Does insurance cover aftermarket mods?

Asked by: Vito O'Connell  |  Last update: February 17, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (7 votes)

Modifications a standard policy will/won't cover
Vehicle modifications or customizations (the terms are often interchangeably used in the industry and basically mean the same thing) not made at the factory, as well as aftermarket parts, are typically excluded from standard policies.

Are Mods covered by insurance?

If you modify your vehicle to improve its performance or enhance its appearance, you'll typically need a coverage endorsement or a separate, custom car insurance policy. The reason is simple: modified cars usually feature expensive parts and often require special attention at the shop.

Does insurance cover aftermarket accessories?

How do aftermarket parts work with insurance? After an accident, most insurance companies include the use of aftermarket parts in estimates for repairs. Aftermarket parts that you install yourself as a vehicle modification may also be covered up to a certain limit on a standard auto insurance policy.

Do you have to tell insurance about car mods?

No, you don't have to tell your car insurance company your car is modified. And if you have just liability coverage, you may not need to. But if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, the modifications you paid for won't be covered if you're involved in an accident.

Does modding your car affect insurance?

Adding modifications to your insurance policy is likely to increase its rate. Repairing or replacing modified parts is usually more expensive, which means you will pay more to insure it. Additionally, minor modifications can lead to the same increase in rates as bigger ones.

How Modifications Affect Car Insurance

19 related questions found

What happens if you don't declare mods on insurance?

If you don't declare the modifications – regardless of whether the omission was intentional – and you're caught with undeclared mods, your claim may be refused and your insurance will be void. If you have insurance refused or cancelled, you will find it harder and more expensive to get cover in the future.

Does a lift kit void insurance?

Does a lift kit void insurance? – A lift kit does not void insurance. Still, you need to let your insurance provider know of any modifications, including lift kits, so that you can obtain a proper policy endorsement and have adequate coverage.

Does aftermarket parts void insurance?

Modifications a standard policy will/won't cover

Vehicle modifications or customizations (the terms are often interchangeably used in the industry and basically mean the same thing) not made at the factory, as well as aftermarket parts, are typically excluded from standard policies.

Does adding a turbo increase insurance?

Finally, your insurance rates may increase if your modifications make the car more risky on the road. For example, turbocharging your engine can increase your insurance premium up to 91 percent.

What mods will void my warranty?

What Voids Your Vehicle's Warranty?
  • Racing your vehicle is a surefire way to void most warranties.
  • Aftermarket modifications on your vehicle will raise a red flag when you take your car to the dealer for service.
  • Even if your vehicle is designed to go off-road, you may not always be covered under warranty.

Does GEICO cover mods?

Most of the time, modifications are not covered, but GEICO is one of the few carriers that will provide coverage for most customizations by adding an endorsement. Here are some examples of what can be covered: Enhanced tires and rims. Running boards.

What is considered a car modification?

A car modification is classed as any change made to a vehicle that enhances it in some way and isn't part of the original manufacturer's specification. People mostly make modifications to cars to improve their aesthetics or performance.

Does GEICO cover aftermarket parts?

New or after-market parts will be used if we can't find like-kind and quality recycled parts. A 5-year-old car, for instance, would be repaired with parts at least as good as the parts that had been in the car. We guarantee the after-market parts used for these repairs for as long as you own the car.

Do aftermarket alloys affect insurance?

Standard alloy wheels won't impact insurance, but if you upgrade them or even paint them a different colour, your premiums could rise. This is because better alloys may increase the likelihood of your wheels being stolen, which is a common insurance claim.

Do I have to tell insurance about cold air intake?

No, of course not. The insurance company may even tell you not to worry about such small changes, but it's in your best interest to make sure you tell them – just in case. Let's say, for instance, that you added a cold-air intake to your vehicle.

Do spoilers increase insurance?

If you make a change to your car, such as flared wings or spoilers, it could increase your insurance risk. This means you become more likely to be the victim of crime, as your car has become more desirable to thieves. But you could also be at a higher risk of having an expensive accident.

Do turbo engines cost more to insure?

Unfortunately, most car insurance companies are going to charge you more money to insure a car with a turbo engine. Some may even refuse to give you a quote. Such vehicles are seen as risky and more likely to result in claims because they have more power and speed.

How much do car mods affect insurance?

How Much Is Insurance For Modified Cars? The cost for insurance on a modified car can vary based on what modifications have been done. Your car mods may place you in a high-risk category. Reports show that car mods can increase costs up to 36% higher.

Does a lift kit add value?

However, for the most part, if someone is looking for a truck, they will either know that they want one that has or hasn't been lifted. If they want one that has been lifted, and they know yours has been worked on by a qualified expert, then it won't decrease its value; it might even increase it.

Does progressive cover lift kits?

A few insurance companies such as GEICO and Progressive have been known to cover up to $1000 in aftermarket parts without an endorsement. This can vary by state and insurance company, so check with your agent to make sure.

What mods can you do without voiding insurance?

Okay so what car modifications don't insurers like?
  • Modifications to the engine, such as supercharging.
  • Altered exhaust systems.
  • Bodywork, including flared arches, spoilers, valances and bumpers.
  • Upgraded brakes.
  • More expensive wheels, such as light weight alloys.

What car mods do I need to declare?

What Modifications Do I Need To Declare?
  • Engine & Mechanics. Modifications to the engine or vehicle mechanics – such as the exhaust system, transmission, or air filter – must definitely be declared to your insurance provider. ...
  • Wheel Modifications. ...
  • Bodywork. ...
  • Brakes and Suspension. ...
  • Car Interior. ...
  • Car Stickers.

Is it illegal not to declare mods?

What happens if you don't declare modifications to an insurance provider? Your insurance will be void if you don't declare the modifications to an existing plan. You will be committing fraud if it's not declared at the point of application as you have not provided accurate information deliberately.

What are aftermarket crash parts?

Aftermarket collision parts—also referred to as “non-OEM parts,” “imitation parts” or “copy parts”—are parts produced and supplied by companies other than the original equipment (OE) manufacturer; in other words, non-OEM collision parts.