Modified car insurance

Modified car insurance covers cars that have been changed from the manufacturer’s standard specification.

Because modified cars can be more attractive to thieves and more expensive to repair, insurance can cost more, especially if performance has been increased.

But there are ways you can look to save on modified car insurance. For example, by parking off-street or increasing your excess.

Here's how to insure a modified car and compare quotes to find cover that suits your needs and budget.

Some cars can also be modified to make them easier to use for drivers with disabilities. For example:

• Wheelchair ramps and lifts

• Altered foot pedals

• Hand controls

• Steering aids.

In Great Britain, the Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people from unfair discrimination when buying insurance. In Northern Ireland, different equality legislation applies, but the general principle is the same.

Insurers shouldn’t treat you differently just because you’re disabled. However, if some modifications are expensive to repair or hard to replace, premiums may be higher to reflect these.

Yes, by law you must tell your insurance provider about any modifications to your car, even if you didn’t make the changes yourself.

If you don’t disclose modifications, it could invalidate your car insurance. This means you could be driving without insurance, which is illegal.

When you speak to your insurance provider, let them know:

• About all modifications, even minor ones

• Details about the modifications including cost and who fitted them (keep all receipts and records of the modifications)

• About any modifications you wish to make.

While you should be able to insure a modified car quite easily, you need to make sure that your modifications are legal. If any of them break the law, you won’t be able to get cover at all.

Some common examples of illegal modifications include:

• Neon lights fitted under the car

• Overly tinted windows (they must let in at least 70%-75% of light)

• Excessively loud exhausts (they mustn’t exceed 74 decibels).

Telling your insurance provider at the right time helps keep your cover valid. Here’s what to do before you modify your car, straight after and when you renew your policy.

It might not always be easy to get cheap modified car insurance, but there are ways to lower your premium.

For example, you might get cheaper modified car insurance by:

• Park in a safe place overnight – those who park on their driveway could save around £358 a year on car insurance compared to those who park on the street³

• Having a voluntary excess – for example, people typically save £216 by adding a voluntary excess of £100 on top of their compulsory one, compared with those who have no voluntary excess⁴.

• Comparing comprehensive cover – Drivers typically save £325 by choosing a comprehensive policy compared with third party, fire and theft, or £649 compared to third party only, even though it provides the highest level of cover. It's always worth checking all your options before you buy⁴.

If you want to know how any particular modification will affect your insurance, check with your insurance provider.

And if you’re still keen on modifying your car, our comparison service lets you declare the changes you’ve made up front. So, you know the price you’re offered will include any modification you’ve made.

Compare car insurance quotes today and see what deals are available for modified cars.