insurance and modding question

  • Thread starter Thread starter BMWM52012
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jmoney3131
Ok I'm not really adding serious performance parts, because my parents are paying insurance and they do not want to pay more. I found a muffler that makes the exhaust tone deeper and eliminates some back pressure, but if I get it installed with it increase my insurance premium? Keep in mind it should not have a noticeable effect on performance. And also for a pro to install it, should I go to a chain body shop or are local ones generally better in terms of quality/price? If you can answer any of these questions please do so.
 
If you think it might increase your premium then think what your insurance company will think.

In my experience (and those of friends/acquaintances) in the UK (I presume any other country will be the same) you should be aware that literally anything that can be construed as a 'modification' will be called so by the insurer and if not declared will/may be used by them as an excuse to not pay out in the event of an accident/theft/etc.

About installing, why not give it a go yourself? I do all the work I can manage on my cars myself or with friends. It's quite rewarding and you know that it's done properly as well as how to fix it if it goes wrong. For parts that I can't manage to install (mainly as I don't have the use of a lift so I can get easy access under the car) I go to a local garage I heard about through a work associate of my dad.

I presume it's just down to luck really and what your standards are, ask friends where they go and what experiences they've had and base it off that :).
 
Location?

Most insurance companies in the USA will not raise your rates if you modify your car. Some companies will actually cover the parts if something happens to the car. Just make sure you hang on to your receipts.
 
Location?

Most insurance companies in the USA will not raise your rates if you modify your car. Some companies will actually cover the parts if something happens to the car. Just make sure you hang on to your receipts.

That is a relief. I've got big plans for mine. Sure it's a sports car so it's going to be high but I figured from there if I modded it more the insurance would increase dramatically. I figured after I have to start paying insurance on it (not till I'm 21 with my plan) I'll make it a track car and buy a truck.
 
Just cause you have a receipt for it the insurance company will not cover it, you have to report it to the company before hand. If your car is stolen how will you prove that those parts/mods are on your car?
 
Call progressive and ask, cause I'm not 100% sure how it works. All I know is I had a friend that had a highly modified Sentra Spec-V and everything on the car was covered by them.
 
Call progressive and ask, cause I'm not 100% sure how it works. All I know is I had a friend that had a highly modified Sentra Spec-V and everything on the car was covered by them.
from the progressive website-
When you purchase Comprehensive or Collision coverage, at least $1,000 of Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE)/Accessory coverage is included in most states. You can purchase up to $4,000 in additional CPE coverage to cover up to $5,000 custom parts and equipment. Certain limitations apply to this coverage.
We recommended you take photos of the custom parts and equipment installed in or on your vehicle and save all your receipts.
http://www.progressive.com/auto/pro...m-parts-and-equipment-accessory-coverage.aspx
 
The only modded car I had was my first BMW, and my insurance premium went up by about 5% when I told them about the suspension... hence I didn't tell them about the wheels or the body-kit.

Thats in the UK, premium ended up as £1041, TPO, for a car I paid £1000 for.

INSURERS=SCAMMERS
 
Thats in the UK, premium ended up as £1041, TPO, for a car I paid £1000 for.

INSURERS=SCAMMERS

I agree with that, I can't get my next level of graduated licensing yet, as I'll have to start paying insurance. That'd be $6500 a year :S
 
That is a relief. I've got big plans for mine. Sure it's a sports car so it's going to be high but I figured from there if I modded it more the insurance would increase dramatically. I figured after I have to start paying insurance on it (not till I'm 21 with my plan) I'll make it a track car and buy a truck.
Track car can be a completely different ball park. Some insurance companies will cover the car with no rate increases if it sees the track occasionally & it is still used on the road, but for those who make it a full hobby, sometimes the rate jumps or you go through a company that deals specifically with those types of cars.
 
Some insurance companies can cancel you if they find you on a race track with your insured street car. I've seen people take off their license plates while at the track so the insurance company can't identify the car when they send reps to tracks.
 
I agree with that, I can't get my next level of graduated licensing yet, as I'll have to start paying insurance. That'd be $6500 a year :S

Are you driving a Lambo or something.... That's insane for insurance. :scared:
 
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