Paul Sanchez
Car modifications, such as changing alloys, can affect your insurance premium. Some insurers define a modification as any change that deviates from the car's factory standard, while others define it as any change that deviates from the manufacturer's standard specification. It is important to declare all modifications to your insurer, as failing to do so could invalidate your insurance and leave you unprotected in the event of a claim. While some modifications may increase your premium, others may not affect your quote, and some can even reduce the cost of your insurance. Ultimately, the impact of modifications on your insurance depends on the insurer and the specific modifications made.
Does changing alloys affect insurance?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of modification | Any alteration to a vehicle's factory standard |
| Examples of modifications | Alloy wheels, body kits, spoilers, parking sensors, engine upgrades, suspension changes, etc. |
| Impact on insurance | Almost all modifications will affect your insurance, and various car mods will tend to raise your premium. |
| Exception | Some modifications won't adversely affect your quote if they're likely to decrease the risk of an accident. For example, tow bars or parking sensors. |
| Specialist insurers | Some companies, like Brentacre, specialize in providing insurance for modified cars and may not charge extra for visual modifications. |
| Non-disclosure | Failing to disclose modifications to your insurer could invalidate your insurance and result in non-payment of claims. |
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What You'll Learn
Alloy wheel size
The impact of changing alloy wheel sizes on car insurance depends on the insurer. Some insurers, like Admiral, define a modification as any deviation from the car's factory standard, including any options added at the point of purchase. In this case, changing the wheel size would be considered a modification. Other insurers may only consider changes made after the initial factory specifications or first registration as modifications.
It is important to note that any modification, no matter how small, should be declared to the insurance provider. This includes changes to the wheel size, type, or tyre specification. While some insurers may not consider a change in wheel size a risk profile change, others may view it as a modification that affects the car's performance and value.
Upgrading to larger alloy wheels can significantly alter the handling of your car and increase its value. Insurers may associate these changes with a higher risk of accidents or theft, which can impact your insurance premium. Some insurers may charge a higher rate for modified cars, while others may refuse to insure them altogether.
It is recommended to contact your insurer prior to making any modifications to understand their specific definitions and requirements. This will ensure that your policy remains valid and that you are adequately covered in the event of a claim.
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Alloy wheel type
Changing the alloy wheel type is considered a modification by most insurers. A modification is any alteration to a vehicle that wasn't in the manufacturer's standard specification or wasn't fitted as an option when the vehicle was manufactured. This includes cosmetic changes, such as alloy wheels, body kits, and spoilers, as well as technical modifications like parking sensors.
Some insurers define a modification as any change that deviates from the car's factory standard, including any options added to the car at the point of purchase. So, even if you replace your current 18-inch wheels with another set of 18-inch wheels, it may still be considered a modification. However, it's important to note that not all insurers have the same definition of a modification, and some may not consider alloy wheel changes as a modification.
When it comes to insurance, any modification, including alloy wheel changes, must be declared to your insurance provider. Failing to do so could invalidate your insurance and leave you unprotected in the event of a claim. While some modifications may increase your premium, others may not affect your quote, and some can even reduce the cost of your insurance. The impact on your insurance will depend on the specific modifications you make and the insurer's definition of a modification.
Alloy wheel changes can affect your car's performance and value. They can significantly alter the handling of your car, and if they make your car more desirable, they may increase the risk of theft. These factors will be considered by your insurer when assessing the risk profile of your modified car. It is important to contact your insurer prior to making any modifications to understand how it will impact your insurance.
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Insurer definitions of modification
Some insurers define modifications as any change that moves a car away from the standard specification, including factory-fitted options. Others define modifications as any changes made after the car leaves the factory or its first registration. For example, changing the wheels on a car from what was initially fitted is considered a modification by some insurers, irrespective of whether the new wheels are the same size.
Some insurers consider modifications to be any changes that affect the car's performance, such as adding a turbo or supercharger, or any changes that increase the car's value, like upgrading the brake discs. Other insurers consider visual modifications, such as resprays, vinyl wraps, new alloy wheels, or tinted windows, to be modifications.
It is important to note that any modifications made to a vehicle must be declared to the insurance provider, regardless of whether they are cosmetic, performance-related, or safety-enhancing. Failing to disclose modifications may invalidate the insurance policy and lead to higher insurance rates.
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Effect on insurance premiums
The effect of changing alloys on insurance premiums depends on the insurer. Some insurers define a modification as any change to the car from its standard specification, including factory-fitted options, while others consider anything after the factory or first registration a modification. Changing to a different set of wheels of the same size is considered a modification by some insurers but not by others. Ultimately, it is up to the insurer, and it is recommended to call them before making any modifications to understand how it may affect your insurance.
Some insurers, like Admiral, charge a small fee for adding alloys, but this may vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is important to note that not declaring modifications to your insurer can be considered fraud and may result in your policy being voided, and any claims not being paid out.
While some modifications may increase your premium, others may not affect your quote, and some can even reduce the cost of your insurance. For example, certain modifications, such as tow bars or parking sensors, may not increase your premium as they are not considered to increase the risk of an accident. On the other hand, modifications that substantially enhance the car's value, increase the likelihood of theft or break-ins, or improve performance and accident risk, will likely result in higher premiums.
In addition to the type of modification, the colour of your car can also impact your premium. Changes to your vehicle's paintwork can cause a significant increase in insurance premiums, with certain colours deemed safer than others.
It is worth noting that some insurers specialise in providing insurance for modified cars, such as Keith Michaels and Adrian Flux, and may be able to offer more competitive rates for such vehicles.
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Specialist insurers
Modifications to your car can affect your insurance costs, so it's important to inform your insurance provider of any changes. Some mainstream insurers may charge higher premiums for modified cars or even refuse to insure them. In such cases, it is beneficial to approach a specialist insurer.
When considering alloy wheel modifications, it's important to understand that changing the wheels from the standard specification is generally considered a modification. Even swapping the standard alloys for a different set of the same brand may be considered a modification by some insurers. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your insurer before making any changes to understand their specific definitions and requirements.
It is worth noting that failing to declare any modifications, including alloy wheel changes, can void your insurance policy. Therefore, it is crucial to be transparent and proactive in informing your insurer about any changes to your vehicle, even if they seem minor. By choosing a specialist insurer and maintaining open communication, you can navigate the insurance landscape for modified cars effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should inform your insurance company about any modifications to your car. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance.
Changing your alloys may affect your insurance costs as it is considered a modification. Some insurers define a modification as any change to a vehicle that wasn't in the manufacturer's standard specification. However, the impact on your insurance costs depends on the insurer, with some specialising in modified car insurance.
Changing your alloys may increase your insurance costs. Modifications that increase the value of your car, make it more desirable to thieves, or increase its risk of being involved in an accident, can result in higher insurance costs.
Changing your alloys is unlikely to decrease your insurance costs. However, certain modifications may reduce your insurance costs if they decrease the risk of an accident, such as tow bars or parking sensors.
