If you enjoy getting more out of your car than just getting to your destination, you should be aware that any customizing that you do to your vehicle impacts your auto policy as well.
The Basics
An automobile policy is designed to provide you a level of protection against property, liability, and medical costs, if you are involved in an accident. Optional custom parts and equipment coverage ensures that your customized details are covered as well.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage
A basic auto policy’s collision or comprehensive policy provides insurance only for the original equipment included by the manufacturer. If your vehicle has special equipment or permanently installed custom parts that alter its appearance or performance, optional custom parts and equipment coverage may be for you. 
Special equipment includes the following:
- Customized paint or decals
- Customized wheels, spoilers, suspensions, or performance-related equipment
- Stereo or television equipment
- Running boards, roll bars or brush bars
- Undercarriage lighting
- Bed liners, camper shells and trailer hitches
Within the limits that you select in your policy, custom parts and equipment coverage reimburses you for the actual cash value or the actual cost to repair, whichever is lowest.
You should know that insurance payments reflect what a car would be worth at the time of the loss, not what was paid for it, so the cost for modifications may be difficult to recoup in the event of a total loss.
The Bottom Line
Call our office at 780.532.7800 to learn more about our automobile insurance and personal risk management solutions.
