Best Auto Insurance for Custom Cars in 2024 (Top 10 Companies)
Ready to buy auto insurance for custom vehicles? There are many options available. Our guide provides information on collector car insurance and more. Average annual rates can be between $2,000 and $5,000. Be sure to compare auto insurance quotes for custom vehicles to get affordable options.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: May 19, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Full Coverage for Custom Cars
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Full Coverage for Custom Cars
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Full Coverage for Custom Cars
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company | Rank | Multi-Vehicle Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 15% | A++ | Many Discounts | State Farm | |
#2 | 10% | A+ | Online Convenience | Progressive | |
#3 | 13% | A+ | Add-on Coverages | Allstate | |
#4 | 15% | A | Student Savings | American Family | |
#5 | 10% | A++ | Accident Forgiveness | Travelers | |
#6 | 8% | A | Local Agents | Farmers | |
#7 | 5% | A | Exclusive Benefits | Safeco | |
#8 | 11% | A+ | Add-on Coverages | USAA | |
#9 | 10% | A+ | Usage Discount | Nationwide | |
#10 | 15% | A++ | Cheap Rates | Geico |
You can (and should) compare cheap modified car insurance quotes from various insurance providers to get the affordable auto insurance for custom vehicles. Use our free comparison tool today to begin looking for auto insurance quotes for custom vehicles now.
- Your Department of Motor Vehicles will require documents like a certificate of origin, statement of construction, and safety inspection report to register your customized vehicle.
- Customized Parts and Equipment Coverage will provide protection for your modified parts that were not installed by the original manufacturer.
- Many insurance companies will impose exclusions on the policy if you will be racing with your customized car or if you fail to report additional automobile modifications.
#1 – State Farm: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Many Discounts: State Farm auto insurance review highlights that State Farm provides multiple discounts, such as a multi-vehicle discount, enabling policyholders to reduce their premiums.
- Financial Strength: With an A++ rating from A.M. Best, State Farm demonstrates strong financial stability and reliability, providing peace of mind to its customers.
- Personalized Service: State Farm is known for its extensive network of local agents who provide personalized assistance and support to policyholders.
Cons
- Limited Online Options: While State Farm offers discounts and personalized service through its agents, some customers may find its online interface and digital options less comprehensive compared to other insurers.
- Higher Rates: Despite offering discounts, State Farm’s rates may be comparatively higher for certain demographics or regions, potentially making it less competitive for price-conscious customers.
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#2 – Progressive: Best for Online Convenience
Pros
- Online Convenience: Progressive is praised for its user-friendly online platform, allowing customers to manage policies, file claims, and access resources with ease.
- Financial Strength: An A+ rating from A.M. Best for Progressive auto insurance review shows the company has strong financial stability and reliability, instilling confidence in its customers.
- Range of Discounts: Progressive offers various discounts, including a multi-vehicle discount, providing opportunities for policyholders to save on their premiums.
Cons
- Limited Discounts: While Progressive offers a multi-vehicle discount, its range of discounts may be more limited compared to other insurers, potentially resulting in fewer savings opportunities for policyholders.
- Average Customer Service: Some customers may experience average levels of customer service with Progressive, especially those who prefer more personalized interactions or assistance from local agents.
#3 – Allstate: Best for Add-on Coverages
Pros
- Add-on Coverages: In an Allstate auto insurance review, it’s evident that the company offers a diverse array of add-on coverages and customization options, demonstrating its commitment to providing tailored coverage for policyholders’ unique needs and preferences.
- Financial Strength: With an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Allstate demonstrates strong financial stability and reliability, ensuring that policyholders are well-protected.
- Discounts: Allstate provides discounts, including a multi-vehicle discount, offering opportunities for policyholders to save on their premiums.
Cons
- Moderate Discounts: While Allstate offers discounts, its savings opportunities may not be as extensive as those offered by some competitors, potentially resulting in higher premiums for some customers.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Some customers may have mixed experiences with Allstate’s customer service and claims handling, with occasional complaints about responsiveness and communication.
#4 – American Family: Best for Student Savings
Pros
- Student Savings: American Family offers discounts specifically geared towards students, making it an attractive option for young drivers or families with student drivers.
