At some point we’ve probably all heard the thrum of a passing car fitted with a subwoofer or given a second glance to a vehicle kitted out with a flashy spoiler. These are just two examples of common car modifications you can make to your car so that it reflects your personal tastes and performance goals. But making an alteration to your vehicle doesn’t just have an impact on its looks or handling – it can also have a knock-on effect on your Car Insurance premium.
What is a car modification?
At its most basic, a car modification is any change you make to a car that alters it from its original factory state. These changes can be large, such as modifications to the bodywork, or as simple as adding racing stripe stickers.
Car modifications typically fall into two camps: performance and aesthetic.
Performance changes can include:
- Carbon-ceramic discs or drilled discs for brake enhancement
- Exhaust filters or turbos
- ECU chip additions or changes
- Lowered suspension
- Alloy wheels
Aesthetic, or cosmetic, modifications can include:
- Changes to paintwork
- Tinted windows
- Neon lights underneath the car
- Subwoofers
- Dashboard customisations
- Body kit additions
- DVD players
- Wheel accessories
- Reupholstery
Modifications can truly allow you to customise your vehicle. However, many modifications have legal limitations, and some are banned by the law altogether.
What does the law say about car modifications?
Many car modifications, including cosmetic alterations, have strict limitations imposed on them by the law because of risks to safety or nuisance to the public.
To give you some idea, here are a few common car modifications that could land you in hot water if you go too far.
Exhaust changes
Having a car that makes its presence known thanks to a louder exhaust is certainly appealing to many people, but there is a limit on how loud you can go.
Loud exhausts can be considered a public nuisance, and if yours is too noisy (74 decibels or higher) you could get an on-the-spot fine. You should also note that the majority of sports exhausts or big bore exhausts are not legal on public roads.
If you fancy fitting a turbo or filter to your exhaust, you can do so provided you then pass an MOT emission test.
Subwoofers
If you like to pump up the volume in your vehicle, be aware that if it is considered to be too loud, you could get a warning from the police. ‘Too loud’ is a subjective term that will be determined by your neighbours and the police, so bear this in mind. If you decide to carry on regardless after a warning, your car or equipment could be seized.
Spoilers
A spoiler can be a cosmetic or performance enhancement, but if yours is so large that it interferes with the driver’s view or has particularly sharp edges, your modification will be illegal.
To stay on the right side of the law, you should also ensure that it is securely fixed to your vehicle’s bodywork.
Tinted windows
The good news is that there are absolutely no restrictions on how much tinting you can have on the rear side windows or rear windscreen. But when it comes to your front windscreen and side windows, you will need to tread a little more carefully.
At least 75% of light needs to be allowed in through your front windscreen, while a minimum of 70% of light should be able to get through your front side windows. This ensures that the driver’s vision is not impeded.
If you tint the wrong windows or opt for too dark a tint, you could be prevented from driving the vehicle until the tinting is corrected.
Lower suspension
Bringing your vehicle lower to the ground can give it a sportier feel, but if you dip too far, you could affect the height of the headlights. This will then be illegal, as you could dazzle other drivers. Suspension that is too low can also have negative effects on your steering, which may increase the risk of accidents.
Lights
If you’re thinking about tweaking the colour of your rear lights or headlights, leave them well alone. These kinds of changes are illegal as only white lights can be fitted to headlights and red ones to your rear lights.
Jazzing up your vehicle with flashing lights is also banned as these are exclusively for use by recovery or emergency vehicles.
If you do want to add a bit of pizazz, you could add neon lights to the underside of your car. However, you will still need to ensure that tubing is not on show, otherwise you could find yourself being pulled over.
What effects can car modifications have on Car Insurance?
Legal car modifications can have an adverse or neutral effect on your Car Insurance.
When it comes to pricing things up, your insurers will consider three things: whether the modification alters the risk of theft, if it affects the risk of an accident, and if it changes the value of the vehicle.
So that you know what to expect when you get your quote, here is a run-through of some of the most common alterations and the impact they can have on your premium.
Increased premiums
- Changes to your engine, such as added ECU chips
If you make changes to increase the power of your engine, you’re likely to have an increased premium. This is because your vehicle will be seen as higher risk by the insurer.
- The addition of body kits
Body kits are usually fitted onto an existing structure or used to replace it, which could potentially compromise the safety of the vehicle. Many body kits are also made from polyurethane or fibreglass, which shatter easily. This can increase the risks if an accident was to occur, which will push up the price of your premium.
- Brake disc upgrades
Better brakes are definitely safer, but upgrades such as this are also expensive. If your modified vehicle is damaged or stolen, your insurer will need to pay out more to replace it. To cover this possible outcome, you can expect a higher insurance premium.
- Alloy wheels
Alloy wheels improve car performance for the better. However, like brake upgrades, they are also a pricey addition. If there is a history of alloy wheel theft in your area, your insurance premium price is likely to reflect the risk.
- Roll cages
A roll cage is a feature typically seen in cars outfitted for racing. For this reason, this car modification will either hike up your premium or you will need to opt for more specialist Car Insurance. To find out more, you can talk to our experienced Chris Knott Car Insurance team.
Neutral effects on premiums
Some changes will still need to be declared as modifications, but they are unlikely to result in a change to what you pay for Car Insurance. For instance, fitting a roof rack or tow bar is unlikely to change what you pay, although this will depend on your insurer and the scheme you are on.
The addition of stickers can vary from insurer to insurer. Some will make no change to their premium, but if others have previously paid out large sums for vehicles with stickers, they may increase your premium. If in doubt, talk to your insurer or broker before having them added.
Telling your insurer about car modifications
If you are planning to modify your car, it is a good idea to check in with your insurer or broker beforehand to find out how the changes will affect your Car Insurance premium, if at all.
Once you have modified your vehicle, or if you buy a modified car, it is a legal requirement to inform your insurer. If you do not, your insurance may be invalid.
If you would like to get a competitive quote for your modified vehicle, you can get in touch with our knowledgeable team on 0800 917 2274.
