Compare cheap modified car insurance quotes

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Modifying your car might make it unique, but it can also affect the cost of cover. Make sure you get the best deal by comparing modified car insurance quotes from some of the UK’s leading insurers, right here at mustard.co.uk.

Why compare modified car insurance?

Modifying your car can increase the cost of car insurance but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great deal.

Comparing modified car insurance quotes means you can be confident about finding a policy that fits your needs and your budget. For cover without compromise, search with us at mustard.co.uk.

Call us on 0330 022 5970 for a quote over the phone

What is considered a modified car?

A modified car is one that’s been changed since leaving the factory. It doesn’t matter what those changes are, it applies to any enhancements whether they’re visual or functional.

Examples of modifications include:

Tow bars
Roof racks
Tinted windows
Paintwork
Spoiler additions
Changes to lights
Changes to the gears
Upgrades and changes to the exhaust system

Bear in mind some modifications are illegal. For instance, although you can tint your windows, tinting them too dark is considered a safety hazard and is against the law. Similarly, certain light enhancements are also illegal including using green lights or using any lights that flash.

Is modified car insurance expensive?

Car modifications can increase what you pay for cover, but it really depends on the specific changes you make.

Remember that insurers don’t just consider modifications. The cost of car insurance is influenced by all sorts of factors, including your age, address, driving record and claims history. Insurers will use this information to work out the risk of an accident — the greater the risk, the higher your premium is likely to be.

Do all modifications increase car insurance cost?

When modifications enhance safety, they can actually lower premiums. This could include features like a security system, electronic immobiliser, or parking sensors.

If you’re self-employed and choose to sign-write your car or van with your business details, that could also lead to lower premiums depending on the insurer.

How do I insure a modified vehicle?

The easiest way to find the best insurance for modified cars is to compare quotes from a range of insurers, which you can do right here at mustard.co.uk.

Simply answer a few simple questions about what you’re looking for, or contact the friendly call centre on 0330 022 8814.

Modified car insurance advice and FAQs

Why do modifications affect car insurance?

The more unique your car, the pricier it is to fix – parts can cost more and labour can be expensive. Modified cars can also be more desirable to thieves and can be at greater risk of vandalism.

These reasons not only increase the chances of a claim, they make any potential claim more expensive compared to an average, non-modified car. As a result, premiums are priced to reflect this.

Does insurance cover modified cars?

Mainstream insurers do offer modified car insurance, but it often depends on what those modifications are. For example, relatively minor changes like alloy wheels shouldn’t be too much of a problem when it comes to finding insurance. If your car is heavily modified and is significantly different from the factory spec, you may need to consider a specialist provider.

If your car has any modifications at all, it’s absolutely vital to let your insurer know. Not telling them about any changes can invalidate your policy which means they can refuse to pay out if you have an accident.

How does modified car insurance work?

Car insurance for modified cars offers the same protection as standard cover, so you’ll be able to choose from:

Third-party only insurance – compensates other people for injury and damage you cause. This doesn’t cover the cost of damage to your own car.
Third-party, fire and theft insurance – includes third-party only and compensates you for theft and fire damage.
Comprehensive insurance – includes third-party, fire and theft and compensates you if you have an accident.

You’ll also be able to add on extra features including options like windscreen and breakdown cover, courtesy car, and legal expenses cover for a small increase in cost.

How is my modified car insurance UK premium calculated?

Insurers consider a number of different factors to calculate your premium. As well as the type and extent of your car’s modifications, they also take into account:

Your age – younger drivers pay significantly more compared to drivers in other age groups.
Where you live – areas with high crime rates attract higher premiums.
Your driving record – convictions can increase what you pay for insurance.
Your claims history – recent claims (typically the last five years) can mean you pay more for cover.

Using all this information, insurers work out the probability of a claim being made. The greater the chance, the higher your premium is likely to be.

How much cover do I need for my modified car?

If your car is written off, insurers will compensate you with its market price. If you’ve modified your car, market prices are tricky to assess because of its unique nature. With that in mind, some insurers offer modified car insurance with an ‘agreed-value’.

Agreed-value policies can be more expensive compared to others but you’ll be able to set the monetary value of your car with your insurer, rather than rely on its market value if it’s written off.

Insurers also sometimes offer something called ‘salvage retention’. If your car is written off then salvage retention policies allow you to buy back the car instead of it being scrapped.

Can I insure a used modified car?

Yes, if you buy a modified car second-hand, you can insure it. You’ll need to be clear on what all the modifications are as you’ll need to declare them to your insurer.

How to get cheaper modified insurance for cars?

Although modifications can increase the cost of cover, there are ways to keep premiums as low as possible; ideas include:

Pay for your policy upfront – avoid added interest fees by paying for your policy in one go.
Increase your voluntary excess – this can help reduce your overall premium, but it should still be affordable because you’ll need to pay it for a claim to go ahead.
Increase security – keep your car as secure as you can, a locked garage is ideal but an immobiliser or tracker can be effective alternatives.
Advanced driving qualification – increasing your car handling and safety awareness can help lower premiums.
Limit mileage – the fewer miles you do, the less chance there is of being involved in an accident which is reflected in your premium.
Join a club – some insurers offer discounts if you’re a member of a car club.
Compare quotes – seeing what’s available and at what cost can help ensure you get the best modified car insurance deal for your needs. Starting a quote is easy, just fill in our online form or call a friendly member of the team on 0330 022 8814.