8 Car Mods That Will Ruin Your Insurance Rates
As someone who was on the street racing scene for a while, car mods can be great. They can improve the performance and overall look of your vehicle, but they can also have an impact on your insurance rates. Some upgrades might be considered high-risk, raising the price of your premiums. Others might void some of your coverage altogether. So, if you are thinking of making changes to your ride, you’ll want to know about these eight car mods and how they might impact your insurance.
1. Lowered Suspension Can Raise Your Premiums
In some states, extremely low vehicles are illegal. While this mod may look sleek, it can have a profound impact on the way your car handles. Because of this, insurance companies often look at lower vehicles as riskier. They’re more prone to damage from potholes and road debris. Not to mention, the altered suspension on the car impacts crash dynamics, making repairs more expensive. In some cases, the insurer might even refuse to cover damages that are caused by illegal or poorly installed suspension drops. Most importantly, if you don’t report the car mod to your insurance company, they could deny the claim altogether.
2. Turbochargers and Superchargers Invite Higher Risk
Installing a turbocharger or supercharger boosts engine power, but it also signals to insurers that you may be a more aggressive driver. Increased horsepower typically means higher speeds, and with that comes a higher chance of accidents. Insurers adjust premiums to account for this elevated risk. Even if you’re a cautious driver, the perception alone can drive up your car insurance rates. Not to mention, a souped-up engine can make future repairs significantly more expensive.
3. Custom Paint Jobs Might Seem Harmless—But They’re Not
While a flashy paint job or detailed wrap may not affect your driving, it can still impact your insurance. Unique paint jobs increase the value of the car and often make it more appealing to thieves. That means your insurer might consider your vehicle more vulnerable and raise your comprehensive coverage costs. In some cases, if the paint job isn’t professionally documented, it might not even be covered under your policy. Always notify your insurer of these modifications to avoid surprises.
4. Non-Standard Wheels and Rims Can Cost You
Custom rims look great, but they can make your vehicle more expensive to insure. Insurers factor in not just the price of the rims themselves but also how they affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. Wider or larger rims can strain the suspension and cause quicker tire wear, both of which are safety concerns. If the rims are high-end or rare, they can drive up replacement costs and theft risk. All of this adds pressure on your car insurance rates.
5. Modified Exhaust Systems Draw the Wrong Kind of Attention
A custom exhaust system might improve airflow and produce that deep growl you love, but insurers might see it differently. Loud exhausts are often associated with street racing and reckless driving. Even if you’re just after aesthetics, the modification still flags your car as high-risk. Some states have legal noise limits, and if your exhaust crosses the line, that could lead to fines—or worse, nullified claims. It’s a small mod with big insurance consequences.
6. Aftermarket Lights Could Leave You in the Dark with Your Insurer
Swapping your stock lights for LED strips or underglow kits might add a futuristic look, but it can also make your car a target for both thieves and police. Many aftermarket lighting systems are not street legal, and if your insurer sees that you’ve added unapproved electrical components, it could impact your policy. Improper installation can also increase the risk of electrical fires or short circuits. These safety issues play a major role in premium adjustments. Don’t assume cosmetic changes are off the insurer’s radar.
7. Performance Tires Aren’t Always Insurance-Friendly
Upgrading to performance or racing tires can enhance grip and cornering, but they also wear down faster and are more expensive to replace. Insurance companies see these tires as an indication of high-speed driving habits, especially if paired with other performance mods. Their lower durability also translates to a greater risk of blowouts or reduced traction in non-ideal weather. Combined, these factors contribute to increased car insurance rates. Stick with manufacturer-recommended tires if you’re concerned about cost.
8. Tinted Windows May Put You on the Insurer’s Watchlist
Dark tints might offer privacy and a cooler cabin, but there’s a fine line between legal and too dark. Laws on window tinting vary by state, and insurance companies may charge more if your tints exceed legal limits. Excessive tinting can hinder visibility, especially at night, raising accident risk. It can also make it harder for law enforcement to see inside the vehicle, which some insurers see as a liability. Before tinting, check both local laws and your policy requirements.
What You Do to Your Car Doesn’t Just Stay with Your Car
Each alteration you make to your vehicle changes how it is viewed. Other people see your car differently, and so does your insurance provider. You might think that the upgrades you’ve made are small, but they can lead to major increases in your premium. In some cases, you might even be denied coverage. The moral of the story? Always report any changes and ask your insurer how it might impact your policy.
Have you ever added a mod that impacted your car insurance rates? Share your experience in the comments—others might learn from your ride!
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