Have you been thinking about swapping your vehicle’s regular wheels with brand new large alloy wheels? Or are you looking to get a splendid custom paint job done on your car exteriors? Do you want to add a high-end sound system to reflect your fine taste in music? Modifying your vehicle seems to be an excellent way to stand out from the crowd of ordinary cars in the street. It’s a brilliant way to flaunt your preferences and ride in style.

Some modifications not only look appealing but also raise your vehicle’s performance. Still, vehicle owners must know splurging on modifications potentially changes your best car insurance premiums. You may check the car insurance online portal to know how deeply it affects the premiums you need to pay. If you aren’t too sure about how these additions cost you, we advise you to get in touch with your car insurance provider, who will clarify things for you.

While some modifications are viewed as acceptable by the vehicle insurance companies and state/transport authorities, other insurers may shoot up your premiums, and some others may even make your existing policy void. So, it is always best if you know about the consequences of getting them incorporated into your vehicle - before you modify.

What are the modifications covered by many car insurers?
Not all insurance companies accept all types of modifications. The list differs across companies. Take the list from your insurer so you don’t have any regrets later. Of course, some vehicles have standard modifications that your insurer will be fine with when fixing your premiums.

Regardless, you need to declare all the modifications in your car to have them covered in your vehicle insurance policy. These include:

· Leather seats
· Roof racks
· Driving lights
· Reversing cameras
· Air shock absorbers
· Alarm systems
· Additional lighting
· Single-tone air horns
· Sunroof

What are the modifications not covered by some (or all) car insurers?

· Custom paintwork
· Alloy wheels
· Deafening exhaust systems
· Nitro or hydrogen fuel equipped engines
· Roll bars or roll cages
· Racing harnesses
· Turbo or supercharged engines
· Dark window tinting
· Neon lights
· Sports seats
· Spoilers
· Noncompliant changes to the tyres
· Illegal changes to the suspension/chassis
· Nonstandard/Unlawful changes to the engine

What are the potential risks associated with modifications?
Two of the prominent factors that decide the premiums you pay are the likelihood of your vehicle meeting with an accident and the likelihood of it being a victim of theft activity. Insurers assess how the modifications affect these two factors, along with a host of other driver and car related factors, before giving you the final premium figure. Some modifications are treated as hazardous components that may raise your road risk factor. While visually appealing modifications most likely make your vehicle more susceptible to stealing. So, expect a higher quote from your insurer.

It would be best to talk to your insurer before you move on to get your vehicle modified. Also, inquire about what your current policy covers regarding modifications and seek clarification regarding any policy changes or additions if needed to cover the additions.

Car insurance in NSW may cost you less if the modifications are carried out by a car professional rather than yourself. To find other ways to reduce your compare car insurance, ask family, friends and your insurer how to make the whole affair more affordable.