Modified Insurance

Modified car insurance offers specialist protection for cars that have been customised or modified by their current or previous owners. 

Standard car insurance providers might not be willing to take on the extra risk and expense of insuring modified cars. But comparing specialist UK providers who insure modified cars means you get peace of mind and financial support for repairs or replacements in the event of an accident. 

Understanding what ‘modified’ means in vehicle insurance is key to staying properly insured. If you don’t declare existing or new modifications to your insurer, you risk invalidating your policy, and ultimately, driving uninsured. 

When talking about car insurance, ‘modifications’ include any change that would differentiate your car from when it first left the manufacturer’s factory, including:

• Performance enhancements like engine swaps, turbochargers, or remapping.
• Aesthetic changes like alloy wheels, body kits, or custom paint jobs.
• Safety upgrades like roll cages, upgraded brakes, or immobilizers.
• Suspension modifications like coilovers, lowering springs, or air ride systems.
• Interior alterations like bucket seats, harnesses, or custom audio systems.

Our latest data puts the average annual cost of UK car insurance at £770.78. This is based on a random sample of insurance policies, so will likely include some modified and non-standard premiums.  

It’s fair to say that insurance for modified cars will typically be more expensive than standard car policies. This is mostly due to the increased value that new custom parts add, and the expense and difficulty in replacing them if needed.  

So considering the value and availability of your modifications can give some guidance as to how much more you will pay for insurance.

The type of modification – For example, modifications that enhance the power of your vehicle will likely make premiums higher. Alternatively, modifications that increase your car’s security could get you cheaper premiums. 

Your vehicle’s overall value – If your car is completely written off or stolen, your insurer will likely cover your car up to its market value at the time of the accident. So if you have added expensive parts that drive up the car’s value, insurers have more to pay. 

Your driving history – This includes how long you have been driving, if you have any past driving convictions, or if you have previously claimed on a car policy.

How you use the car – Your annual mileage and usage needs are also considered. If you have a low annual mileage you will probably pay less than someone who uses their car for business or racing purposes. 

The insurance you choose – Both the coverage on your policy and the insurance provider you choose will impact costs.