I want to modify my car, so that I could maximize its potential. I also want it to look good. But since I am just a beginner hobbyist, I still have no idea how car insurance for modified cars work. Can anyone enlighten me?

John

Brooklyn, NY

Recently, television shows like “Pimp My Ride” and movies such as the “Fast and the Furious” series have shown us how far a vehicle could go as far as aesthetics and efficiency are concerned. And we also have to admit that a good-looking car is almost like a status symbol. This is why a lot of car owners are opting to modify their cars.

But sadly, a lot of these people make the very grave mistake of modifying their cars without having to stop and reflect on how car insurance for modified cars works. Most of the time, they go on customizing their cars and find out in the end that their expensive modifications are not even going to be covered in the event of an accident or when they get damaged. So, as a tip to you, always be highly informed before starting any modification on your car.

By now, it should be established that car insurance for modified cars is not as simple as that of the standard cars. Normally, when you purchase a car insurance policy, you shall be asked if you have important vehicular modifications that you would want to be insured. You would even see in the form a check box that asks you for this information. Additional coverage for car modifications is obviously for a price. Now, the case is different if you already have an existing car insurance policy. Adding your car’s modifications to be covered means having to go through a change of policy. And this comes with a price, as well. I suggest that you shop around to know if it is better to stick with your current company or to transfer to a new one because prices vary greatly with each company.

I hope I was able to enlighten you regarding this subject of car insurance for modified cars. And good luck with your newfound hobby.

Do I need to obtain modified car insurance if my car’s suspension has been lowered?

Molly

Tulsa, OK

Car insurance companies require their clients to report if their cars have been modified. This is because there are a large number of modified car owners who file claims against their insurer. This could be due to the accidents attributed to the different handling of modified cars because of lowered suspension or adding of wider wheels. Additionally, modified cars will need special parts, thus will cost the insurer lots of money if repairs or replacements need to be done.

It is for these reasons that you will need to be forthcoming with your car insurance agent about the modifications made to your car. Since the car’s suspension has been lowered, the handling of the car may be greatly affected. This could mean that you may get into more accidents than car owners who have the regular manufacturer’s design. And as such, you will get to pay higher premiums. To get lower modified car insurance, try engaging the services of a seasoned car insurance broker. This way, his expertise on specialty car insurance will be very helpful when negotiating for the terms of modified car insurance coverage for your vehicle. Another way is to ask your friends with modified cars for advice on which car insurance carriers to go with.