Car Modifications are one of the best ways to make your car unique and to show your personal style. It’s often said that modifications can make your car faster, sexier, or more powerful. But what many car owners don’t realize is that while they may be working on improving their car’s performance, they may also negatively impact their insurance rates. So, check with MiWay Insurance to know about key things you might want to consider when modifying your car to get the right car insurance to fit your needs.
Increased Performance Changes
One of the most common modifications is to increase the car’s performance. This includes modifications such as adding turbochargers, tuning up the engine, or changing out components of the exhaust system. Unfortunately, while these changes may give your car a boost in power, they can also significantly drive-up insurance rates since these changes increase the risk of an accident or injury.
Weight/Mass Changes
Another popular modification is to reduce the overall weight or mass of the car. This can be done by replacing the stock parts with lighter materials or by removing unnecessary features from the car. This can help increase the car’s performance, but it can also put extra pressure on the engine and the suspension system of the car, which can lead to higher insurance rates.
Custom Paint and Stickers
Another popular modification is putting custom paint and decals on the car’s body. They might look great, but they can also make your car more recognizable and attractive to car thieves, which can drive up your insurance rates.
High-End Audio and Video
Adding high-end audio and video systems can make your car a lot more enjoyable, but it can also lead to much higher insurance rates. This is because these systems are expensive, and if they get stolen or damaged in a crash, it will cost a lot of money to replace them.
Wheels and Tires
One of the most common modifications is changing a car’s wheels and tires. This can be done for both performance improvements and aesthetic reasons. But you should be aware that larger aftermarket wheels and tires can affect the performance of your car, which could increase your car insurance rates.
Under the Hood Modifications
Under the hood, modifications can be tricky because if they’re done incorrectly, they can have serious repercussions. This is because if the modifications are not done properly, they can lead to additional stress on the engine and transmission and a decrease in the car’s fuel efficiency. All of these can result in higher insurance rates.
Importance of Disclosing Modifications to your Insurer
It’s important to disclose any car modifications to your insurance company, as failing can lead to the policy being invalidated and you being left without any cover if something were to happen. It’s also worth checking with your insurer to see if your policy covers your modifications.
Conclusion
Car modifications can be a great way to make your car stand out or increase its performance. But it’s important to remember that the changes you make can directly impact your car insurance rates. So, make sure you understand the impact your changes have on your policy before you start making modifications.