Why modified cars are hard to insure through standard channels
Standard insurers price vehicles based on manufacturer specifications. Any modification — from alloy wheels and tinted windows to engine remaps, lowered suspension, and body kits — changes the risk profile in ways that automated pricing models cannot handle. This is why specialist modified car insurance brokers exist.
What counts as a modification?
Any change from the manufacturer's original specification is a modification. This includes: alloy wheels, tinted glass, lowered suspension, body styling kits, performance upgrades, non-standard exhausts, engine remaps, roll cages, uprated brakes, non-standard paint, and in-car entertainment systems. When in doubt, disclose it.
Performance modifications
Engine remaps, turbo upgrades, and other performance modifications significantly affect both the vehicle's risk profile and its value. Specialist underwriters with expertise in performance vehicles are better placed to price these risks accurately and fairly.
Show cars and SORN vehicles
Heavily modified show cars, track-day vehicles, and vehicles kept off the road (SORN) have specific insurance needs. Agreed value policies — where the insured value is fixed in advance rather than subject to market value at the time of claim — are often available through specialist brokers for show-quality builds.