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 cutting down mileage, 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.

Our data shows that modifying your car could push up the price of your insurance by around £41. Modified car insurance typically costs £633 compared with £592 for a car that’s not been modified.³

But the cost of your modified car insurance isn’t just based on your car. The price you’ll pay also depends on:

• Your age

• Where you live

• Your job

• Your driving history, including any no-claims discounts, driving offences or previous claims.

All modifications, no matter how minor, have the potential to affect the cost of your car insurance. In many instances, car modifications could lead to higher premiums.

But some modifications, like fitting an immobiliser, could cut the cost of your car insurance.

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).

It might not always be easy to get cheap modified car insurance, but there are possible ways of reducing the cost of your car insurance premium, whatever type of car you have.

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

• Cutting down on your annual mileage

• Parking overnight in a secure place – park your car on your driveway and you’ll typically pay less than £333 for your car insurance. But if you park on the street outside your home, the typical cost of car insurance could be almost £691³

• Increasing your voluntary excess.

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.