[Previous entry: "Hyundai Coupe Gets Fresh Face For 2005"]
[Next entry: "Examples of Topgear's Powerflow Stainless Steel exhaust systems"]
12/04/2005: "Keep Your Car Insured & Looking Good"
Car modding is a sport enjoyed all over the UK, but few people understand the regulations relating to their car insurance. It doesn't take much to update your insurer after modifications, and hopefully this article will give you some pointers to enjoying your newly modified car and ensuring you don't get into trouble with your insurance company without even realising it could happen:
Car Modifications 'May Invalidate Insurance' By Rachael Crofts
As many as 20% of UK drivers could be invalidating their insurance by modifying their vehicles and failing to notify their insurer of the changes, it was claimed today.
Research from Nationwide Building Society revealed that one in five admit to changing either the look or performance of their car, yet many are not aware that they are required to inform their insurer.
Failure to inform insurance providers about certain vehicle modifications can result in the invalidation of the policy.
The most common car modification in the UK is carried out to improve the appearance of the vehicle rather than the performance.
One in 10 respondents said they had made changes to the look of their vehicle including fitting a body kit or spoiler, non-standard alloy wheels or tinted windows.
Around 7% have made changes which affect the way the car drives including fitting a sports exhaust, lowering the suspension, fitting a micro chipped engine management system or re-boring an engine.
The building society’s research revealed that nearly half of UK drivers believe they would not have to inform their insurer if they added alloy wheels (44%) or tinted windows (47%) to their vehicle.
Around a third do not believe they should disclose the addition of a sports exhaust (36%), bodykit or spoiler (30%), while 28% would rebore their engine without telling.
If not disclosed, all of these modifications could invalidate a car insurance policy.
However, in the event of a claim, although the majority of insurers would not pay out on damage caused to the changed parts of the car, they would pay for any other damage or injury caused.
Drivers with damage to an added body kit, spoiler or alloy wheels could face high repair costs as these bills would not be met by the insurer.
The Society’s research shows that accessorising is a less onerous way of personalising a vehicle:
12% of respondents have name stickers on the front windscreen
17% of drivers say they have soft toys on their dashboard
16% have an England flag and 44% hang an air freshener
However, it seems that there is still a stigma attached to hanging fluffy dice from the rear view mirror – with just 4% of drivers admitted to having them.
Stuart Bernau, Nationwide’s executive director, said:
“For many, a car is more than just a vehicle, it’s an expression of personality and individuality. Many people spend a considerable amount of time, hard work and money modifying theirs to make it more unique.
“If any damage is caused to it, they are likely to want it dealt with quickly and efficiently, to restore it back to its best.
“It makes sense, therefore, to make sure that you’ve got the best insurance and that any changes you have made are fully covered.”
The research was carried out by Marketing Sciences on 817 respondents nationwide.
This news item was taken from the Scotsman News Online Paper. The friendly staff at TopGear can help you with advice on modifications, what kit to buy for your car to make sure it stays roadworthy and what regulations you might need to be aware of. You can browse our selection of parts and spare online, or you can drop into one of our depots for a closer look.