Add-ons that modify your car insurance bills

From spoilers to alloy wheels, tinted windows to a lowered suspension, there is an array of options to turn your car from a practical vehicle that gets you from ‘A’ to ‘B’ into a head-turning super car that is as much a fashion statement as it is a necessity.

The problem is that looking good comes at a price that goes far beyond the cost of the individual modifications, because making alterations to your car could see you curbed with seriously high car insurance premiums.

Research from a car insurance comparison website has revealed that car modifications can increase bills by 139 per cent – adding an average of £545 to an annual policy.

The difference between cars quoted with and without modifications can be as high as £1026.42 – that’s an increase of 182 per cent - for a male 20-year-old driving a VW Golf 1.5i. The statistics showed a typical £826.77 rise with car insurance provider Ibuyeco, with Post Office car insurance not far behind with an average £821.80 rise.

The lowest average difference between quotes for a vehicle with and without modifications in the survey came from Quinn Direct, with an average difference of £80.61.

Why do modifications drastically alter car insurance premiums?

With modifications you’re paying as much for the reputation of other drivers as you are for the parts themselves.

Generally modified cars are seen as high risk among insurers as they are particularly popular among ‘boy racers’ and if you are a young driver with a modified car then many insurers will refuse to offer you a quote altogether.

The more experienced you are behind the wheel, the more leniency the insurers are likely to offer.

However, modified cars still present higher risks. It goes without saying that a car that looks good is more likely to be a target for thieves and vandals than a conventional vehicle, particularly among young criminals looking for a high-speed joyride. Features such as alloy wheels are particularly attractive to thieves and so security can become an issue.

Cars with larger engines will always face higher car insurance quotes too – regardless of whether they are modified or not. The higher speeds they can achieve, the more likely they are to be involved in an accident – and you’ll pay for this risk through your car insurance premiums.

So how do you keep your modifications but reduce your car insurance?

As a motorist you need to accept that if you want to modify your car you’re almost certainly going to have to pay more to an insurer – however, the increase does not have to be dramatic.

Think about the modifications you are making. How many of them do you really need? And is there anything you can do to reduce your level of risk?

For example, if you fit alloy wheels why not add wheel locks too? This significantly reduces the risk of theft. Inform your insurer if you have a safe place to park your car at night – such as in a garage. Also consider fitting security devices to your car – such as a tracker - as these could cut your premiums by as much as 20 per cent.

If your modified car is kept just for ‘show’ then inform your insurer. Agree to a mileage limit and to only drive the car at set times of the day.

By contrast, if your use of your modified car is more practical and you use it simply to get to work and back and to run errands then agree to a curfew – perhaps you won’t drive the car after 11pm.

Above all however, you must prove to your insurer that you are reliable – and the best way to do this is through safe driving. Build up a no-claims discount and you could save as much as 60 per cent on your car insurance premiums. Avoid driving convictions, stick to speed limits and generally drive as a responsible motorist should.

What if you still can’t get the car insurance quote you want?

If your car insurance quotes are still too high, then shop around for cheap car insurance elsewhere.

There are many specialist providers on the market that are set-up to deal with modified cars and other unconventional vehicles such as classics. Approach these insurers and see if they can offer a purpose-built policy for your needs.

However, don’t assume these specialists will be the cheapest. You should still compare car insurance with a price comparison tool to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.