- Financial Strength: With an A rating from A.M. Best, American Family demonstrates strong financial stability and reliability, ensuring that policyholders are well-protected.
- Personalized Service: American Family auto insurance review showcase the company personalized approach to customer service, with agents often available to provide tailored guidance and assistance to policyholders.
Cons
- Limited Coverage Options: While American Family may offer student savings, its coverage options and add-on coverages may be more limited compared to larger insurers, potentially resulting in less comprehensive protection for policyholders.
- Regional Availability: American Family operates primarily in specific regions of the United States, which may limit its availability to customers in other areas, reducing options for those seeking coverage outside its service area.
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#5 – Travelers: Best for Accident Forgiveness
Pros
- Accident Forgiveness: Travelers offers accident forgiveness, allowing policyholders to maintain their premium rates even after an at-fault accident, which can provide valuable peace of mind.
- Financial Strength: In a Travelers auto insurance review, the company’s A++ rating from A.M. Best underscores its robust financial stability and reliability, showcasing the company’s tailored coverage for policyholders’ needs.
- Range of Coverage Options: Travelers provides a wide range of coverage options and customizable policies, allowing customers to tailor their insurance plans to their specific needs.
Cons
- Limited Discounts: While Travelers may offer accident forgiveness, its range of discounts and savings opportunities may be more limited compared to other insurers, potentially resulting in higher premiums for some customers.
- Average Customer Service: Some customers may experience average levels of customer service with Travelers, with occasional complaints about responsiveness and claims processing times.
#6 – Farmers: Best for Local Agents
Pros
- Local Agents: Farmers operates through a network of local agents, providing personalized assistance and support to policyholders.
- Financial Strength: With an A rating from A.M. Best, Farmers demonstrates strong financial stability and reliability, ensuring that policyholders are well-protected.
- Range of Coverage Options: In examining a Farmers auto insurance review, it becomes evident that the company provides customized coverage options for its customers, allowing them to personalize their insurance policies to suit their individual needs.
Cons
- Limited Discounts: While Farmers may offer discounts, its range of savings opportunities may be more limited compared to other insurers, potentially resulting in higher premiums for some customers.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Some customers may have mixed experiences with Farmers’ customer service and claims handling, with occasional complaints about responsiveness and communication.
#7 – Safeco: Exclusive Benefits
Pros
- Exclusive Benefits: Safeco auto insurance review highlights the company’s reputation for offering customized customer support, where agents are readily accessible to offer personalized advice and aid to policyholders.
- Financial Strength: With an A rating from A.M. Best, Safeco demonstrates strong financial stability and reliability, ensuring that policyholders are well-protected.
- Range of Coverage Options: Safeco offers a variety of coverage options and add-on coverages, allowing customers to tailor their insurance policies to their specific needs.
Cons
- Limited Discounts: While Safeco may offer exclusive benefits, its range of discounts and savings opportunities may be more limited compared to other insurers, potentially resulting in higher premiums for some customers.
- Average Customer Service: Some customers may experience average levels of customer service with Safeco, with occasional complaints about responsiveness and claims processing times.
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#8 – USAA: Best for Add-on Coverages
Pros
- Add-on Coverages: USAA offers a variety of add-on coverages and customization options, allowing policyholders to tailor their insurance policies to their specific needs and preferences.
- Financial Strength: USAA auto insurance review highlights the insurer’s top-notch financial stability and reliability, evidenced by its A+ rating from A.M. Best, assuring policyholders of robust protection.
- Range of Discounts: USAA provides discounts and savings opportunities, including a multi-vehicle discount and other policyholder benefits.
Cons
- Membership Eligibility: USAA membership is limited to military members, veterans, and their families, restricting eligibility for potential customers who do not meet these criteria.
- Limited Availability: USAA operates primarily online and through phone services, with fewer physical branch locations compared to traditional insurers, potentially limiting accessibility for some customers.
#9 – Nationwide: Best for Usage Discount
Pros
- Usage Discount: Nationwide offers a usage-based discount program, allowing policyholders to save on their premiums based on their driving habits and behaviors.
- Financial Strength: With an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Nationwide demonstrates strong financial stability and reliability, ensuring that policyholders are well-supported.
- Range of Coverage Options: Nationwide auto insurance review showcases a diverse range of coverage choices and additional options, empowering clients to tailor their insurance plans to suit their individual requirements.
