Rude Racing

There are literally thousands of modified car enthusiasts in the UK. Whether they’re focused on getting monstrous bass from their sound systems, adding racing-style visual modifications or wringing out every single ounce of performance, they’re contributing to a rich, diverse community, not to mention a multi-million pound business. Most car modifiers are committed, passionate drivers with causing unnecessary risk to their substantial investment the last thing on their minds. However, there are certain factors which mean that that getting car insurance – a legal requirement, lest we forget – can cost a little more than for a bog standard factory spec motor.

Firstly, car insurers are likely to want more of a premium because modified cars are more appealing to thieves: particularly if it’s stuffed to the gills with high-end in-car entertainment.

Insurers also take the performance and power of your car into account when giving you a quote. If you’re packing a lot of wallop under the bonnet, then it will increase the cost of insurance due to the fact insurers will perceive the vehicle as more likely to be involved in a high impact accident.

Younger drivers can also be more expensive to insure, too. There’s evidence that males under 25 are more likely to be involved in accidents than other ages, with the Driving Standards Agency reporting in 2008 that whilst only one in eight drivers were under 25, one in three of drivers killed on UK roads fell into this category. 

But despite the various obstacles that owning and running a modified car can present, loads of us still throw ourselves headlong into it. For some, the thrill of taking a bog-standard car and turning it into their own unique project is unparalleled.

So, if you’re set on modifying, how do you keep the cost of your insurance to a minimum? There are a few steps you can take to make sure you’re not paying over the odds.

These are as follows:

1. Prove you’re safe

If you’re planning on modifying a car in the future, it pays to be cautious. Keeping your speed down and driving with caution means that you’re less likely to be involved in accidents and receive speeding penalties. A clean record means that you’re less of a risk to insurers, and that’s reflected in your premiums.

2. Choose wisely

Certain modifications, like engine mapping chips, can give better fuel economy as well as ramp up your car’s output. However, there are some more extreme modifications – like nitrous oxide kits – which only have speed in mind. Insurers are no great fans of the latter, so only go for things that you can’t live without.

3. Get secure

Investing in making your car as secure as possible will mean that your car is less likely to be a victim of theft / vandalism. There’s a range of measures you can take: from steering wheel locks to ultra high-end systems which issue warning to potential thieves and beyond.

4. Lock it up

Insurers love it if your car is locked away from prying eyes overnight so if you’ve got a garage, make sure you use it.

5. Get a tracker

These gadgets allow your car to be traced if a thief manages to take off with it, and insurers see them as a big plus.

6. Increase your excess

Agreeing to a higher excess (the contribution you pay towards any claim) will make your premium drop. However, it should always be set at a figure that you won’t have any trouble paying.

7. Drive to a fixed mileage

It’s not always workable, but driving within a fixed mileage will make you easier to insure.

8. Shop around

Using a comparison website will easily let you browse a wide range of quotes from many different insurers with the minimum of fuss. But always make sure you check the features of the quote as well as the price, so in the event of a claim you’re sufficiently covered.