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We are Proud Members of the: Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association This site hosted by: RedJeep.com The Red Club Jeep My Chopper Build User Car Search //	.	Insuring Your Modified Jeep A person's car is absolutely an extension of his or her personality. As a Jeep owner, your vehicle conveys a sense of rugged individualism, one that is only enhanced by the aftermarket additions you've made to the vehicle. What those add-ons do not convey, however, is what your insurance company thinks. If you were wise, you consulted them before you made any irreversible modifications. If you were a little less cautious, you went ahead and tweaked your Jeep without their knowledge, which means that if you're ever in a few traffic accidents, you are risking more than just your life; you're risking the possibility of your policy being voided. If I Add Parts What Should I Do? The best advice when it comes to vehicle mods and insurance companies is always to disclose everything. Some insurers will cover minor modifications as long as they have the ability to approve of them before-hand, while others will allow them, but charge you more because they either increase the perceived risk of covering your vehicle, or increase the value over the usual number derived via the "book minus depreciation" method of estimating vehicle worth. When you do approach your insurance agent, you'll want to have a list of any aftermarket parts (installed or proposed), pictures, when possible, and the estimated cost of the parts. If you've already installed aftermarket parts, bring actual receipts, if you can. If your parts and modifications are reasonable, and don't involve major engine changes, it's quite likely that your insurer won't have any problem with them, but in some cases, especially with engine mods, you may have to consider buying a policy from a specialty insurer. Contrary to popular opinion, such policies don't always have mileage restrictions attached. What Parts and Mods are Typically Covered? With your car insurance quotes comparison charts never talk about aftermarket parts, so here's a breakdown of typical adjustments and aftermarket parts, and what insurers generally say about them: Exterior: Most exterior alterations are not an issue, as long as they're not extensive. Change the paint job, add pin-striping, even change the headlights (as long as what you replace them with meets minimum safety requirements), but be aware that a mere rear spoiler may be treated in the same manner as a full-body kit by some insurance companies, so ask first. (Full body kits are generally the purview of specialty insurers.) Upgraded wheels won't void your policy either, but if you don't disclose them, don't expect your insurance company to replace them. Also – they can trigger a small increase in your premium. Interior: There is very little you can do to the interior of a Jeep – or any car – that will bother an insurance company, but if you add an expensive stereo or a GPS system you should expect your premium to go up a bit. Anti-Theft: Unlike every other aftermarket part, the addition of an anti-theft device, whether it's an alarm, immobilizer, or tracking device (a la LoJack), will generally earn you a credit on your insurance. Just remember not to install a kill switch, because they're generally illegal. Braking System: Upgrading to better quality discs is acceptable, but increasing the size of the discs or calipers in your Jeep's braking system is not something the average insurer will approve. Suspension: Jacking up a truck or car is acceptable on a case-by-case basis, but may make your premium jump a little. Dropping the suspension is usually allowable if it's 30-40mm, but anything more will make even the most laid-back mainstream insurance companies balk. Engine: Engine mods are the biggest potential hazard with regard to insurance coverage. DO NOT install even an induction kit without running it by them first. (For the record, induction kits are usually okay, just disclose it before you do it), but chipping, for example, will void your policy. If you're like most Jeep owners, much of the list above doesn't really apply to you, but the list applies to any car you might consider installing an aftermarket part in. Just remember to check with your insurance company first, and you shouldn't have any problems if you have to make a claim.   Home  |   Members   |  4WD Links NOTE: The Website Administrators email address is shown here in the picture with my first Jeepin dog. If you have questions please email me. Copyright © 1999-2008 WasatchOutlawWheelers.com All Rights Reserved. All artwork, logo, and the name Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers trademarks of RJC Enterprise. Jeep is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler.