When do car insurance companies judge a car to have modifications?

A reader from west London is buying a car with modifications.

However, he is unsure whether an insurance company will class it as a modified car as the dealership has made all the changes.

Ian Durrell, myfinances.co.uk insurance expert from the Only Group, which includes onlyinsurance.com, tackles the issue.

Harvey from Isleworth ask:

I am looking to buy a car, I am buying the car from a dealership that has added a bodykit to the car as well as alloy wheels, lowered/uprated suspension & privacy glass.

Does this class as being modified - even though I have not made these
Modifications and I am buying the car with these already done?

And do I have to state this when making an enquiry about insurance quotes?

Ian replies:

Unless the car is a factory finished option that would be recognised by the
DVLC and on the insurance database, any modifications would need to be stated
when insuring.

These would normally be referred to the underwriter.

If you have a question for Ian, go to the myfinances.co.uk Ask the Insurance Expert section.

Only Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.