Fuel Cat - Cheap Car Insurance

There are a host of benefits to fitting a fuel cat system – from more complete combustion, to fuel savings, to extra power. However, making modifications to your car – whether it’s to add a turbo engine, a catalytic converter or any other engine or fuel enhancement – could mean you are hit with higher car insurance premiums.

To modify your car and maintain cheap car insurance premiums you have to be savvy. Here we’ll look at modified car insurance and how to keep your costs in check.

Why do drivers of modified cars pay more?

Drivers of cars with modifications will be quick to point out that they take good care of their vehicles and deserve lower insurance premiums as a result. However, most conventional insurers see things differently.

To most insurers, a car with an enhanced engine that produces higher performance is more likely to be driven at faster speeds and therefore may be involved in higher risk accidents.

It’s not just engine enhancements that lead to price increases either. Even fuel enhancements can cause premiums to rise because modifications can make a car a greater target for thieves and vandals. In 2008, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) linked up with the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland after a rise in catalytic converter thefts. The average catalytic converter contains one to three precious metals – platinum, palladium and rhodium – and they were targeted by thieves because of their high international prices which had risen sharply over the previous two years.

Though the BMRA issued a stolen metals bulletin to tackle the crime, insurers remain wary of any modifications that increase the value of a car or that could be targeted for parts.

So is it possible to find cheap car insurance for a modified car?

There are several specialist insurers that specifically target drivers of modified cars – such as Flux Direct and Performance Direct.

These insurers claim they can offer more competitive quotes for drivers of modified cars and policies that are more applicable to their needs. Among the features they may include are agreed valuations for vehicles – so you know from the outset how much you will receive for a car if it is written off, rather than receiving a market value. In addition, some insurers offer track and race day cover if you plan to participate in any special events.

Importantly however, you should not assume that these providers offer the cheapest deals. It’s wise to compare the rates offered by specialist insurers alongside those from conventional insurers by using a comparison website – this will give you an overview of the market and help you find a competitive deal.

Other ways to save on modified car insurance

There are several additional ways to save money on modified car insurance including:

• Owners’ club discounts: Some insurers offer discounts if you are part of a car owners’ club.
• Limited mileage discounts: Agreeing to a mileage limit could help reduce premiums.
• Advanced driver courses: Completing an advanced driver course such as the Pass Plus, IAM or MAX driver qualification could cut premiums.
• Keeping your car in a garage: Keep the vehicle in a garage overnight and park in a secure area during the day. It could be worth spending a little extra to park in a car park that is CCTV monitored.
• Have your catalytic converter marked: This will help police trace it back to you if it is removed.
• Security: Consider fitting a security device that is sensitive to the movements of a vehicle such as a tracking device.

Following these steps and declaring them to an insurer could help you save on car insurance – consult your provider about which steps and devices offer the largest savings.