Whilst the TV programme “Pimp My Ride” may have brought alloy wheels and 18” rims to the attention of even the most mechanically challenged, the practice of heavily modifying vehicles has been growing in popularity for the last few years.
But before you jump on the newly “pimped” bandwagon complete with sport exhaust and ICE (that’s In Car Entertainment to you and me), elephant.co.uk has a warning; make sure you let your insurer know of ANY modifications you make to your car or else you could make your policy invalid.
While most insurers will insure modified vehicles, they tend to have set criteria regarding the type and extent of the modifications they will cover. For example, some car insurance companies such as Direct Line will not normally insure anyone under 25 to drive a modified car.
elephant.co.uk will insure the under 25s and motors fitted with most of the popular aftermarket modifications, for example bodykits, alloy wheels, spoilers, and lowered suspension, but not everything can be easily insured.
Managing director of elephant.co.uk, Ceri Assiratti, said: “Pimp My Ride has definitely led to an increase in the popularity of serious performance modifications. As a result, some alterations that were once the reserve of motorsport enthusiasts are now seen more commonly on the street.
“We want to remind people that they must tell their insurer about any modification they make to their car, this includes any changes they make after they have bought their policy. If they don’t, their insurance could be invalid and they could be driving around uninsured.”
elephant.co.uk will also quote for vehicles that have been professionally fitted with performance-boosting “engine chips”, as long as the vehicles peak power has not been increased by more than 25% above its original specification. But care must be taken. Equipment such as Nitrous Oxide injection kits are currently unacceptable to most insurers, due to how the car is likely to be used afterwards.
Ceri Assiratti said, “Our data suggests that, in general, modified vehicles present more of a risk to the insurer. Not only are they more expensive to repair, but as any episode of “Pimp my Ride” clearly demonstrates, heavily modified vehicles attract attention, unfortunately sometimes of the unwanted variety!”
So while Pimp My Ride’s Xzibit may be able to afford his car insurance, make sure you can too by consulting with your insurer before you make any modifications or you could end up with an expensive headache.
Issue date: 07-03-06
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