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One in five British Motorists invalidating their insurance by "Pimping their Ride"
One in five motorists who "pimp their ride" could be invalidating their car insurance
Amid questions being raised about the rising price of what was once cheap car insurance for young drivers, research out today from QUINN-direct – the young person’s motor insurer – has found that over 21 per cent of motorists who make modifications fail to tell their insurer, despite the potential risk of it invalidating their insurance.
In tight economic times, more motorists are taking the risk of doing the work themselves. Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of those that modified their car admitted to doing the work themselves.
TV programs from both sides of the Atlantic are inspiring British motorists to get under the bonnet and modify their cars with more than one in ten (12 per cent) admitting to have been influenced by shows like "Pimp my Ride".
Vanity appears to have a major influence on why people modify their car, with nearly one in ten (9 per cent) admitting to modifying their cars to increase their sex appeal. Women seem more image conscious with 60 per cent saying that they would make modifications to improve the look of their car, compared to just 54 per cent of men.
The research shows that British motorists need to be more honest about modifications to their car to avoid the risk of invalidating their insurance. Survey participants were asked what they would or wouldn’t inform their insurer about, and the top offenders are as follows:
- 75 per cent would not let their insurer know if they had their car painted
- 74 per cent wouldn’t bother if they added skirting lights
- 73 per cent think adding a new performance exhaust wouldn’t warrant a call to the insurer
- 70 per cent would have their windows tinted without letting their insurer know
- 65 per cent of people would not let their insurer know if they added a spoiler on to their car
John McDonagh, Head of Consumer Insurance, from QUINN-direct, said:
"It is quite concerning to think that so many motorists think that it’s acceptable to modify their car without telling their insurer. This coupled with such a high percentage doing the work themselves makes for some alarming reading.
"When thinking about modifying their car, motorists must first decide if they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out the work themselves. If they have not they should go to a reputable garage and get the work done professionally. Most garages will also be able to advise on which modifications motorists should inform their insurer of."
Tips for young drivers who are planning on making modifications to their cars
- Let your insurer know if you are making changes to your vehicle, this includes paintwork or wheel alterations – if these details are incorrect on your policy, you may find that some insurers won’t pay out if you have to make a claim so always ensure you have the correct car insurance for young drivers.
- If you are planning on making modifications to your car, try and use reputable garages and mechanics. If changes are made to the vehicle that don’t comply to certain safety regulations, this may affect an insurance claim.
- Your insurer doesn’t bite! If in doubt – call and check. You insurer will be able to advise you on any changes that may affect your policy so, if in doubt, make sure you pick up the phone
