You have spent a considerable amount of time modifying your car; and now it's unlike anything else on the road. Your modified car is both a blast to drive and your baby to boot. And admit it…it's fun to look on as others admire and praise the detail and work that went into modding your car. Because you have a unique car, you will need unique insurance in order to protect the time and money you have spent perfecting your ride.

Modified cars include hot rods, or even slightly pimped out rides. If you add anything to your car that modifies the driving experience, or directly changes the functionality of the car as it came from the factory, it is considered a modified car. It's important to get adequate insurance coverage for your car, even though the cost might be higher for your hot rod than you pay for your Camry.

Your Current Insurance and Your Modified Car

If you haven't already taken the torch to your car, you can talk to your insurance agent about how your planned additions will affect your insurance rates and coverage. Make sure you discuss how your rates will change. If your insurance will still cover the car, you will need to do the following:

• Have proof of the worth of your after-market modifications.
• Make sure to get everything in writing. Don't rely solely on what your agent tells you over the phone; make sure that you get the policy and all of its details in writing.
• Be totally honest with your agent. There is no point in hiding alterations you are making to the car because you are afraid that it won't be insurable. If something happens and the agency finds out about the changes, they will not cover your claim.

Specialized Insurance for Modified Cars

If your current insurance agency refuses to cover your modded car, you will need to find new insurance. Do some research; look online, call agencies, and find out what's out there in order to get the best coverage for the best price. If your car is really unusual, you might have to get specialized insurance. There are places that only offer insurance for custom or classic cars. However, since they offer specialized insurance, they usually have strict regulations you must follow. Some examples of these rules may include:

• No modifications that make the engine faster, especially as nitrogen.
• No modifications that affect the safety features of the car. This means no removing bumpers or air bags.
• No using the car for road-trips, or even daily use. (Some carriers, such as Hagerty, are more lenient with this rule.)
• The car must have added safety measures (such as being parked in a locked garage).
  
• Take detailed pictures of the modifications made to your car. If you're going to look for the mods to be covered you need to have pictures to prove they are in place. This also aids in making sure you're able to get items replaced if damaged.

However, not all providers will have the same rules. Find a provider that has rules that you can live with. Do not buy a policy with regulations you don't think you will be able to follow.

Getting the Best Value for Specialty Car Insurance

• Many insurance companies will send an inspector to appraise the value of your modified car and the customizations in order to determine the amount to which the company will insure it and how high your insurance rates will be. Make sure you point out any modifications you want to have covered. No matter what insurance provider you use, there are some simple things you can do to minimize your insurance costs, including:
• Drive safely. There are usually incentives for safe drivers; accidents and tickets will drive your rates up.
  
• Install safety devices, such as alarms or a LoJack, to prevent theft.
  
• Keep your mileage down.
  
• Park your car in a locked garage whenever possible.

Although it may be more difficult or more of a hassle to insure a custom or modified car, it is well worth it. After all of the time, money, and effort you've invested, your car should be protected so that you can relax and enjoy the rewards of your pimped out ride.