Half of drivers hide car modifications from their insurer

Thousands of drivers are hiding car modifications from their insurer in order to get a cheaper deal, according to new industry research.

A survey of 2000 motorists by MoneySuperMarket found that nearly half (45 per cent) didn't bother to inform their insurer of a vehicle modifications, despite the risk of being denied a pay out if the event of a claim.

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As well as being left out of pocket, dishonest drivers of modified cars also risk a fine of £300 and six penalty points. The police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, crush the vehicle in question.

Modified cars are traditionally associated with ‘boy racers’ and loud exhaust pipes, but the survey by MoneySuperMarket suggests that the true culprits could be older drivers who prefer a relaxing few days in a seaside caravan over a party-fuelled weekender in Ibiza.

“Different insurers have alternative views on what constitutes a modification, so it’s worth taking the time to check."

Fitting a tow bar (20 per cent) is the most-common car modification not to be declared, followed by larger or more expensive alloy wheels (15 per cent) and parking sensors (9 per cent). 

“While we generally think of modifications as loud exhausts and body kits, something as small as getting a parking sensor installed can count as a modification, so it’s worth notifying your insurer whenever you make any change to your vehicle,” said Tom Flack, editor-in-chief at MoneySuperMarket.

“Different insurers have alternative views on what constitutes a modification, so it’s worth taking the time to check if any changes you make will impact your policy. If in doubt, talk to your insurer.”

Data taken from MoneySuperMarket analysis of 27,044 car insurance enquiries found that drivers with a modified vehicle pay on average £95 more to insure their vehicle, although the comparison website claims that drivers can pay significantly less by shopping around.