How is a Modified Car Defined?

The definition of a modified car or truck is simple. A modified car is any vehicle altered from its original factory specifications to improve performance, enhance aesthetics, or add functionality.

These changes range from minor cosmetic tweaks to major mechanical upgrades.

Learn more about vehicle eligibility for classic truck insurance policies at OpenRoad and get your antique truck on the path to coverage. 

Aesthetic vs. Performance Modifications

Aesthetic updates can include paint upgrades, window tinting, or auto wraps, but they can also include more personalized touches that have modified the car from its factory specs. Custom wheels or aftermarket cosmetic adjustments would also be included as an aesthetic modification.

Mechanical upgrades include any adjustment or change meant to improve the handling or performance of your car or truck from what it had when it was fresh from the factory. Engine swaps, suspension upgrades, or transmission adjustments can be considered mechanical modifications.

For insurance purposes, it’s often necessary to be able to report on all modifications to your insurer to avoid denied claims or coverage cancellation. Document your upgrades, even if you don’t think it’s a major modification. This way, you can get the most accurate quote and avoid any issues if you should need to make a claim.

Stock vs. Custom vs. Modified Cars

A car or truck is considered ‘stock’ when it comes from the manufacturer without any aftermarket modifications. That’s easy, but what about the difference between modified and custom cars and trucks?

The main difference between modified and custom cars is how extensive changes have been and purpose of the upgrades.

While both types of vehicles are altered from their original factory, or ‘stock’ state, modified cars typically enhance the original, stock vehicle. Custom cars aim to make the vehicle more unique from its original form.

Mechanical updates to the engine, suspension or transmission would likely be considered modifications. Changes to the body such as chopping a roof, channeling a body, or other more extensive updates would likely push a car or truck into the ‘custom’ category.

Insurance costs can vary for modified and customized cars and trucks. The best option is to keep detailed records of modifications and changes and review them with an insurance provider such as OpenRoad.

Which Types of Insurance Are Available For Modified Cars?

There are options when it comes to insurance coverage for modified cars and trucks, but the answer is ‘it depends’. The type of insurance you’re able to get coverage for depends on several different factors. However, the available policy options that most modified cars and trucks would fall under are as follows:

Stated Value Coverage

Stated value coverage for modified cars and trucks allows owners to declare a vehicle's enhanced value, however in a total loss the insurance company may pay less if the market value (actual cash value) has dropped. The stated value becomes the maximum amount the insurer will pay out. This includes any custom parts, upgrades, or modifications.

This type of policy often requires appraisals and documentation to support the declared value.

Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance provides specialized coverage for collectible vehicles, typically using "agreed value" to cover the full worth of the car without depreciation. This type of auto insurance policy requires the owner and the insurer to pre-determine the vehicle’s worth. A policy like this would pay out that exact amount, minus the deductible, if it is totaled or stolen. An agreed value policy doesn’t take depreciation into account.

Policies like this are meant to cover vintage, antique, or modified cars restricted to low-mileage usage. This is an ideal option for an owner that limits driving to exhibitions or club activities.

How Can I Get an Insurance Quote for my Modified Car?

Do you own a modified car or truck and need auto insurance? The team at OpenRoad may be able to help you get the coverage you need to stay on the road.

Apply online, and our experts will be in touch with the insurance details you need to keep your classic on the open road. You can also give us a call at 1-866-952-7622 or send us a message to have additional insurance questions answered.