Confused.com warns of real cost of Christmas car modifications

From: Confused.com
Published: Thu Dec 16 2010


Research from Confused.com has revealed bad news for drivers looking for modifications from Father Christmas this year. A 20 year old male driver adding alloy wheels to their car could see the price of their premium rise by a massive £616*.
 
For those who are willing to pay the price of modifications, it is worth noting some insurance providers will refuse to cover cars with them and therefore drivers who choose to modify, risk a narrowing of choice. Undisclosed modifications could also lead to the invalidation of a policy.  It's also important to remember that the majority of car insurance providers, who will offer a policy, do not cover the modification in the event of theft or an accident. Whilst this might seem unfair as they have to be declared on a policy and an extra premium is charged, the extra actually accounts for the fact that the modifications either make the car more desirable to thieves (alloys, body kits) or improve the performance (exhausts, lowered suspension) of the car and therefore increases risk of accidents.
 
Will Thomas, head of motor insurance at Confused.com said, "It may well seem like a better idea to buy a cheaper, smaller car and modify it than invest in a more expensive, newer car but this could prove to be false economy. Adding modifications at a young age may contribute to a premium price that can drive motorists off the road. 17 - 20 year olds have seen prices rise by a massive £6162 over the last 12 months so now, more than ever, it is essential to be careful with things that may end up adding more costs.
 
For young drivers looking for cheaper premiums, start with the classic small-engine run-around in order to build driving experience. Smaller, less powerful cars represent a smaller risk and therefore are a lot cheaper. And, whatever the type of car, it is always essential to shop around to get the best deal."
 
-ENDS-

Notes to editors
* Confused.com figures. Risk profiles identical in everything but age
** As per Confused.com/EMB Price index October 2010 £146.31

About Confused.com:
Confused.com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, cheap van insurance , motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com's service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.
 
For further information please contact:
Kelly Davies
Friary House
Greyfriars Road
Cardiff
CF103AE
02920 434398
www.confused.com
Company: Confused.com
Contact Name: Kelly Davies
Contact Email: enquiries@pr-sending.co.uk
Contact Phone: 02920 434398

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