Understanding vehicle modifications

In today’s world, we want to customise everything from our coffee orders to our phone covers. Car and bike enthusiasts take their love of personalisation to the next level by customising their vehicles. While some changes don’t require lengthy approval processes, certain modifications must get approved by your Regional Transport Office (RTO). You must inform your motor insurance provider about modifications to update your coverage and keep your vehicle safe. Let’s better understand how you can make the required customisations to your vehicle while keeping your vehicle insurance updated.

Any changes you make to your car or bike that are not according to the original manufacturer’s specifications are considered vehicle modifications. Some modifications, such as a paint job, vinyl wrap or spoiler, are purely cosmetic. Engine tuning, exhaust system upgrades, and suspension modifications alter your vehicle’s performance.

Modifications can enhance your vehicle’s aesthetics and performance. They can also impact your insurance coverage. Insurance companies assess the risk associated with a modified vehicle differently. Your modifications may affect the vehicle’s safety, handling and value. These customisations could impact your motor insurance policy premiums or coverage terms.

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) govern all vehicle modifications in India. The rules define permissible alterations. You can make the following alterations to your vehicle in India:

• Painting the car a different colour
• Upgrading the tyres
• Body wrapping
• Installing bolt-on parts such as side panels, front splitters and body cladding
• Installing alloy wheels or leather seats
• Installing a CNG kit on a petrol car
• Upgrading the car’s suspension

However, some of these modifications come with terms and conditions. For example, you must get RTO approval for the new vehicle colour before painting it. The RTO will upgrade the Registration Certificate (RC) to reflect the new colour. When you change the suspension, you cannot reduce the vehicle’s ground clearance beyond a limit. Lowering the ground clearance can cause the undercarriage to scrape the road, which could be unsafe.

Most car and bike enthusiasts stick to cosmetic changes. However, some people choose to modify their vehicle’s engine. When you replace your car’s engine, you must get RTO permission for the car modification. Additionally, you must ensure that the new engine’s capacity does not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.

Before you make vehicle alterations, ensure you understand what’s legal and illegal. Government guidelines do not permit individuals to install loud horns of over 100 decibels. You cannot purchase a fancy registration plate that makes it difficult to read the number. The rules do not allow noisy exhaust pipes, colourful headlights or oversized alloy wheels.

You should always inform your insurance company about all vehicle modifications. Changes to your engine could increase your premiums while installing anti-theft devices could help lower it. Your insurance company may reevaluate the insurance for your motor vehicle based on the alterations. You can follow these steps to let your insurance company know about the changes you made to your car or bike:

Step 1: Scan the pages in your RC book that reflect the approved changes from the RTO.

Step 2: Send the copies to your insurance company via their official e-mail ID. 

Step 3: Detail the changes you have made in the e-mail and let your insurance company know you are open to discussing changes to your insurance coverage.

Once you complete the process, the insurance company may request a vehicle assessment. They will send an officer to your address at an agreeable time. The surveyor will check the vehicle and assess whether the modifications impact the assumed risk and value of the car or bike. Your insurance company may request to change your insurance policy based on the assessment.

Customising and altering your vehicle requires a lot of paperwork and government approvals. Before you make any modifications, ensure you consider the following factors:

Car modifications can be costly. Calculate the cost of all the changes you want to make. Prioritise the alterations and start with the most crucial ones to keep your costs low.

Some changes could make your vehicle less safe. Avoid eliminating in-built safety features to keep your car and loved ones safe.

You may want to sell your vehicle after a few years. Your modifications could impact the resale value. Consider making changes that enhance the car’s performance without negatively affecting the resale value.

When modifying older vehicles, you may not always get original parts. While making modifications, ensure you use available and replaceable parts.

Whatever modification you make to your vehicle; you must ensure you have the right insurance coverage. At Zuno, we offer different types of motor insurance plans that you can customise based on your requirements. Choose between comprehensive and third-party plans and boost your coverage with our range of add-ons. Ensure you renew your insurance plan on time to avoid losing your coverage. Remember, your insurance plan helps look after you and your modified and customised vehicle.

ARN: Zuno/Blog/How to inform your insurance company about modifications/07/23/10

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