Car add-ons can be a real spoiler

Car modifications can increase insurance premiums by a whopping 139% – or £545 – finds Confused.com, the UK’s leading car insurance comparison service.

Research from Confused.com found that quotes for cars with and without modifications could differ by up to £1026.42 – or 182% – based on a 20 year old male driving a VW Golf 1.5l, with no claims or convictions. Typical modifications include spoilers, alloy wheels, tinted windows, lower suspension and strip under-lighting.

Will Thomas, head of car insurance at Confused.com, said: “As car modifications become more popular with young drivers, it is important that they are made aware of the ensuing cost of car insurance. Adding spoilers and tinted windows, for example, can not only dramatically increase car insurance premiums, but they can render car insurance void in some instances, especially when the driver fails to inform the insurer of any changes.

“It also needs to be considered that adding modifications to your vehicle can greatly depreciate its value when selling it on. If drivers must modify their cars, we urge our customers to shop around before committing to one insurer.”

Visit confused.com for the chance to win £1 million tax free.