Car modifications and customising your car insurance

From window tints to suspension upgrades, modifications made to your car should be reflected on your insurance policy. So if you have a policy with AAMI, make sure it’s up to date.

We can help customise your car insurance policy, depending on the information you provide us about your car.

It’s important you tell us as soon as possible if you plan to add or have added accessories or modifications to your car.

What’s the difference between vehicle modifications and accessories?

It’s pretty simple. Modifications are any changes you make to the manufacturer’s standard body, engine, suspension, wheels or paintwork of your car which may affect its performance, value, safety or appearance. Think of limited slip differentials, window tinting, racing seats; these sorts of additions can affect either the performance, appearance or value of your car.

Accessories, such as roof racks, are additions to your car which don’t affect your car’s performance or change its structure.

The distinction is important. If something affects the value, performance, safety or appearance of your vehicle, your insurer should know. This means your policy remains accurate and valid, and may help ensure you’re covered in the event of a claim. 

What modifications are covered by insurance?

At AAMI, we cover all legal modifications and accessories fitted to your car. So you might want to think twice before making your own modifications without professional support, as you want your vehicle to remain legal to drive. 

Do car modifications affect premiums?

If your vehicle is insured for a specific ‘amount covered’, then that’s the maximum amount you’ll be paid if it’s stolen or written off. So you’ll want to make sure it’s enough to replace your car as it was before the incident — including your modifications.

If your ‘amount covered’ reflects what it would cost to buy the car, but not to re-do your mods, you might wind up with a vehicle that’s a little less “you” than it was before. This is why you should check that the amount you cover your car for is enough to include the value of your insured accessories and modifications, as described on your Certificate of Insurance. 

If you choose to insure for ‘market value’, and we agree to that, accessories and modifications permanently fitted to the vehicle will be included in determining that market value if and when you make a claim. 

How to customise your car insurance policy 

Comprehensive Car Insurance

If you’re considering Comprehensive cover with AAMI, you can customise your policy with Optional Covers you can pay extra for, like Roadside Assistance, Hire Car, and excess-free Windscreen and Window Glass Cover. These can be added on to your policy so you’re getting the level of cover you need.

Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance

Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance covers you for damage to other people's property for up to $20 million¹, and damage to your vehicle by uninsured drivers for up to $5,000.²

There are a few options for customising your Third Party cover, including the following:

• Damage by fire³. 
• Cover for theft or attempted theft⁴. 
• Hire car after theft for up to 21 days​⁵. 
• Up to $500 for personal items⁶.

Explore car insurance options below and get a quote today!

Explore AAMI Car Insurance

Read more

Does your car insurance cover theft of personal items?

Why You Should Check Your Car Insurance Amount Covered At Renewal Time 

What is the AAMI repairs process?

¹ Up to $20 million of cover if your car damages someone else's vehicle or property.

² When your car is damaged by a collision with another vehicle driven by an uninsured driver, we cover damage to your car (up to the amount of $5,000), but only if, the other driver was entirely at fault and you can give us the name and address of the person at fault and the registration number of the at fault vehicle.​

³ If your car is damaged by fire or a total loss, we cover repairs or pay you the amount covered you have chosen (up to $10,000) less any deductions.

⁴ If your car is stolen or damaged by someone attempting to steal it, we cover repairs or pay you the amount you covered your car for (up to $10,000) less any deductions.
(If car is damaged we may repair/pay less than $10,000.)​

⁵ We keep you on the road if your car was stolen with a hire car that meets your transport needs until your car's returned undamaged or repaired or your claim is settled, to a maximum of 21 days.

⁶ Left something in the car? We pay up to $500 for things that were in your car when the car was stolen, such as phones, laptops or clothing. (Exceptions apply such as cash and tools.)​

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.