Modified Motorbike Insurance

What Is Modified Motorbike Insurance?

Bike modifications are popular among all types of riders. However, modifications change your motorcycle’s build on a fundamental level. Whether you’re making physical modifications to make your bike looks uniquely you, or you’re adding performance-focused modifications to enhance your riding enjoyment, alterations to your bike often have to be accounted for by your insurance company.

Making modifications to a motorbike can alter the way it performs. It can also increase its value. Due to these factors, modified bikes often need specialist insurance policies that consider the changes.

Modified motorbike insurance, also known as custom motorcycle insurance, is specifically tailored to cover the potential increases in bike value from alterations or additions. They are also designed to protect your bike from any extra risk that the modification may cause. While minor modifications may be protected by a regular motorbike insurance policy, some insurers have limitations on the number and type of modifications that may be made, so a heavily modified bike might not be covered.

Modified motorbike insurance falls under the category of non-standard insurance, which is why it can be difficult to find coverage at a fair price. It’s a unique market in the insurance industry, and not every insurance offers coverage for modified motorbikes.

What Is Considered As a Modified Motorbike?

Any changes to the bike’s original specifications are referred to as modifications. This may include, for example, any changes that boost the bike’s performance.

There are various types of modifications that can be made to a motorbike. Below are some of the types:

• Performance modifications – These include modifications that increase the strength or speed of your bike, such as power-adding exhausts, supercharging and turbocharging and engine tuning. They are likely to raise your insurance premium. This is because the bike could be thought to be more difficult to handle and more likely to attract thieves.
• Safety modifications – Although many modifications increase your bike’s strength, you can also make changes to improve its safety. They can help with handling, power, and stability in inclement weather. While insurers don’t always lower premiums as a result of these changes, you shouldn’t expect a price increase if you install suspension systems that are active or semi-active, power restrictors or throttles, breaking structures that are more effective, and tires for touring or cruising.
• Physical alteration – This may vary from small cosmetic modifications such as removing fairings or applying decals to significant structural changes. If you make changes such as carbon fiber replacements and special paintwork, you may have to pay more for your insurance.
• Security modifications – With insurer-approved motorbike protection installed, you might be able to save a significant amount of money on your premium. Security modifications may include suspension systems that are active or semi-active, immobiliser, tracker, and engine or chassis etching.
• Practical modifications – These are less likely to impact your premium. When it comes to luggage-carrying accessories, the most important thing to remember is whether they’ve been permanently mounted. However, if your trunk or panniers are easy to remove, your insurers might not cover them if they’re stolen.

Does Modifying Your Motorbike Increase Premium Rates?

Yes, in most cases, modifying your bike can result in an increase in premium rates. Modified bikes are often viewed as more attractive, not only by their owners but also by robbers. They can also boost the bike’s total value, and if your prized two-wheeler has been speed-added, it’s more likely to be considered a higher-risk vehicle. Thus, increasing the premium costs.

However, not all bike modifications make your insurance more expensive. In some cases, it may even make your insurance cheaper. For example, if you make security modifications, such as an electronic immobiliser, to lessen the risk of your bike being stolen, you may enjoy cheaper motorbike insurance.