In South Africa, you often see drivers in cars that they’ve significantly modified. These cars may sound terrific and sportier for some, and noisy and unattractive for others. There are some bad aspects to consider before you modify your car if you are in the first camp, and think modified cars are excellent.
What do modifications to a car mean?1
A modification is any change made to a car that deviates from the manufacturer’s original specifications. An example would be non-standard alloy wheels or tinted windows.
How does a car insurer deal with car modifications?1
It’s important when buying a car to know if it has been modified. This could increase your car insurance premium, or the insurer may refuse to cover the car. But why would that be?
Several reasons why insurers do not want to insure modified cars1
Modified cars appeal to the general public and provide some form of status. Thieves and vandals may find such cars particularly attractive. Any DIY job is likely to deviate from the manufacturer’s original specifications, which the manufacturer thoroughly researched from a safety point of view. The DIY job may well endanger the car’s performance. This, in turn, raises the likelihood of crashing it. After such a crash, certain non-standard, specialist parts would cost the insurer too much to replace.
Make sure with your insurer first1
Before you wish to buy a modified car or intend to modify it, consult first with your car insurer if it is acceptable for insurance purposes. If the insurer is willing to cover the car, you need to decide whether the increased premiums are worth it.
What are the other implications of having a modified car?1
Not only can the car’s fuel consumption increase, but you, as the owner, could be contravening the law.
Bad fuel economy1
Heavy, large wheels may be great to admire, but they cause increased rolling resistance on the road, thus raising the car’s fuel consumption.
A modified sports exhaust1
The sound a modified exhaust produces when a car is accelerating sounds most impressive as if there is such power under the bonnet. But the truth is that such a modification is likely to lessen the car’s performance if done incorrectly. Also, a noisy exhaust can make long drives annoying as that loud ‘droning’ noise gets a bit too much to handle. It isn’t fun to drive with earplugs.
What about handling aspects?1
Wider wheels can seriously impact the safe handling of a car. It may be more challenging to control such a car, which could have profound implications. In addition, low-profile tyres receive punctures easier than their conventional counterparts. Low, hard suspension could make everyday type of driving less enjoyable as you feel every bump on the road and possibly scrap parts of your car on the road while going over speed bumps.
Noisy radios attract thieves1
Occasionally you hear a car driving past blasting music. This great stereo music may attract thieves, but such radios may not have the same security as the conventional ones. If the installer of the modified radio didn’t do a great job, electrical problems might be the result. So, that load sound system may not be worth it in the end.
Disclaimer
This article can only provide information, seeing car insurance is a complicated matter. If are thinking about buying a car insurance product, first consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice.
You may want to cover your soon-to-be modified car with comprehensive car insurance. Prime South Africa provides affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums* and reduce to zero excess*. Consider an insurer first before modifying your car. T and Cs apply.
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