What modifications are not covered by insurance?
3 Answers
The first scenario is determined by traffic police, and the second scenario is recorded by the insurance company. In these two cases, you will basically have to pay for the repairs yourself. Here are the relevant details: 1. Obvious exterior modifications: Some enthusiasts prefer a flashy car body, but major changes like repainting, adding decals, or installing body kits require updating the vehicle registration at the DMV. Otherwise, in case of an accident, traffic police may directly deem it an illegal modification, and you'll have to pay out of pocket for the exterior repairs. 2. Excessive structural modifications: The most common examples are 'performance enthusiasts' who modify their cars like race cars—adding turbos, changing exhaust systems, installing spoilers, or even altering engine displacement, replacing suspension, or heavily modifying the audio system. These modifications involve safety concerns and must be reported to the DMV, though approval is usually unlikely. If any of these extensive modifications are present, the insurance company will not cover the claims.
There are actually many situations where insurance companies won’t cover modifications. Having modified cars for years, common examples include engine modifications like adding a turbocharger or altering the exhaust system—if these aren’t reported to the insurer, they might outright deny claims in case of an accident, as such changes are seen as increasing accident risks or altering the vehicle’s value. Lowering the suspension or modifying the braking system without certification can also lead to claim rejections, as insurers may view these changes as making the car unstable. Electrical modifications, such as installing high-powered headlights or audio systems, can also void coverage if improper wiring leads to fire or short-circuit risks. The key is to consult your insurance policy before making any modifications, ensuring all changes are legal and properly documented with the company. Otherwise, you might end up paying out of pocket after an incident. Mods may be cool, but safety comes first.
I personally experienced that after installing a body kit, the insurance company refused to cover damages from a minor accident, citing that the kit deviated from the original vehicle design. Common modifications not covered include nitrous oxide systems or turbochargers, which boost performance but are deemed high-risk investments by insurers; oversized rims that don't match the original specifications can lead to handling issues and void coverage in accidents; haphazard electrical modifications, like adding aftermarket audio systems, increase fire risks and aren't covered. It's advisable to research which modifications require reporting and to maintain factory safety settings to avoid claim rejections. A seasoned driver advises caution with modifications.
