There’s nothing new about modifying cars; in fact, the world has been doing it for decades. However, tinkering with motors in this way can have adverse implications for the cost of car insurance. Here are some examples of modifications that the cost-conscious should perhaps avoid.
Sat nav
An in-built sat nav can be great for helping you to get around without needing to fiddle with a physically separate navigation system. However, your premiums could rise by up to 10% as a result, says AOL. That’s because this sat nav’s presence on the dashboard could tempt thieves.
Faster speed
If your yearly premiums are currently £500, fitting an aftermarket exhaust pipe to your vehicle could add £100 to that. Eager though you might be to make your vehicle faster, it would put that vehicle at a greater risk of crashing – largely explaining the 20% which insurers would add to your premiums.
Controversial bumper stickers
This may initially surprise you, but such stickers can be a sore point with insurers, as the vehicle could draw attention from people who object to the polarising views expressed on the stickers.
More powerful engine
This addition is one cited by This is MONEY.co.uk as a culprit for skyrocketing premiums. According to research mentioned by the site, the rise in your insurance expense could be a staggering 132%.
Bonnet bulge
This is one example of how you might change your car’s bodywork and so land yourself a premium increase of 66%. That’s the average rate that could result from wheel arches or flared wings, too.
Roll cage
Why would you want to install a roll cage in your car? Given that a roll cage’s purpose is to protect a car’s occupants in the event of an accident, your insurer might deem you likelier to make a claim.
Stripes
You might initially consider these to be harmless cosmetic changes. However, you should probably draw a line – ahem – under the idea of adding them, as your costs could otherwise surge by 22%.
Upgraded suspension
Are you interested in upgrading your vehicle’s suspension? Sadly, this is another example of a modification that could hit you hard in the pocket, as research suggests that your insurance premiums could increase by 25%.
Alloy wheels
By now, you might not be surprised to see alloy wheels on this list, given that they are very eye-catching – including to thieves. Nonetheless, even though alloy wheels can be easily pinched, they could still add just 8% to your premiums – a surprisingly modest rise.
Specialist paintwork
This is a big no-no; The Guardian reports that it could inflate your premiums by 36%. Whether or not you feel this would be fair, remember that there are other ways of trimming insurance costs besides avoiding modifications; here is more information on the matter.
An insurance broker can save you money by helping you to find an appealing quote for car insurance. One case in point is Call Wiser, which lets people apply for quotes through its website.
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