Modified cars are becoming more and more popular, but might be leaving many drivers underinsured.
An unlikely new car insurance expert has been unveiled: Radio One's rap supremo, Tim Westwood.
The DJ and host of the popular Channel Five show Pimp My Ride has joined forces with Tesco Car Insurance, in order to draw attention to the increasing numbers of UK drivers who upgrade their cars by fitting features such as alloy wheels, spoilers and powerful sound systems. A recent survey from the car insurance provider has suggested that around 15 percent of British cars are modified in some way.
However, in many cases, these DIY modifiers are not informing their car insurance providers of any changes made. This could potentially invalidate any car insurance claims - a situation which is made still more serious by the fact that such vehicles are generally more likely to be targeted by thieves than their unmodified brethren.
Mr Westwood commented: "Kids are self customizing. It's all about DIY - fitting your own sound system, adding more lights [and] body kits." He added: "I've never had anything stolen from a ride-but I'm very careful where I park…I'm not saying it will never happen, but I do a lot to protect my cars."
The DJ also said that his personal favourite of the five cars he owns, a 1966 Chevy Impala, has been modified - with his car insurance provider having been notified of the changes, of course. "It is a two door super sport classic with a nine litre engine, fully restored and chromed out," Mr Westwood explained.
"It's the hottest whip [car] in the country - a show stopper. You get noticed, not for a loud sound system but for the roaring engine.
"It's powerful, man."
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