Insurance for modified cars?

Question

I recently renewed my car insurance in January. I wanted to get a quote as I want to mod my car, but had to put it off for another year as the insurance is just ludicrously expensive, and I ended up insuring with Elephhant (standard)

I have a 1.6 Honda Civic as companies such as Livingston's Warman, Sky Insurance and Adrian Flux were quoting me in excess of £1200. I have two years no claims bonus and am 27. My (standard) quote with elephant cost me £450 but only with my mum as a second driver.

Are there any companies out there who cater for modified car owners, and live int he real world. I am not looking to add any wild body kits, just simple mods like wheels, suspension,brakes, exhaust etc.

Answer 1

I had a completely modified 1998 Honda Accord (bodykit, suspension, transmission, wheels and tires, etc) and I went with Allstate. Not only was it a good price, but when I had an accident they helped me find a custom shop and were agreeable on the higher cost of my custom paint job. The one thing I noticed though, is that when you modify the looks of your car, no one ups your insurance a lot, but when you start modifying your performance, the insurance companies sky-rocket it.

Answer 2

I live in Australia, so I cant really help you, but my car is heavily modified as well, I went through about 5 insurers, till I found one that did the standard insurance, just a body kit excess on top of normal insurance.

As soon as I said the car was modified most insurers suddenly couldnt help me, just ask if they have a body kit excess first, I pay about $500AU for my kit excess if im in an accident.

As for the mods your looking for, I wouldnt think that would be a big deal. My insurer just asked for an estimate on what they are worth, it should be just an excess on your standard insurance, when you mention mods they do think of some wild body kits and a car that is irraplacable.

Answer 3

Basically.. Any insurance company is there for one reason, not to help you insure that lovely modded ride, but to screw you out of every penny they can. When applying for insurance you even have to declare if you have any racing decals or even fake performance stickers.. Now, I know a few people now driving Toyota Starlet Glanza Vs with 1.5l Turbocharged engines... and as far as their insurance know... It's a 1.1 Sportif. The only thing you've got to consider is, if you crash and nobody sees it, you have to be prepared to scrap your car without claiming anything on insurance and clean up after your accident. If you hit someone else and you're not insured, you're ******!! It's just whether you think a couple of grand is worth the risk. I vote don't tell them and save some money to go wild with the Clio. And there lies the voice of irresponsibility.