Inform your insurer of modifications

Tuesday, 09 September 2008 12:00

Drivers who have modified their cars are urged to inform their insurers, as failing to disclose even a small modification could lead to your insurance being voided.

A recent survey by Tesco Car Insurance reveals that 15 per cent of drivers had modified their cars in some way.

Seemingly simple modifications such as kitting your car out with a non-standard in-car entertainment system can make your motor more desirable to a thief and should be mentioned to your insurer.

Not all modifications will cost you any more in premiums, however. Adding extrax security such as an alarm, immobiliser or tracker device, for example, can cut your car insurance premium.

Pimp My Ride show host, Tim Westwood, said: "It's all about DIY - fitting your own sound system, adding more lights, body kits.

"Loads more girls are getting involved too, capturing their own flavour, really getting into it. I'm not talking about girl racers, just girls that really love their cars," the DJ added.

Security is a priority, however, Westwood added.

He said: "I've never had anything stolen from a ride-but I'm very careful where I park. I don't randomly leave my car anywhere. I have alarms too, one that alerts me on my mobile if it's been tampered with. I'm not saying it will never happen, but I do a lot to protect my cars."

Head of Tesco car insurance, Allan Burns said: "It's great that more and more people are expressing themselves through their vehicles. What we are encouraging people to do is to let their insurance provider know what modifications have been made so that they have the right vehicle cover."

The insurer said it always encourages customers to read their policy documents carefully, to fully understand exactly what they are covered for.

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