Finding an acceptable insurance company to handle all of your needs can be a headache, even if you’re only trying to secure coverage for a regular, “safe” vehicle. But what if you happen to have a souped-up car with custom parts or designs? Does owning and driving a non-traditional vehicle make the process of gaining insurance more difficult?

High Risk Cars Equal Spending More Money Each Month On Car Insurance

While family-friendly vehicles i.e. SUVs and cars with four doors are noted as being less money to insure, souped-up cars or vehicles that have been customized by their owners are stated as being more or the most to cover each month when it comes to insurance policies. This fact is believed to be true for two reasons:

A)  Parts on these souped-up/custom designed cars are often noted as being more expensive than the cars, themselves.

B)  Drivers of custom-tuned cars are (stereotypically) believed to be reckless, crazy drivers.

Does this mean it’s impossible to get your custom-tuned car insured? No, of course not. However, you may find that securing coverage is more difficult, expensive, and more restrictions to your policy may and probably will apply. An Example Of

The Restrictions

As with all insurance companies, rates and regulations will be different depending on the company and the state in which you live in, as well as the specific modifications you’ve actually made to your car. However, some general restrictions you may run in to when trying to gain coverage for your custom car can include: restrictions from driving on a race track, the limited amount of miles you can drive per year, limit the amount you will be reimbursed if your car is totaled, and more.

The Difficulties Of Getting Insured

An insurance company does have the choice not to insure your custom-tuned car; that is there prerogative. And though you may actually find a company to offer you full protection (it will be very expensive, and that’s if you have a very clean driving record), you may not actually agree with or like what the policy states.

Again, each insurance company will offer different options, but generally speaking, here’s what you can expect: classic cars, shows cars, hot rods, and custom-tuned cars can be covered, but with steep stipulations. For example, your souped-up car will be insured as if it is a show car. This means that while your car is covered on the way to and home from the racetrack, it won’t be covered while on the racetrack. Also, you’re vehicle will not be insured if it’s a used regularly i.e. everyday. In fact, if you have a custom-tuned car, then it’s (highly) recommended that you have another car, a car you use for work, errands, etc.

Insuring a vehicle that you’ve worked on and have custom designed can be done, but chances are that it won’t be done for cheap or will your full list of expectations. If you live in a state where people a more like to have a custom car, you have better chances. California car insurance companies seem to handle this better. The trick is to call around, get different quotes, and find the company that offers coverage for most of your needs.

This is a guest post by Samantha Priest, a freelance writer and an avid blogger who enjoys reading and driving in her free-time.