How to get modified bike insurance
Modified bike insurance covers motorcycles altered from default factory specifications. You need to tell your insurer about any modifications for your policy to be valid.
Key takeaways
Alterations or modifications to your motorbike can affect how much you pay for insurance
Cosmetic or performance-related modifications can make your bike more expensive to insure, but alterations to improve security can make it cheaper to insure
Some modifications won’t impact your motorbike insurance at all, but other changes will mean you need to find an insurer that specialises in modified motorbikes
It’s important to understand how bike modifications affect motorbike insurance costs before going ahead with the modifications. Otherwise you might find your bike too expensive – or impossible – to insure.
What is modified bike insurance?
Modified bike insurance is a specialised cover for motorcycles altered beyond factory specifications. These modifications include performance boosts like upgraded engines and aesthetic enhancements such as custom paint jobs. This insurance differs from standard policies, which only cover bikes in their original state.
Modifications can make your motorbike more attractive to thieves and more expensive to repair after an accident – so modified bikes usually cost more to insure.
It is essential to inform your insurer about any bike modifications. Not doing so can invalidate your policy, leaving you unprotected in case of an accident or theft. You will also need to inform the DVLA about any modifications.
What modifications could increase my insurance?
When you modify your bike, it's important to understand how these changes might increase your insurance premiums. Here are some key modifications that could lead to higher costs:
Performance enhancements
Installing components that boost your bike's speed and power can significantly raise insurance premiums. Examples include turbochargers or engine tuning kits. Insurers view these bikes as more likely to be involved in accidents due to potential faster speeds and acceleration
Cosmetic changes
Upgrades such as custom paint jobs, chromed parts, or expensive aftermarket accessories can raise the value of your bike. A higher value will mean paying higher insurance premiums because it would cost more to replace or repair the bike
Theft-attractive modifications
Adding features that make your bike more appealing to thieves can also increase your insurance costs. High-end audio systems or unique customisations make bikes more attractive to thieves and are seen as higher risks by insurance companies
What modifications could decrease my insurance?
Some modifications can reduce insurance costs. Here are key changes that might save you money:
Adding advanced safety features
Installing anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or advanced traction control can significantly lower the risk of an accident. Insurers often offer lower premiums for these safety improvements.
Enhancing security measures
Fitting your bike with an approved alarm system, immobiliser, or tracking device can deter theft. Insurance companies usually provide discounts for bikes with these security features.
Improving visibility and stability
Modifications like better lighting systems or anti-slip surfaces can make your bike more visible and stable on the road. Such changes can result in lower insurance premiums, as they reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Other considerations for modified bike insurance
Some modifications will make it virtually impossible to insure your motorbike and could result in any existing insurance policy becoming void. This is because the changes make your bike unsafe, unstable or unbalanced to ride.
Modifications to avoid include replacing OEM headlights with multiple headlamps, coloured headlights, and removing the reflectors or side mirrors.
Some modifications – such as altering the bike’s emissions or noise levels – may make your bike illegal to ride on UK rides. Before making changes to your vehicle, check both the legal situation and the impact on insurance costs.
If your bike is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, some modifications could void your warranty, making you responsible for all repair costs.
Finally, shop around to find the right insurer for a modified bike. There are insurance companies that specialise in modified bikes or offer custom policies. They are more likely to understand your needs and provide suitable cover for your bike's specific modifications.
