Making a change to a car such as tinted windows or changing the colour could result in invalidating your insurance and landing you in legal trouble. Here’s what you need to know
Motorists could be hit with a £300 fine and six penalty points for making alterations to their vehicle. Even minor modifications, such as a change in car colour, could invalidate your insurance and land you in legal trouble.
Insurance providers take into account a range of factors when calculating the cost of insuring a vehicle, including the specifics of the car itself. However, certain changes to the car could alter this evaluation, meaning insurers should be informed of any modifications. Failure to do so could result in an inability to make a claim and the invalidation of your insurance.
In the UK, all vehicles on public roads must have at least third-party insurance. If your insurance is invalidated, you’re considered to be driving without insurance, even if it’s unintentional.
Being caught driving uninsured could lead to a £300 fine and six penalty points. However, if the case goes to court, penalties could escalate to an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving.
Police also hold the power to seize, and in some cases destroy, an uninsured vehicle. Additionally, the DVLA must be informed of certain changes to a vehicle as the V5C (log book) will need updating.
Vehicle changes that need to be reported
Some insurers, such as Hastings Direct, have highlighted to customers that there are two types of car modifications: performance and cosmetic. Performance modifications can include upgrades to the fuel system or remaps, while cosmetic changes can range from small stickers to specialist paintwork.
Performance enhancements generally boost a vehicle’s performance, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. On the other hand, cosmetic upgrades could make a car more attractive to thieves, thus heightening its risk of theft.
You may need to get in touch with your insurance provider if you make the following alterations to your motor:
- New alloys on he wheels
- Upgrades or changes to the engine
- Changes to the suspension that affect height or handling
- Changes to the braking system
- Paint jobs
- Stickers
- Decals
- Seat upgrades or changes
- Interior light changes
- Pedal modifications
- Steering wheel replacements
- Changes to the wheel arch
- Changes to or the addition of a spoiler or wing
- Side skirt changes
- Changes to the exterior lights
- Window tinting
In some cases, a modification to your car could actually lower your insurance premium. For example, replacing your current engine with a smaller one could increase energy efficiency and make the car safer to drive.
Some changes that may need to the DVLA in order to update the V5C include:
- Paint colour of the car’s exterior
- Engine
- Fuel type
- Modifications to the cassis or bodyshell
- Seating capacity
- Weight of a large vehicle due to modifications
- Vehicle Identification Number
- Chassis Number frame number