Car Insurance Can Be Affected By Hidden Modifications

September 28, 2011, Ipswich, UK. Press Dispensary. When buying a used car, always check that it has not been modified beyond the manufacturer’s original specifications warns popular car insurance comparison website Tiger.co.uk. If you are in an accident or your car is stolen and the insurer finds that your car has modifications that were not declared when the car was insured, there is a possibility that they will not pay out even if you were unaware of the modification. So it is always worth getting the vehicle properly checked before you buy it.

With the ever increasing lists of optional extras offered by car manufacturers it is often difficult to know what has been added by the manufacturer and what has been added by a previous owner or professional tuning company. Sometimes modifications will be under the bonnet where a novice buyer might not think to look; other times a buyer might overlook something glaring like alloy wheels.

When buying a used car, modifications are usually advertised as being part of the car but this is not always the case. The seller ought to disclose whether the car has been modified but a buyer should always ask. It is advisable for prospective customers to do a thorough check over the car looking for things that do not look standard, for example exhausts, alloy wheels, or additions to the car’s bodywork. Other things for drivers to check are service records and MOT certificates which may mention that the car has been altered.

If a driver discovers that their car has been modified mid-way through a period of insurance they need to inform the car insurance company immediately or, if the modifications are unwanted, look into having them restored to normal as soon as possible. It is not unusual for a small extra charge to be levied by the insurer, as modified car insurance is often more expensive than a standard car’s insurance premium.

Research carried out by Tiger.co.uk in March 2011 showed that adding just one modification (to a to a 5 year old VW Golf GTi, driven by a 29 year old with a clean driving licence) such as a body kit or a non-standard exhaust system can add as much 18% to a car insurance premium. Adding multiple modifications including various engine alterations could put insurance premiums up by 55% this was even more noticeable in younger drivers who could see their insurance premium go up by 80%.

Sometimes an insurer will invalidate the policy as some insurers will not cover a car with the modifications that have been notified. However, both of these options are preferable to having a claim declined as a result of undeclared modifications.

If a car has modifications that were not declared to the insurer and the driver needs to make a claim, there is a possibility that the insurer may not pay out and if an insurer refuses to pay out it may make it more difficult to get insurance in the future.

A spokesman for Tiger.co.uk commented, “Any driver who buys a used car ought to do their research into the car they are buying and should try to buy their cars from trusted dealers. They should certainly check for any modifications that may have been made to the car. Having insurance claims refused can cause serious headaches for drivers and so we would always advise people to be careful and, if necessary, take expert advice. It is vital that any modifications are declared to your insurer as failure to do so may invalidate your policy in the event of a claim.”

- ends -

Notes for editors

About Tiger.co.uk:
Tiger.co.uk is a trading name of Call Connection Ltd. Tiger.co.uk is a UK based, independent price comparison site, offering insurance quotes from over 140 motor insurance brands. Call Connection Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (number 308374).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Jo Buck, Tiger.co.uk
Tel: 01473 418513
Email:
Site: www.tiger.co.uk