Modified Car Insurance - How to Minimise the Costs

The first thing to understand is what falls into the 'modified' category.Insurers class a modification as being anything that changes the state of the car from the original factory specifications.This can include such seemingly harmless things as a re-spray or changing the seats.The first rule of car modification is to check with your insurer as to their view about your plans - and more importantly the likely change in your premium.Why Modified Car Insurance is Costly.Generally modifications have two aims - either to improve the looks or the performance of a car.In the insurers view this will increase either the value or the risk level of the car, resulting in a rise in the cost of your insurance.Of course, there are modifications designed to improve security; immobilisers, alarms and tracking devices are all classed as modifications but will generally have a positive effect on your car insurance premium.When it comes to modifications that improve the looks of your car - spoilers, low profile tyres or a new paint job it's worth considering adding security features that can help to offset any potential rise in premium at the same time.Performance Car Insurance.When it comes to performance modifications, insurance is likely to rise significantly.For younger drivers who already pay high premiums, modifications should be considered with care.Contact your insurer before making any changes that improve the performance or the speed of the car.Changes to the exhaust, suspension and particularly the engine are likely to raise insurance costs for a modified car.When checking with your own insurer consider a little comparison shopping at the same time to see what savings can be made by changing insurer.Specialist modified car insurance brokers should be considered as they may be willing to take into account that modified car owners are enthusiasts and are more likely to look after the vehicle well.Additional Factors.The main reason that modified car insurance is more expensive is simply that modifications tend to increase the risk of a claim.Claims for modified cars can be more expensive to settle if parts are harder to source or more expensive.Where possible keep modifications to a minimum - but if you are a real enthusiast always shop around for the best deals on modified car insurance.Comparison sites will give you a good spread of quotes and you should check them before making changes and always check again around the time of your renewal.Also consider the other aspects that affect your insurance profile - age, car storage, claim history and mileage - and try to combine the factors (such as mileage) to the best advantage to lower your quote.