How Modifying Your Car Affects Car Insurance

Customers who are dissatisfied with some aspects of their newly purchased vehicles may be thinking of adding some customized features. While it's common to repaint a new vehicle, raise its suspension or enhance its engine, drivers should be aware that these modifications affect car insurance rates and coverage.

Columbus Auto Insurance rates are affected by any change to a vehicle regardless of how small it is. Changes  to the vehicle's features could lower or increase its value, subsequently affecting insurance premiums. Thus, drivers need to report all customizations to their insurance providers. Failing to do so could result in the rejection of future claims against losses related to the vehicle.

There are several factors insurance companies consider when it comes to vehicle customization that determine how premiums will be affected. A vehicle modification always increases the vehicle's value. After all, if the owner sold the vehicle after customizing it, he or she would attract higher prices than if it were sold prior to modifying it. Similarly, the increased values is reflected in insurance premiums, which always go up after a modification.

Vehicle modifications can also create extra risks for drivers, which will also result in higher premiums. Enhanced engines and suspensions, for example, improve a vehicle's ability to handle high speeds. This can make it more likely the driver will be involved in an accident. Thus, the more a driver enhances the vehicle’s engine, the higher the insurance premiums will be.

Vehicle customizations can also add to the visual appeal of a vehicle. While a vehicle owner may be proud to drive an attractive vehicle, the insurance company may classify it as a higher risk vehicle. Good looking vehicles attract car thieves more easily. Most insurance companies compensate for this risk by raising premiums even if the driver adds alarm systems or other security features to the vehicle.

Security features and other features that reduce risk may seem like they should lead to lower premiums, but the opposite is sometimes true. Some insurance companies consider all modifications enhancements to the car's value, including safety enhancements such as enhancing the brakes. For this reason, drivers should consult their insurance companies before customizing the vehicle in any manner as well as after having the vehicle modified.

We are experts on vehicle customization as well as on other car insurance concerns. Call a Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance agent today at 614-221-1500 for a free car insurance quote on customized vehicles.

Protect your vehicle - Don’t be at the mercy of bandits and burglars

Whether you are out shopping, attending an outdoor event or visiting friends anyone can break into your vehicle and take whatever valuables they find inside.

Generally people are sure to lock their car doors and close their windows when they are no longer in the safety of their own neighborhood, and thereby stopping access to potential car thieves. But as soon as they get home, to their white-picket fences filled with neighbors that they trust, all their safety habits fly out the window. They leave their doors unlocked, leave windows rolled down low enough to twist an arm through, and use their automobile like it’s another room of their home.

You should never underestimate the safety of your surrounding environments, whether you live in a secure access apartment block, a condo in the heart of the city or on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Crime is possible everywhere you go, even the most sheltered areas could be susceptible to criminal activity.

Your vehicle is one of the most exposed places to store expensive belongings like MP3 players, laptops, shoes and other items. It is the last place you should leave open to the mercy of thugs and thieves.

Hot Tips:

• It doesn’t matter how secure you think it might be, you should always strive keep your automobile locked and remove any unnecessary expensive items.
• If you are unable to extract your valuables, you can just as easily put them in your trunk. While a single-minded burglar could still get into your trunk, it’s unlikely they will risk it if they don’t know if there’s anything in there worth stealing. Rest assured a passing pilferer will take advantage if valuable items are in plain view inside a car.
• Tinted windows can help reduce visibility but its best not to take the risk, just bring those items into your house with you each evening.

You never know what could be lying in wait around the corner. That’s why buying Columbus auto insurance is so important. The more you can do to prevent these disastrous events from happening, the cheaper your premiums and the less worry for you to replace your lost valuable items. Call us today to discuss your options at (614) 221-1500.