Modified Cars and Car Insurance

Modified Cars and Car Insurance: What to Know and How to Get Covered

Modified cars offer drivers an opportunity to personalise their vehicles to match their style, preferences, or performance needs. However, insuring these customised cars can be a bit more complicated than insuring standard vehicles. This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of modified car insurance in Ireland, as well as how to find the best coverage for your unique vehicle.

What Constitutes a Modified Car?

A modified car is any vehicle that has been altered from its factory specifications. Modifications can range from aesthetic changes, such as custom paint jobs or body kits, to performance upgrades, such as engine tuning or suspension upgrades. Even seemingly minor modifications, such as aftermarket alloy wheels or tinted windows, can be considered vehicle modifications.

How Modifications Affect Car Insurance

Insurance providers typically view modified cars as higher risk for several reasons:

• Increased value: Modifications often increase the value of the vehicle, making it more attractive to thieves and more expensive to replace or repair in case of an accident.
• Performance changes: Upgraded engine performance or suspension can lead to more aggressive driving and a higher likelihood of accidents.
• Higher repair costs: Custom parts and modifications can be more expensive to repair or replace than standard parts.

As a result, modified car insurance premiums can be higher than those for unmodified vehicles. However, the specific impact on your insurance costs will depend on the type and extent of the modifications, as well as your driving history and other factors.

Finding the Right Insurance for Your Modified Car

When searching for modified car insurance, it's essential to consider the following tips:

• Be honest about your modifications: Always disclose all modifications to your insurance provider, even if they seem minor. Failing to do so can lead to denied claims or even policy cancellation.
• Shop around: Not all insurers offer modified car insurance, and those that do may charge different premiums. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage and price for your vehicle.
• Consider specialised insurers: Some insurance companies specialise in modified car coverage and may offer better rates or more comprehensive coverage options than standard insurers.
• Keep records: Maintain documentation of all modifications, including receipts and before-and-after photos, to help support your insurance claims if needed.

Popular Car Insurance Companies for Modified Cars in Ireland

Several insurance companies in Ireland offer modified car insurance. Some popular providers include:

• Liberty Insurance: Liberty Insurance offers modified car insurance and allows for a wide range of customisation options.
• AXA: AXA provides modified car insurance, with a focus on safety and security modifications.
• Adrian Flux: Adrian Flux is a UK-based insurance company that specialises in modified and high-performance vehicles and offers coverage for Irish drivers.
• Carole Nash: Carole Nash provides modified car insurance as part of their specialist motor insurance offerings.

Official Irish Websites for Additional Information

For more information on car insurance regulations and modified vehicles in Ireland, consider visiting the following official websites:

• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC): The CCPC offers guidance on car insurance, including information on factors that affect premiums and how to shop for coverage.
• National Driver Licence Service (NDLS): The NDLS provides information on driver licensing in Ireland, including requirements for modified car owners.
• National Car Test (NCT): The NCT website offers details on vehicle testing requirements, which can be particularly important for modified car owners to ensure their vehicles meet safety and roadworthiness standards.
• Revenue.ie: This site provides information on Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland, including details on how modifications can affect VRT rates.

Modified cars can offer a unique driving experience, but they also present unique insurance challenges. By understanding the factors that affect modified car insurance costs and shopping around for the right coverage, you can protect your investment and enjoy the road in your customised vehicle.