Cons
- Limited Discounts: While Nationwide may offer a usage discount, its range of discounts and savings opportunities may be more limited compared to other insurers, potentially resulting in higher premiums for some customers.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Some customers may have mixed experiences with Nationwide’s customer service and claims handling, with occasional complaints about responsiveness and communication.
#10 – Geico: Best in Cheap Rates
Pros
- Cheap Rates: Geico auto insurance review highlights the company’s reputation for competitive pricing and budget-friendly insurance choices, catering to the needs of policyholders seeking affordability.
- Financial Strength: With an A++ rating from A.M. Best, Geico demonstrates exceptional financial stability and reliability, ensuring that policyholders are well-protected.
- Range of Coverage Options: Geico provides a variety of coverage options and add-on coverages, allowing customers to tailor their insurance policies to their specific needs.
Cons
- Limited Personalized Service: Geico primarily operates online and through phone services, with less emphasis on personalized assistance from local agents, potentially leading to a less tailored experience for some customers.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Some customers may have mixed experiences with Geico’s customer service and claims handling, with occasional complaints about responsiveness and communication.
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Registering a Customized Vehicle
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other motor vehicle registration agency appointed by the state will require the following documents as proof of ownership in order to register your customized car:
- An application for registration or title
- A statement of construction
- Proof of vehicle’s safety inspection or vehicle verification
- A certificate of origin
Many insurance companies will be hesitant to insure your modified vehicle due to the risk of theft associated with such cars and the expensive features that may cost a fortune to replace in case of an accident or theft.
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
Allstate | $105 | $150 |
American Family | $90 | $140 |
Farmers | $92 | $136 |
Geico | $85 | $130 |
Nationwide | $97 | $143 |
Progressive | $100 | $145 |
Safeco | $94 | $139 |
State Farm | $95 | $138 |
Travelers | $98 | $142 |
USAA | $105 | $150 |
Here are the auto modification types that affect the cost of insuring these vehicles:
- Chrome bumpers
- Vertical doors
- Racing tires and chrome wheels
- Hood ornaments
- Auxiliary lighting (fog lights)
- Front or rear spoilers
- New stereo systems
- Under-car accent lights
For information on insuring customized parts, read the section below.
Customized Parts and Equipment Coverage
The additional features listed above and other customized paintwork and encryptions can be quite costly and you don’t want to leave everything to chance.
Depending on the level of vehicle modification parts and enhancements you use on your car, the insurance rates could vary from one provider to another. Either way, insuring a custom built car is important. Take your time to shop around and compare quotes online before settling on a policy.
Auto insurance companies will only cover the features included by the original manufacturer.
If you choose to add any modification like GPS, customized paintwork, or decorations on the sides, be sure to take out customized parts and equipment coverage to take care of your favorite additions in case of damage.
Average Annual Comprehensive Auto Insurance Rates by State
State | Average Annual Comprehensive Rates |
---|---|
Alabama | $146.28 |
Alaska | $141.08 |
Arizona | $184.20 |
Arkansas | $183.36 |
California | $99.29 |
Colorado | $158.34 |
Connecticut | $126.02 |
Countrywide | $138.87 |
Delaware | $113.23 |
District of Columbia | $230.25 |
Florida | $110.12 |
Georgia | $153.61 |
Hawaii | $100.09 |
Idaho | $110.78 |
Illinois | $117.98 |
Indiana | $115.02 |
Iowa | $171.58 |
Kansas | $230.65 |
Kentucky | $130.15 |
Louisiana | $208.59 |
Maine | $96.66 |
Maryland | $146.77 |
Massachusetts | $128.92 |
Michigan | $147.02 |
Minnesota | $173.04 |
Mississippi | $194.74 |
Missouri | $166.34 |
Montana | $199.87 |
Nebraska | $206.24 |
Nevada | $116.79 |
New Hampshire | $103.03 |
New Jersey | $123.18 |
New Mexico | $166.89 |
New York | $156.66 |
North Carolina | $123.00 |
North Dakota | $227.64 |
Ohio | $112.74 |
Oklahoma | $201.56 |
Oregon | $89.66 |
Pennsylvania | $132.01 |
Rhode Island | $122.17 |
South Carolina | $165.38 |
South Dakota | $228.59 |
Tennessee | $135.62 |
Texas | $186.70 |
Utah | $106.57 |
Vermont | $118.31 |
Virginia | $129.89 |
Washington | $104.11 |
West Virginia | $195.04 |
Wisconsin | $126.34 |
Wyoming | $222.86 |
In some states, it may be a requirement to have a collision and comprehensive policy to get customized parts and equipment coverage. Average comprehensive policy rates by state can be found in the chart below. As you can see, comprehensive insurance rates can differ greatly based on the state in which you live.
