Tuning was particularly fashionable in the late 90s until the early 2000s. It has not completely gone out of fashion. It is often more sober, more discreet, but it is always very present. It is necessary to consider the consequences of an accident caused by a tuning car .
What is a tuning car?
A tuning car is a car modified to improve its performance, appearance, or both. Tuning may include changes to the exterior and interior of the car.
Cosmetic modifications may include changes to:
· Bodywork (body kit, tinted windows);
· Custom rims;
· Fins;
· Paintings, custom graphics;
· Addition of a powerful audio system;
· Replacement of seats, customization of the passenger compartment;
· New steering wheel and other interior elements.
Mechanical and technical transformations are often carried out. They increase engine power and road holding. For this, other elements will be modified, such as the suspension, the brakes, the exhaust. Most of these modifications are illegal , as they alter the vehicle’s original specifications for which it was homologated.
Tuning cars are often used in speed races or exhibitions. They can be used for leisure activities or for the pleasure of driving a car in its image. Tuning has evolved a lot over the past 20 years. It offers the possibility of personalizing your vehicle more or less discreetly, according to taste. Even car manufacturers have adopted it by offering customizable models, such as the Mini range or the Citroën C3 to name but a few.
Among current trends, engine reprogramming is in vogue. The goal is simple: increase the power of a car for a few hundred euros. This type of retouching on the cartography is prohibited. The vehicle is no longer homologated . Worse still, a large increase in power will impact performance. Braking and handling are not adapted to this power.
What happens if a tuning car causes an accident?
In the event of an accident involving a tuning car, the consequences may be greater than with an unmodified car. If the driver of the tuning car is responsible or partially responsible for the accident, as for any driver, he could receive a penalty . This will result in an increase in the annual insurance premium.
Modifications made to a car can affect its performance and safety . If these modifications are carried out without taking into account the applicable regulations, it could lead to road safety problems. It is important to ensure that all modifications to a tuning car are up to standard. You must notify your insurer of all changes to the car in writing . This will ensure that the car is covered by accident insurance, unless the company refuses to cover the modified vehicle.
If the car has been modified without having informed the insurer in writing , there would be a possible lack of insurance. If the transformations carried out modify the technical characteristics of the vehicle, the insurer could terminate the insurance contract . This may be the case if the modifications relate to engine power, inappropriately sized rims, suspension or a non-compliant braking device.
Find your car insurance with lesfurets
Lesferets can help you find insurance for your car. If the modifications made remain in accordance with the original homologation, it is quite easy to find cover for your tuning car. It will simply be necessary to ensure that the modifications are taken care of in the event of a disaster.
By using lesferets, you can save up to €360 per year, on average, on your insurance by comparing offers from different partner insurers. The service is free and without obligation. All you have to do is go to the online comparatorand then answer a few questions to identify the car to be taken out under warranty.
At the end of the questionnaire, we question our insurance partners to offer you the best offers available. You can compare quotes easily and then subscribe directly online after making your choice. So don’t wait any longer! Take advantage now of the best prices on auto insurance.
