Motoring News

Car modifications "attract increased premiums"

3 July 2008

An insurer has warned making modifications to your car may push up its insurance premium.

Direct Line Car Insurance`s Jennifer Culley said making modifications that may increase its "performance, value or desirability to a thief will also attract increased premiums" and any alterations should be done by a professional.

Such modifications "may raise the risk, value or likelihood of a claim," Ms Culley explained.

However, car owners who make alterations to increase safety or put it at a lower risk of theft or damage would not be penalised by insurers, she assured drivers.

Ms Culley went on to advise car owners to inform their insurance company before and after carrying out any modifications.

"Once the modifications have been fitted, make sure they are noted on your policy to ensure you have the cover you need and you are not invalidating your policy," she said.

This March, the Insurance Daily reported Confused.com`s findings that making modifications to a vehicle can increase insurance premiums by up to 139 per cent.