There are several reasons why you would get modifications added to your car. You may be adding new safety features for safer driving, adding personality to your car, or maybe a great piece of vehicle hardware just hit the market, and you can't wait to get your hands on it. For any changes you make to your car, aesthetic, or functionality, you will have to notify your car insurance provider. Changes and features that you add to your car will affect its value which is something that car insurance providers always must be aware of. So if your car is damaged, you wouldn't be short-changed when you need to file a claim.
What Are Common Modifications to Car
A modification to a car is defined as anything changed or added to a car that was not included in the original design and factory specifications. They can be added with the intention of increasing the safety, performance, or appearance of a car. These are often specialized equipment such as:
- Sound systems - It is possible to get some new stereo equipment on your vehicle to increase sound quality or the little things like bass -some really like their sound bassy. This is more so a performance modification that can increase your car's value.
- Wi-Fi connection - Another great tech feature that some cars may or may not come with is a Wi-Fi connection on the go. Drivers can have a mobile router installed on their cars to save their phone data during road trips. This is another example of a performance-based modification.
- Carpeting for insulation - Having your car re-carpeted for the sake of better insulation or cleanliness is another performance-based modification. A new carpet's material can definitely play into how much a car is worth.
- New wheels - Of course, we don't mean replacement tires from the same automaker you got your car from, but complete custom jobs. This can include wheels that come from a tire company. New wheels are both performance-based and appearance-based, as there is no study that mentions a certain type of wheel will make your car any safer.
- Paint job - One of the most personal and stylish aspects of any car is the color, and sometimes drivers wish to change that. A custom paint job has no bearing on your insurance rates but may influence the value of the car as some paints are more expensive than others.
- New grilles - Another stylish aspect of a car is the grille which can actually have some personality. There is a safety concern regarding air intake and outtake when selecting a custom grill. Like fully repainting a car, having a new grille installed is a big job because the front of the car pretty much has to be disassembled.
- Internal changes to engine or suspension - The question of safety really comes into play when the car's engine, suspension, or other major part or function is customized beyond the factory standard. Of course, the engine is also the most expensive part of a car, sometimes even worth more than the car alone. Changing something as major as that can seriously impact its value and auto coverage.
- Winches - Winches are just an example of a safety device you can have added to your car for utility purposes. Devices such as these don't come standard with vehicles, so they are an addition to the total replacement value.
- Anti-roll bars - These are installed in the undercarriage to prevent wheel rolling while driving, available for both front and back wheels. They also help to reduce swaying.
Car Modification And Car Insurance Rates
As previously mentioned, the whole business of car insurance is based on the value of a vehicle since if it is totaled, the insurance company will have to cover it. A car's value accounts for its components and materials, as do all things, so when you start customizing those components and materials, the value begins to change. It's for this reason that you may see your car insurance rates increase after reporting a modification to your insurance provider.
What if The Car Modifications Are Safety-Based
Some car modifications, such as anti-theft or driving assistance programs, help reduce the chances of getting into an accident or having your car stolen. Car insurance providers love these and often cut drivers that have them small discounts. This is another example of why it is important to notify your provider about any modifications made to your car. These discounts can go up to 10% of your annual premium -small but still worth it if every penny counts.
Car Modifications That Aren't Covered by Insurance
A rule of thumb is that modifications made to your car that are not installed on it and removable will not be covered by car insurance. Technically, these features are not part of the car itself, so therefore not entitled to auto coverage. You would be able to put such features on a personal or umbrella policy to extend coverage to them. In conclusion, it helps to bring the modification to the car insurance provider's attention before they are installed or added, regardless of what they are.