If you're driving a modified van, you might be thinking about how the modifications affect your insurance.
We’re here to explain how insurance for modified vans works and where to get it.
What is insurance for modified vans?
Most insurers offer the same cover for modified vans as standard vans, rather than a separate kind of insurance. At Admiral, we do the same.
Some people drive modified vans, meaning they’ve been changed in some way after being bought from the manufacturer.
In other words, they're vans that have been modified by someone other than the manufacturer.
Just a heads up, add-ons you choose from the manufacturer for your van aren't modifications.
Don’t worry, it’s not a separate kind of cover and usually still comes under standard van insurance.
What counts as a modification?
It includes things like:
- suspension changes
- engine upgrades or remapping
- body kits (like side skirts and spoilers)
- custom paintwork
- dead locks
- wheel upgrades (like adding alloys)
It also includes interior changes to your van, like new seats or campervan conversions.
How is cover for modified vans different to regular cover?
It's exactly the same as our regular van insurance. But heads up – the price of your cover could increase or decrease based on what modifications you have.
If you've got a modified electric van, you'll still get the benefits of our electric van insurance (as long as your modifications are safe and legal).
If you've got any illegal or unsafe modifications, we might not be able to cover you – whether you’ve got a petrol, diesel and electric van.
Why do I need to tell my insurer about modifications?
Modifying your van can increase or decrease its:
- value
- risk on the road
- driving performance
- theft risk
This means we may need to adjust your cover, or how much it costs, based on how these factors change.
Do you cover all kinds of modifications?
We don’t cover modifications if you want to claim for them, but we can cover all the standard parts of your van that aren’t modifications.
Some changes to these van features may be illegal if they don't meet UK road traffic regulations:
- exhausts
- window tints
- lights
- horns
- body
For some modifications, we'll cover you, but you won't be able to claim for those specific modifications.
Make sure you check if a type of modification or part is legal before getting started.
When do I need to tell my insurer about my van's modifications?
If your van's already modified, let your insurer know about any modifications when you take out your cover.
We'll ask about them when you get a quote, so you'll have a chance to tell us.
If you're already insured with us and want to make a van modification, get in touch with us first to see if we can cover it.
Very dangerous modifications (like suspension lifts and aftermarket brakes) might invalidate your cover, so it's always best to check first.
What if my modifications were made by a professional?
Whoever did your modifications, you’ll still need to tell us about them. That’s because the changes were made by someone other than the van manufacturer.
But if you’re going to get some modifications made, it's much safer to hire a professional instead of doing them yourself.
It could put you and your van at risk if things aren't done safely or legally.
Which changes aren't seen as modifications?
Very minor things often aren't classed as modifications, like:
- seat covers
- seatbelt covers
- custom floor mats
It’s best to ask your insurer about these things anyway, just in case they need to know about them!
Head to our van resource page to find more tips and advice for van drivers.