Collector Auto Insurance
Collector car insurance is an ideal solution for providing coverage to a wide range of vehicles including Brass Era Classics and the favorite Honda Civic.
Honda Civic, in particular, offers the perfect vehicle for modification and that’s why it tops the list of the most stolen car on U.S roads.
Collector car insurance offers savings amounting to over 43 percent and doesn’t have limits for the level of modifications you can do on your car or the mileage you can cover.
However, customized cars are critically underwritten and the insurance rates will be highly affected by the extent of use. To gain further insights, consult our comprehensive guide titled “Best Auto Insurance Companies for Modified Cars.”
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Decoding the Challenge: Customized Auto Insurance Perception
If you’re wondering, “Is modified car insurance cheaper?” the answer will usually be “no.” However, there are good modified car insurance options out there.
There’s a common misconception about the class of people who modify their cars and the types of modifications people get. There’s a lot more to customized vehicles than what you see in the movies. For additional details, explore our comprehensive resource titled “Auto Insurance by Vehicle”
- Many car enthusiasts customize their vehicles as a hobby, driven by a passion for powerful engines, shiny wheels, and intricate paintwork.
- Custom car owners typically prioritize maintenance, which reduces insurance risk.
- Due to their significant investment, these enthusiasts are less likely to engage in reckless driving, making insurance coverage easier to obtain.
Insurance for modified car parts is available through Custom Parts and Equipment coverage (CPE). This coverage protects permanently installed customized car modifications, including parts, accessories, and enhancements not provided by the original manufacturer.
Having CPE can offer valuable protection for your custom car, ensuring that your investments in modifications are safeguarded against unexpected incidents.
How to Save on Insurance for Customized Cars
Some drivers have been known to drive at dangerous speeds to showcase their brand new cars with monstrous engine capacities. This can and has resulted in some bad accidents and other scary situations.
- Auto insurance rates for customized cars are on the rise, with some insurers hesitant to provide coverage.
- Finding custom car insurance can be challenging in certain instances.
- Despite this, securing competitive insurance rates for your customized car is possible.
The idea is to get as many online quotes for car modification insurance as you can and make comparisons. It will be easier for you to find good rates for your car if you live in one of the best cities for custom and exotic cars, but comparing rates will help you find savings no matter where you live.
Customized Auto Insurance Exclusions
It’s important to note that insurance for customized vehicles may have some exclusions. Here are the common exclusions that you should be aware of:
- Racing Exclusions: Many auto insurance companies will impose exclusions for accidents that occur when you’re racing with your modified car. It doesn’t really matter whether the racing is legal or not. Depending on your state, even test driving your customized car on a racetrack may lead to the insurance company declining a claim in case of an accident.
- Reporting Exclusions: Insurance firms will not honor claims if they discover that you made some modifications to your car and failed to report the changes. Any modifications that are not reported are considered illegal and will not be covered in case of an accident.
In special cases, the insurer may pay part of your claim but not pay for all the modifications you’ve made to the car. Some insurance companies will totally void your policy if they discover the undisclosed modifications.
You should always make sure that your insurer is notified of every modification you add to your customized car to ensure that you’ll get reimbursement in case of an accident or damage.
It may be tempting to keep quiet about something to avoid an insurance premium increase, but you should be aware that you won’t be reimbursed for them.
The bottom line is to compare quotes from various insurance providers to get the best rates for collision, comprehensive, and customized parts and equipment coverage. Compare today and see how much you could save on car insurance. To delve deeper, refer to our in-depth report titled “Collision Auto Insurance.”
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Understanding Customizations and Coverage
Modifications enhance your vehicle’s performance but may put you at risk for auto insurance rate increases of up to 10 percent more than a normal policy. Are you wondering, “Is my car modified?” Read on for more information.
