturer optional extras (including tinted glass). These must be fitted by the manufacturer or approved dealer at the time of original purchase
- Modifications due to a disability (for the policyholder or one of the drivers on the policy)
- Professional conversion to LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas)
- Reversing or parking sensors
- Roof racks, roof bars, bike racks, and top boxes
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Tow bar
- Alloy wheels less than £1,000 in value
Many of these mods don’t reduce the chance of accidents. But unlike performance and transmission upgrades, they don't increase the possibility of accidents, either.
For more information, check your policy wording in your online account.
Do I have to declare modifications to my insurer?
In a word: yes. If you don’t tell us about a modification, your policy will be declared void. Any claims you've made won't be paid out.
Let us know before you get any mods done. That way, we can check we're still able to cover you.
What happens if I don’t declare modifications to my insurer?
Not declaring modifications to your insurer – even accidentally – is usually considered fraud. This will result in your policy being declared void, and claims you've made won't be paid. And, if your insurer has to pay a claim made against you by someone else, they'll have the right to recover the costs from you.
Voided policies are updated on a national database, so you might find it more difficult to get insurance in the future.
Don’t risk being caught out. Declare your modifications right away, so we can be here for you when you need us.
You want to go about your day without having to worry. With AXA Car Insurance, we’ve got your back. Get in touch to see how we can help you, and always check your policy details in your online account to see if you’re covered.
