Do Car Modifications Affect Vehicle Insurance?
While car modifications are fun ways to personalise your car and improve vehicle performance, it is crucial to be aware of how car modifications can affect car insurance and possibly the legality of your vehicle.
Regardless of whether you want to increase safety aspects or vehicle aesthetics, well-chosen modifications can enhance the vehicle’s performance, look and resale value. However, if the modifications are improperly installed, or poor-quality materials are used, this can have adverse effects on the vehicle’s overall performance, insurance and safety.
Hence, it is crucial to hire experienced automotive modifiers to ensure your car is upgraded correctly. Even though car modifications can become complicated, you can trust Autolux’s team of professionals; we have complete expert knowledge regarding car modifications.
What is a Car Modification?
A car modification is a broad term that describes any changes made to a stock vehicle, altering its appearance or performance. There are three types of car modifications, including:
- Performance modifications, generally referring to modifications that boost the power, handling and fuel efficiency of a car. Examples include enhancements to the engine, exhaust system, air filters, brakes, suspensions, types etc.
- Functional modifications refer to the vehicle’s added functions, including sunroofs, air conditions, LED light bars, car headrest DVD player, car dashcam, roof racks, and navigation systems.
- Aesthetic modifications refer to the changes made to a vehicle’s external or internal appearance, aimed to make the vehicle look better and unique, such as interior LED lighting, paint jobs or car seat detailing.
Are Car Modifications Legal?
The legality of car modifications depends on state and territory vehicle standards and guidelines. If a car does not meet the roadworthiness requirements, the owner is at risk of being fined, and the car is at risk of being de-registered or impounded.
Standard modifications like DVD players and custom paint jobs do not cause many problems in terms of legality. Still, if you increase your vehicle’s power or add a custom horn, your vehicle may not be allowed on the road.
How Can Car Modifications Affect Car Insurance?
Whether or not the cost of your premium increases or decreases, most car modifications will change the cost of your vehicle insurance. In addition, failing to notify your insurer of any modifications could lead to the cancellation or voidance of your policy and rejections to any claims you make.
The insurance cost fluctuates between different insurers because car modifications are seen as more significant risks, causing an increased risk of car accidents and theft.
If you already have car insurance, you should talk to your insurer to determine if the intended modifications will impact your policy or premiums. It is also important to note that if car modifications are completed by an experienced modifier, you will more likely receive a cheaper insurance quote, rather than if you did the modifications yourself.
If you have been denied vehicle insurance, specialist insurers may be your answer, as they provide coverage to modified vehicles in circumstances where mainstream insurers will not. Although the specialist premiums are not competitive and will not provide you with cheap insurance that the standard insurers do.
Functional Car Modifications & Car Insurance
While most performance and aesthetic car modifications carry a higher premium rate; as they cause a higher accident and theft risk. On the other hand, functional car modifications can lower an insurance premium for certain insurers, as these modifications are seen as added safety features.
A car alarm system lowers the risk of theft and lowers the risk of an accident, so you may be able to reduce your car insurance with a quality car alarm Installation & upgrade. At Autolux, our market-leading supplier QuikTrak, will protect your car with an anti-theft alarm system with trusted security. Designed to prevent the vehicle’s engine from starting unless the correct car fob or key is present. In the case of a break-in or a stolen vehicle, the alarm will warn off thieves, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
A car dashcam and a bike dashcam is an added safety feature that ensures every moment on the road is recorded. In the case of an accident, a car dash cam will be able to use the footage on your insurance claim, to prove that you were not at fault, again potentially saving hundreds of dollars in vehicle repairs.
Finally, a 4×4 Ute Roll Cover, upgrades your ute’s security and again may reduce insurance cost due to enhanced security. At Autolux, our 4×4 ute roll covers offer premium features, some of which include crossbar compatibility, quick release hinges, marine-grade interior carpet, max-lift trust, and do not interrupt the use of the tailgate.
Not only do our 4×4 ute covers safeguard your belongings in the rear tray, but they also enhance the visual aesthetics of your vehicle as clutter is covered, and your ute’s load-carrying capacity is increased at a cost-effective price.
Source Functional Car Modifications at Autolux and Reduce Your Car Insurance
If you are looking for automotive safety upgrades for either your interior or exterior, it’s now easier than ever to source high-quality upgrades for car and have professional installations. Autolux is a market leader in the automotive aftermarket industry and has a Sydney location in Auburn. Our staff are available to help you choose the right automotive upgrades for your needs.
It is essential to source quality products from a trusted retailer; ideally, those who are also automotive professionals experienced the installation of car accessories to get a lower insurance premium. From quality car alarm system installation, car dashcam installation and 4×4 ute roll cover installation, trust Autolux.
Learn more about our products, services and pricing, by contacting our friendly team at your local Autolux store. For the best Car Audio & Visual advice in Auburn (02) 9748 1666. With a convenient location in Auburn, our expert Car Audio Installers will have your Car Audio-Visual Upgrades installed in a timely manner. At Autolux, we pride ourselves on quality workmanship and customer service, and we look forward to adding that something special to your vehicle.