Car audio system insurance
Love a little music when you drive? You might be tempted to upgrade your car sound system to something a little more impressive than the standard factory-fitted audio it came with.
But did you know this could affect the cost of your car insurance? Here’s why – and what you can do about it.
Love a little music when you drive? You might be tempted to upgrade your car sound system to something a little more impressive than the standard factory-fitted audio it came with.
But did you know this could affect the cost of your car insurance? Here’s why – and what you can do about it.
60-second summaryJust want the basics? Here’s your quick guide to car audio system insurance:
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What car insurance do I need for my car audio system?
To cover your car audio system, you'll need comprehensive car insurance. This level of cover protects your vehicle from a wide range of risks, including theft, vandalism and accidental damage. Third-party insurance only covers damages or injury to others.
Will my sound system affect my car insurance?
Possibly. If you’re looking to upgrade your car sound system, you may need extra cover. A high-end sound system is pretty desirable, so could make your car more attractive to thieves and increase the risk of it being broken into or stolen.
In fact, any kind of changes or ‘modifications’ you make to your car could have an impact on the cost of your insurance. Even a slick bonnet sticker advertising your new Bose sound system could raise your premium.
Why do modifications affect my car insurance?
Car insurance calculations are based on risk. And for insurance purposes, a modification – even a minor one – makes you a riskier proposition. That’s because a modification, upgrade or improvement could:
- Make your car more likely to be stolen
- Make your car more powerful and increase the risk of an accident
- Increase the value of your car, making it more expensive to repair or replace.
Will my new stereo and sound equipment invalidate my car insurance?
Installing a new car stereo upgrade alone may not invalidate your car insurance – but not telling your insurance provider about it could.
The most sensible thing is to talk to your insurance provider before investing in a new music system for your car. They’ll be able to tell you if it will affect your premium.
How much more will I have to pay?
A modest sound system probably won’t make a difference to your premium, but if you’ve gone for a top-of-the-range car entertainment system, you might have to pay more for your cover.
And it’s not just car stereos you need to look out for – getting a new state-of-the-art sat nav or changing your car interior (by say, replacing the seats) needs to be reported to your insurance provider. And they could see your premium going up.
In some cases, an insurance provider won’t cover the extra equipment or won’t give you enough cover to replace it if it’s damaged or stolen. If so, you may want to re-consider your purchase, or shop around to find the cover you need.
How much is my sound equipment insured for?
Most insurance providers will limit the pay-out offered to replace audio, sat navs and dash cams. This can be a set financial limit or a percentage of the car’s value - whichever is lower.
Others might offer you unlimited cover, but only on standard factory-fitted systems, and any upgraded equipment will still be capped. Always check your policy’s terms and conditions so you know exactly what’s covered and how much for.
How can I reduce my car insurance premium?
Investing in an approved security system, building up a no-claims discount with safe driving and increasing your voluntary excess are just some of the things that could lower the cost of car insurance. Check out our top tips for cheap car insurance.
Legal limits for car sound systems
If you’re making a car sound system upgrade, any modifications mustn’t affect your car’s roadworthiness or interfere with any safety features. It’s best to have them professionally installed to make sure they comply with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) guidelines.
Also, vehicles must meet strict noise limits for overall sound emissions, such as from the exhaust system. For new cars, this limit is currently 72 decibels (dB) and is set to reduce to 68 dB by 2026. To avoid fines, penalties, or insurance issues, keep your sound levels reasonable and avoid disturbing others.
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Julie Daniels - Motor insurance expert
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News and Capital FM, about car and home insurance, as well as our rewards scheme.
This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.