Will modification affect my insurance?

When you get your hands on your dream machine you’ll want it to stand out from the crowd and will probably set about putting your own individual ‘thumbprint’ on it.

That may manifest itself in an airbrushed paint job, new exhaust, or crash bars, but you must remember that any changes you make to your motorbike’s standard specification are modifications and they can impact on your insurance.

Whatever modification you plan, we’d recommend that you tell your insurer before the work is undertaken so you don’t have any surprises.

You must tell your insurer before the work is complete and before you ride the bike again. If you don’t, it could result in your insurer refusing to pay out in the event of a claim.

The message is simple. Declare all modifications so the insurer can provide a quote and cover which is truly reflective of your needs. It’s also a good idea to let your broker know if you plan more modifications in the future.

Specialist motorcycle insurers such as Bikesure will look sympathetically on modifications and will select the right product to meet your needs as a modified bike enthusiast. They realise that because you’re investing more time and money in your motorbike you are more likely to look after it in the future.

Besides, not all modifications will necessarily push up your insurance premium. Common mods such as crash bars, upgraded brakes, engine guards and minor cosmetic styling changes would have little, if any impact on a premium.

Insurance brokers will generally look at whether your modifications enhance the performance of your bike, or whether cosmetic mods will increase the chance of it being stolen or increase its value.

Modifications likely to increase your premium include performance-enhancing exhausts, increasing engine capacity by more than five per cent, other performance enhancements or changes that radically alter the appearance of the bike.

But there are ways to negate the increase. Consider fitting a tracker; use a Thatchamassured security device and lock your machine in a garage overnight and you will probably qualify for a discount on your insurance.

Whatever mods you’re considering for your motorbike, call Bikesure for a sensible quote that will reflect your very individual needs. The best deals are always available over the phone so call 0333 257 7857 or request a call back at a time that suits you.