How sat-nav drives up price of your car insurance

DRIVERS who add ‘optional extras’ to their cars could see the cost of their insurance soar, a report warns today.

The average premium is currently around £440 a year, but those who have gadgets in their car or try to improve their vehicle’s performance can end up paying much more.

Fitting a turbocharger to boost the engine almost doubles the cost of insurance, adding £409 to the average premium, the research from price comparison website Money Supermarket reveals.

Making modifications to the gear box can mean an extra £211 to pay, boosting the cost of cover by half (48 per cent). And even having common gadgets in your car can bump up your premium.

Satellite navigation systems add 14 per cent, or £62, while hands-free kits for your phone add 12 per cent, or £53.

Unsurprisingly, the study found men were more likely to add boy-racer upgrades such as bonnet bulges, flared wings and roll bars, which all increased the price of insurance.

Women were more likely to add safety modifications – which can lower premi- ums. Insurers reward those who add parking sensors with a premium that is 11 per cent lower – a saving of £48.

The report said: ‘While “pimping” your ride may increase your street cred, it can also drastically increase the price of your insurance.’ Kevin Pratt, of Money Supermarket, also warned drivers that the consequences of not notifying insurers of any modifications can be ‘extremely serious’, especially if they are involved in an accident.

The report also showed drivers under 25, those with powerful cars and those living in areas with high crime tend to pay more than the average premium.