Modified van insurance

Vans are used for a variety of purposes, including camping, selling food, and transporting everything from beds to wardrobes. Vans can be used as mobile kitchens, dog grooming salons, and even homes. Drivers aren't just retaining these vans they're altering them in a variety of ways to meet all of these uses. This is where we will assist you to compare modified van insurance. We have a list of insurers who will provide you tailored modified van insurance quotes. It is recommended to go through this list and complete a modified van insurance comparison to pick the right deal for you.

Modifications, on the other hand, have repercussions for your van insurance. When seeking for insurance, you'll need to declare any modifications. If the changes are significant, you may need to look into a modified van insurance cover. Failure to report modifications might result in your van and its features not being adequately covered, and your insurance being invalidated.

What is customised van insurance?

You'll need to supply information on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle when applying for insurance. A van insurance group is assigned to all makes and models based on their performance, value, and specifications. Insurers use these groups to determine how risky and expensive your vehicle will be to insure.

Modified van insurance protects your vehicle in the condition in which you've upgraded it. Insurance for small modifications is usually available from mainstream van insurers. If you make any alterations to your vehicle, you must notify your insurance company. Standard insurers may be able to give modified van insurance, but if you've made numerous modifications, modified van insurance specialists may be able to offer cheaper cover. Modified van insurance can be used for both personal and business purposes.

Why do you need insurance for the modifications made to your van?

You will not be covered for any repairs or replacements if you don't declare any modifications you've made to your van. Your insurer would not have known they were there, so they would not have been covered under your policy. To gain a better understanding of the cover, your insurer may ask for receipts or pictures.

If your insurance believes you lied to them or omitted information about your modifications in order to achieve a cheaper rate, they are unlikely to honour any claims you make. If you make a change to your insurance in the middle of it, notify your insurer right away.

What is classed as a modification?

A modification is something that significantly alters the appearance or performance of your van. Modifications such as installing internal racking, heavy-duty locks, or a bulkhead must be reported to your insurer. Safety features, such as parking sensors, are also available as modifications but they should not increase the cost of your policy.

Extra seating, beds, bicycle racks, and even bathrooms, as well as items for commercial usage, such as permanent catering equipment or lifting equipment, are common van modifications. However, because vans are so versatile, modifications that are more frequently found on cars, such as alloy wheels and supercharged engines, can also be seen in vans.

You must notify your insurance if you want to adapt a van for driving holidays or use as a camper. Some changes are deemed major developments that insurers must be aware of. Such as:

  • Extra seats
  • Adding or removing windows
  • Adding or removing windows
  • Adding insulation
  • Adding more power sources
  • Gas canisters and portable generators being stored
  • Cosmetic changes, such as spoilers and paint work
  • Tinted windows
  • Audio and entertainment systems

Carefully read the terms of your insurance policy. If it is not appropriate, you may need to look into specialist camper conversion insurance.

Why modifications influence the cost of van insurance?

Some changes such as supercharged engines, heavy equipment, and removed windows, can enhance the van's chance of collision and/or the severity of a collision if one occurs. Repairing a heavily modified van is significantly more expensive and time-consuming than repairing a standard white panel van. As a result, the insurance will charge you extra in order to cover their prospective cost.

If you increase the engine's power output, the van will become faster and more powerful, which will raise your premium. If you make your van's paintwork more eye-catching or add pricey extras, you're making it more appealing to thieves, which could raise the cost of your insurance.

Your insurance will also consider the value of the modifications you're making. If you spend a lot of money on a set of wheels and tyres, you'll want them replaced if the van needs to be repaired after an accident. To offset the expense, your insurance will increase in proportion.

Installing adaptations due to a disability should not have a major impact on your insurance premiums due to the Disability Discrimination Act of 2005 and the Equality Act of 2010.

How to modify your van while keeping your insurance rates low

Even if you make modifications to your van, you can still receive cheap modified van insurance. Consider the following points:

  • Consider implementing a black box policy – A black box cover tracks your driving skills, you may be able to earn lower rates if you drive your van safely.
  • Maintain the safety of your van - If you have equipment inside, park your vehicle in a closed garage and instal an alarm or immobiliser.
  • Reduce mileage - If you're not using your van as often as you used to, ask your insurer to lower your mileage so you can save money on your insurance.
  • Build up your no-claims bonus - To keep your NCB intact, consider covering the expense of any minor accidents yourself.

If the vehicle does not comply with the policy, whether intentionally or not, your claims may be denied, even if they are unrelated to the changes. Your entire insurance could be voided, leaving you responsible for any costs incurred, including damage to other people's vehicles and property caused by your van.

If you make changes to your van in the middle of your insurance term, you will not necessarily need to get a new cover. However, you must notify your insurance provider of the changes, and your premiums may be adjusted as a result.

Frequently asked questions

What modifications do not affect insurance?

Extra locking mechanisms and immobilisers, for example, can help to reduce the danger of theft or accident while also lowering the cost of your insurance. Another upgrade that won't affect your insurance is winter tyres.

Is insuring a van or a campervan less expensive?

In general, leisure vehicles like campervans are cheaper to insure than panel vans. Even if your self-built vehicle is registered as a panel van, you can still get it insured as a campervan. Campervan insurance is often 10% to 50% less expensive than van insurance.

Is Debadging considered a modification?

It shouldn't make a difference because it's not a significant change. Your warranty should not be affected by debating your vehicle. If you try to resell your car after debadging, it probably will lose some value.

What happens if you don't declare the modifications you've made?

If you don't declare modifications to an existing plan, your insurance will be invalidated. If it is not declared at the time of application, you will be committing fraud because you deliberately gave inaccurate information.

What car modifications are prohibited in the United Kingdom?

  • The use of neon lights. In most cases neon light changes are prohibited.
  • Tints for the rear and headlights.
  • Tints for the windows.
  • Exhausts that are really loud.
  • Upgrades to spoilers.
  • Modification of the engine with nitrous oxide.
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