20 replies to this topic

[Will16]

Hi TMF,

 

I should be driving in -6 months.  I'll use a comparison site (Probably Compare the Market just for the free meerkat!) to find some quotes of insurance.  What I want to know is that will some "modifications" I've done affect the insurance.  Here are the mods-

 

10" Alloy Wheels

Roof Rack

Rear Hi-Lo's

Aftermarket Steering Wheel

Bullet Mirrors

Rusted Boot Lid

 

I suspect the wheels may affect it, but I'm unsure on the items.  I've not fiddled with the engine at all.  I'll be a first time driver, and we're unsure if I'll go onto my parents policy, or my own.

 

Many Thanks,

Will

[Moggyton]

Anything can affect your insurance, it just depends on your insurer. Even taking the rear seats out can increase it.

[HarrysMini]

The only things on that list that I would expect could increase your premium are the Hilos, steering wheel and wheels. Perhaps the mirrors too. 

 

Although of course, it would depend on each insurer.

[alex-95]

I would think wheels, steering wheel and hilos would.

 

I wouldn't keep your roofrack on all the time, it'll just waste money...

[robminibcy]

how long till the insurance police turn up about insuring in parents name!

 seriously though the wheels will make very little differance. The suspension maywell reduce the amount of potential insurers and may well put it up a bit.

 

not sure on the other stuff. The boot lid will be standard after a few years anyway! Im sure a roof rack is not a modification and wont even be able to be declared.

 

best bet is to get an accurate quote on a comparison site then start messing about changing named drivers and adding modifications.

[Alex_B]

Only way to find out is by asking them, each company is different but I wouldnt think the roof rack or bootlid would be worth mentioning to be honest, the rest I would declare, 

And do it on your own policy! you will build up your own no claims and it may even be cheaper, make sure you're down as the main driver if you are, and have both your parents on there as second drivers as that should bring it down. 

If the mods make the insurance unaffordable then it might be worth putting it back standard for a year until you have some experience, a year made a huge difference for me and that was even after a claim and not having any no claims because of it 

[Stiggytoo]

Alloy wheels reduced the price of my insurance!

[Tamworthbay]

You really need to ask the company. I have wheels, dash, steering wheel (removeable), interior, brakes, hiLos and they are no cost mods, stage 1 kit costs £6, but before I took the stereo out they wanted £20 extra!

[megamini_jb]

As already said, best to ask them

[Will16]

Thanks for all the replies guys.  I'll ask around!

 

Can anyone tell me why a steering wheel will affect the insurance?

[Carlos W]

Thanks for all the replies guys.  I'll ask around!

 

Can anyone tell me why a steering wheel will affect the insurance?

 

Any modification from standard should be declared and may affect your insurance, possibly because it may make it more desirable to thieves.

[Alex_B]

It may be more sporty, give better grip on your hands, and thus it may mean the car will be used at speed or with performance in mind

[Tamworthbay]

Thanks for all the replies guys.  I'll ask around!
 
Can anyone tell me why a steering wheel will affect the insurance?

They have never added to the price for me but you still need to declare it and make sure they record it. They should list it on the policy, usually with £0 next to it.

[james962]

Can anyone tell me why a steering wheel will affect the insurance?

 

It may be more sporty, give better grip on your hands, and thus it may mean the car will be used at speed or with performance in mind

 

Yep exactly/ With performance in mind, you will be cornering quicker, hands wrapped tighter round the wheel as you navigate round the sharp bend, more likely to misjudge the apex, leading to a higher chance of loosing control and running over those innocent kittens that are crossing the road totally oblivious to your excessive speed.

 

I have heard of this happen once down the pub (it was my uncles mates brothers girlfriends mates cousin), and the insurance were not happy people. For this simple reason alone, I always use a standard steering wheel.

 

 

 

 

Some/all of the above may or may not be true.

[classicben]

Anything can affect your insurance, it just depends on your insurer. Even taking the rear seats out can increase it.

 

Ive been comparing today, one company refused to insure when they heard 'no rear seats' but were happy up until then with the rollcage and engine mods