"Don't Be Put Off Modifying Your Car by Scaremongering," Says Flux

A recent survey claimed that it often costs more than twice as much to insure a modified car compared to an ordinary one.

(PRWEB) April 7, 2008 -- A recent survey claimed that it often costs more than twice as much to insure a modified car compared to an ordinary one. 'Rubbish' says Adrian Flux Insurance Services (http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/). Flux should know: it’s the biggest insurer of modified cars (http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/modified-detail-go.php) in the UK.

"It's an urban myth that modifications always hike up insurance," says Flux's Gerry Bucke. "It's partly perpetrated by those insurers who don't like them because they don't appear on their computer screen.

"But if you talk to any insurer that understands the modified business, the extra cost will be a reasonable reflection of any extra risk - depending on the modification, the difference can be minimal."

Modifying cars is getting much more popular, particularly amongst younger drivers. "It's not all about performance and boy racers," says Gerry Bucke. "Cosmetic mods make your car individual." In fact, the single most popular modification on Flux's books is fitting alloy wheels.

The original survey, from confused.com, claimed that owners of modified cars could expect to pay an average of 139% more for their cover. Flux says the figure is very misleading, because the extra cost depends entirely on what the modifications are.

The confused.com story claimed that a 20-year-old male with no claims or convictions to his name, driving a VW Golf 1.5l, would be expected to pay almost three times (189%) more for his car insurance if he chose to add modifications. "This is simple scare-mongering," says Gerry Bucke. "If he added alloy wheels, his premium would probably only go up by about 5%."

"Working out a modification's effect on the premium is a matter of balancing the risks," he explains. "Typically, if you add a cosmetic modification then the premium would probably go up to reflect the cost to replace it. If you enhance the performance of the car, for example with a chip or turbo, then the premium would be likely to increase by the same percentage as the performance. So if the turbo added 10% to your car's bhp, you should expect to pay about 10% more for your insurance."

People who modify their car need to tell their insurer or they won't be covered. But if the insurer starts talking about a 189% price increase for a set of alloys, then shop around. "A specialist broker will be able to sort out insurance at a reasonable cost," Gerry Bucke confirms.

"If you're into modifying your motor, don't be put off by the scaremongers."

Adrian Flux aims to offer cheaper modified car insurance and has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk

COPY ENDS

PRESS ENQUIRIES:    Modifications survey gets it wrong.doc– Apr-08

Toni Turner or Alison Haynes at The Publicity Works

Tel: 01263 761000 Email: flux@publicityworks.biz

Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux Insurance Services: 0800 505 3000

Notes for editors

View the original confused.com story on London Stock Exchange here (http://www.londonstockexchange.com/en-gb/pricesnews/investnews/article.htm?ArticleID=18521234)

Sample quotes:

Flux will prepare sample quotes for specific postcodes and cars, with and without modifications, on request.

Below are two samples.

•    Depending on the postcode, a 20 year old with 3 years no claim bonus driving a standard Clio 1200cc would pay around £310.00 for insurance. Adding alloys, an exhaust and a spoiler would put the rate up to £375.00.

•    For a 24 year old with a Golf Gti and 4 years no claims bonus, the standard rate (depending on postcode) would be around £400.00. With a bodykit, alloys and exhaust the new rate would be £450.00.

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