A trainee photographer is looking to buy a second car for work and wants to know the insurance implications

Emma Banks, our insurance expert from LV, tackles the problem.

David asks:

I am 34 years old and live in the South Lakes area of Cumbria. I am training to be a photographer and I'm looking to purchase a second car to go off-road and take photographs. I currently drive a 2004 Kia Sorento diesel auto with 7 years no claims and no penalty points, and I'm thinking of buying an 04 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 auto worth around £4000. I realise you can only use your NCB on one vehicle so if effect I have to start again, and I was also looking to modify the vehicle.

I would like to fit a basic sump guard at the front and a plate to protect the rear differential - but that's it. When I look at insurance modifications they seem to be obsessed with speed/handling and don't mention anything I want in their list. Would I be looking at a substantial increase in my premium or does such an obscure modification not really affect it?

Emma answers:

If you want to insure another vehicle its worth contacting the insurer of your current vehicle who may allow you to copy across your no claims bonus to your second vehicle.

At LV= we allow this and if you have an accident in one car it won’t affect the NCB on your other policy. In regard to bodywork modifications these are likely to impact the cost of your policy although it will depend on who your insurer is, as to how much it will be.

At LV= we don’t have a limit for the amount of off-roading you do but you may want to mention this when you are insuring the car so you can be certain that the amount is unlimited.

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

Or for more information on your insurance options go to LV's insurance site.