Design911, the well-known specialist supplier of Porsche OEM parts and components, has clarified some of the aspects of performance parts upgrades and replacement parts that can impact vehicle insurance—and those that usually will not.
Following increased demand for high-quality components, electrical parts and modifications that augment performance, handling, aesthetics and speed, the company has offered professional insights to avoid common issues where Porsche enthusiasts may find that their insurance is invalid during the complexities of a claim.
The Link Between Car Insurance and Porsche Aftermarket Components
Design911 Head of Sales Strategy, Anthony Malone, explains that ‘Aftermarket parts are often misunderstood. Although some components are available as lower-cost alternatives to Porsche OEM parts, others are created with performance in mind but may not be categorised as a like-for-like replacement by an insurance provider.
Insurance coverage depends heavily on the company, the component and the reason for a claim, but we often speak with automotive professionals and Porsche owners who have not recognised that an improvement made to their vehicle should have been reportable.
If a vehicle is fitted with an aftermarket part that has not been declared, it may impact the validity of the coverage, even if the component has a similar or higher specification than the original.’
For insurance purposes, a modification refers to any alteration to the factory standard of the vehicle and can apply to any characteristic of the car that wasn’t fitted during manufacturing or replaced as an identical component.
Some changes with no mechanical applications can be treated as modifications, including adding technical components such as parking sensors or cosmetic parts like alloy wheels, spoilers, or body kits, which can also be relevant to insurance.
Following the recommendations shared by the Desing911 team might help Porsche owners understand the importance of declaring modifications and identifying parts that could potentially change their insurance premiums.
Current Guidance on Changes and Components That May Impact Insurance Coverage
Across the insurance sector, the norm is to consider a policy invalid or void if any change has been made without prior notice and agreement by the insurance provider. Some insurance companies will decline to quote for coverage of specialised and sports-performance vehicles – although niche coverage providers will be more likely to assist.
Even though many insurance brands in the UK will request or require mechanics to use a low-cost aftermarket part in a repair service covered by the relevant policy, they may also treat the following as changes that either impact the cost of coverage or invalidate it:
Body kits that make a significant change to the outward appearance of the vehicle.
Adding turbo, supercharging, transmission or gear change components that improve vehicle power, fuel economy, or performance.
Visual modifications like racing-style seats and wheel arches that can enhance the handling and weight of a Porsche or enable the owner to fit larger tyres.
Changes to the exhaust that produce greater power or noise, upgraded braking systems, roll cages and roll bars to assist with stability and driver safety.
Anthony recommends that any Porsche owner, restorer, or enthusiast considering any of these modifications or choosing between OEM and aftermarket replacement parts consult the Design911 team or their insurance provider before investing in performance parts.
In some cases, declaring a modification will result in a minimal change to insurance premiums, but in others, a non-specialist provider will not consider covering high-power performance components.
Professional Advice on Insurance-Compliant Aftermarket Components
Anthony adds that there is an equally long list of improvements, aftermarket parts and changes that normally do not need to be specifically declared, many of which will also not change the premium payable for vehicle coverage.
They say, ‘Provided aftermarket parts are road-legal, of at least the same standard and specification as the original and replace a part included within the Porsche at the point of manufacture, there should be very little effect on your car insurance.
Likewise, most insurance companies look favourably on additional parts that improve security, including alarms, tracking systems, immobilisers, dash cams, parking sensors, and recreational components like bike racks, roof racks, and top box brackets.
Most insurance providers will also be happy to cover audio and entertainment systems, assuming these are not above a threshold value, window tinting that falls within the legal parameters in the UK, and any optional extras you choose to have incorporated within a made-to-order or custom manufactured Porsche.
Checking with your insurer and ensuring that any Porsche aftermarket part you buy meets all the necessary standards remains essential to verifying that your vehicle and all its components are fully insured.’
Read more about Design911 - Porsche Parts Expert, Design911, Offers Recommendations for 981 Upgrades
Media Contact:
Anthony Malone
+44 (0)208 500 8811
About Design911
Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and rebuild as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The Design911.co.uk website now sports a Porsche parts finder to help you get the exact aftermarket Porsche part your need. The company's impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply 'every part for every Porsche'.
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Source Company: https://www.design911.co.uk