- If you’ve made any major performance modifications to your vehicle, such as adding hydraulic suspension or a racing spoiler, your car may be considered a higher risk car to insure by auto insurance companies.
- The addition of customized parts for a modified car makes any damage to the car more expensive to repair in relation to the car’s value.
If you have modified your car, you may need to think about additional car insurance coverage to supplement your basic policy.
- If you’ve modified your car for the purpose of racing with it and get involved in a car crash, your insurance will likely not cover you for any racing activities.
- If you don’t tell your auto insurance company about any modifications to your car and then are involved in an accident, you may be out of luck in terms of getting coverage for the value of the modifications.
- Managing your auto insurance policy requires you to be responsible and sensible.
Having a modified car means that you probably did something specific to “soup it up.” It’s true that modified cars are typically more expensive to insure, just like a fancy sports car would be.
However, modified cars are different from exotic or luxury cars because they refer to alterations to the performance or appearance of the car. The parts added to the car are typically non-standard and can be very expensive to find and replace if there is damage to the car.
Telling Your Auto Insurance Agent About Modifications to Your Car
It’s important to let your auto insurance agent know if you’ve modified your car in a significant way. Simply put, your failure to do so means that you might not be able to get coverage for the true value of your modified car in the event of an accident.
There are some things that insurance companies will simply refuse to cover. Any modifications that make the vehicle a non-legal car to drive on public roads will certainly not be covered by your insurance company.
Items such as wheelie bars or drag wheels are not typically covered under a private passenger automobile policy. Sport-type modifications, such as performance wheels and exhaust systems, can be covered under an auto insurance policy as long as you declare them.
- Before making significant performance modifications to your car, verify coverage with your insurer to avoid investing in modifications without insurance protection.
- Consider increasing policy limits for comprehensive and collision coverage if your car already has modifications to ensure adequate protection against damage. For a thorough understanding, refer to our detailed analysis titled “Does car insurance cover storm damage?.”
Pay close attention to deductible amounts for collision and comprehensive coverage, as insurers may require higher deductibles for modified cars; shop around for better deductible options if needed.
This is a good way to make sure that you’re getting enough coverage for a reasonable price. Because the cost of insuring a modified car is higher, it’s even more important to shop around for good premium estimates.
Filing a Claim for a Modified Car
While you hope to never have an accident, it’s important to know how you would file a claim for an accident involving a modified car if you have modified vehicle insurance.
- Gathering information for a claim on your modified car resembles the process for a regular car, but you might need extra documentation regarding the value and repair costs of modifications. To expand your knowledge, refer to our comprehensive handbook titled “How to File an Auto Insurance Claim.”
- Consult the declarations page of your auto insurance policy to determine what damage to your modified car may be covered.
- Ensure all modifications are properly reported to your insurer; they should be listed on the declarations page. However, expect some negotiation with the insurer regarding repair estimates for modifications.
If the total damage to your modified car is very expensive and you’re having trouble getting a settlement from your auto insurance company, it may be worthwhile to consult an experienced lawyer.
This could help speed up the settlement negotiation process and show the insurer that you’re serious about recovering the full amount of damage to the modifications you reported when you took out your car insurance policy.
Compare and save on auto insurance rates for custom vehicles by entering your ZIP code below now to find which car insurance company for custom vehicles is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my custom vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title?
Obtaining insurance for a custom vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title can be challenging, but there are specialized providers who offer coverage.
Can I get insurance coverage for a kit car or replica vehicle?
Yes, it is possible to get insurance coverage for kit cars or replica vehicles, but requirements may vary among providers.
Will my custom vehicle be covered during transportation?
Coverage during transportation depends on your policy; some policies provide coverage, while others require separate transportation coverage.
Are there any restrictions on the type of modifications that can be covered by insurance?
Insurance companies may have restrictions on certain modifications, such as performance enhancements or non-street legal modifications.
Can I get coverage for aftermarket modifications?
Yes, you can obtain coverage for aftermarket modifications through customized parts and equipment coverage.
Will my insurance rates increase if I modify my vehicle?
Modifying your vehicle can potentially increase your insurance rates due to the added risk factors involved.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.