| If you want a vehicle with new bumper, spoilers, | | | | down? |
| exhausts or you want to change or lower the | | | | If you can do without modifications then that is |
| suspension then chances are you will pay more on | | | | ideal - and certainly if you are a young driver its |
| your car insurance. So why is this and what can | | | | best to wait until you are over the age of 25 and |
| you do about it? | | | | have built up a no-claims discount or your |
| Typically car insurance providers charge higher | | | | premiums may be astronomical. |
| premiums to drivers of modified cars because | | | | However, assuming you don't want to wait then |
| they pose a higher risk. For example, the | | | | at least limit the modifications you make and |
| modifications themselves may be unorthodox and | | | | attempt to curb the risk you pose. |
| difficult to repair or replace in the event of an | | | | To ward off the threat of car crime, fit security |
| accident. Indeed any modifications that are made | | | | devices such as car alarms, tracking devices and |
| to enhance a vehicle's performance place drivers | | | | immobilisers. If you ask your insurer before |
| at greater risk of being involved in a high speed | | | | implementing any new technology you may be |
| accident - which would result in a higher payout | | | | able to earn a discount for using a recommended |
| from the car insurance provider. | | | | product - some insurers will slash premiums by 10 |
| Modified cars are also deemed a higher risk | | | | per cent for a car alarm alone. |
| because of their enhanced aesthetics. Just as | | | | If your modified car is used for specialist |
| they become more attractive to you as the | | | | circumstances only - such as for official race days |
| owner, they also become more attractive to | | | | - then agree to a mileage limit. Premiums can be |
| thieves and vandals placing them at greater risk | | | | cut by as much as five per cent if you agree to |
| of vehicular crime. | | | | drive the car less than 12,000 miles a year. |
| So how can you keep your car insurance costs | | | | |