Do I need to declare modifications made by a previous owner?

Yes. If the car differs from the manufacturer's standard specification, declare it, even if a previous owner fitted the modification.

Will declaring modifications always increase my premium?

Not always. Performance mods often raise the price, but security improvements such as an approved immobiliser or tracker can sometimes reduce it.

Does a tow bar count as a modification?

Yes. A tow bar is a change from standard specification and should be declared, even though it is a common and practical addition.

Cars

Do I need to tell my insurer about modifications?

Yes, you need to declare car modifications to your insurer. Learn what counts as a modification and why undeclared mods can put your cover at risk.

Yes. You need to declare any modification to your vehicle, whether it is for performance, appearance or practicality. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy.

What counts as a modification

A modification is any change from the manufacturer's standard specification, made before or after you bought the vehicle. Insurers need to know because modifications can affect performance, value or theft risk.

Commonly declarable changes include:

Engine or performance upgrades, such as remaps and exhausts
Alloy wheels and suspension changes
Body kits, spoilers and paintwork
Upgraded audio or tinted windows
Tow bars and some accessibility adaptations

If you are unsure whether a change counts, ask your insurer or broker. It is better to mention something that turns out not to matter than to leave out something that does.

How modifications affect your premium

Some modifications can raise your premium, particularly those that add power or make the vehicle more attractive to thieves. Security upgrades, such as an approved alarm or tracker, may lower it. Either way, declare honestly.

What happens if you don't declare them

If you make a claim and the insurer finds a modification you did not declare, it may refuse the claim or cancel your policy. That can also make future insurance harder to arrange, because you may be asked whether you have ever had a policy cancelled.

Insurance for modified vehicles

Some insurers are more comfortable with modified vehicles than others. Fill in a short form on our modified vehicle insurance page and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel will contact you about quotes with your modifications declared. You can read more about how we work.