Does graphics on a car affect the insurance?

[Hugh Potter]

I don’t think it actually makes any price difference, not in my experience anyways (commercial and private vehicles written). they do ask if any modifications and I always mention signwriting, which they will note as a possible temorary colour change too, or something like that.

just tell em, it prob won’t make any difference what so ever. just tell them they’re reproduction factory graphics… doesn’t matter they’re factory rally, juust as long as they were available from dealerships at some point!

[Simon Hulme]

Doesn’t seem to affect the premiums. However I’ve had a couple of occasions where I was told they wouldn’t cover the cost of replacing the damaged graphics when they were printed? Assume its down to cost but worth checking the small print.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

I’ve been told for years that graphics are not covered
(which I don’t understand because I do insurance jobs on wrecks, replacing graphics, quite a bit)
and in fact it can effect your insurance coverage and some carriers won’t cover a lettered vehicle.
Not that I’m an expert.
Love…..Jill

[Michael Winfield]

Thanks for the replies guy’s and girl’s!

but now i have no more of an idea then i had before.

i wonder if its best to tell people to check with their insurance company.

[Chris Wool]

iffy area if you fit a set of alloy wheels to a car that does not come with them and don’t tell the insurance they have a get out.

one thing though loose the racing number. naughty.

[Neil Davey]

It could be said that graphics may reduce premiums as they can make a vehicle very distinctive and therefore deter theft!!

I was always under the impression that when my insurance company asked me if my van was signed this would be a deterrent against theft. After all I replace damaged liveries on vehicles all the time and I guess not everyone indicates the inclusion of decals or graphics on their insurance policy.

If your talking of an expensive full wrap or colour change then I guess that may be different.

Jill, I know your not in NY but am I right in thinking all commercial vehicles have to be signed there?

[Martin Pearson]

Don’t forget that insurance for vehicles falls into different categories. Commercial vehicle insurance is very different to car insurance, even with car insurance you have social & domestic use or business use.

From my own experience it seems to vary from company to company, some include graphics with commercial some don’t, I am guessing that some that don’t as standard may for an extra premium.

Like Hugh I would say always tell the insurance company that they are fitted, probably won’t make any difference to premiums but at least the insurance company can’t claim it is a modification and refuse to pay out shold you be involved in an accident.

I would be very careful with your own car though, if you have put graphics on it because you are producing and selling them then the insurance company could argue that you are using your car for business use. Always best to check and make sure rather than wait until you need to claim and find there’s a problem.

[Nick Monir]

I got a quote online for van insurance and it asked "Is the vehicle sign written?" I clicked yes, then it asked if it was on the sides, back, front…..

When I accepted the quote I got a phone call from one of their staff to confirm the details. I asked what difference it made and she said it would be likely to increase the premium due to the increased cost in repairs if the vehicle was smashed. Initially I thought it would’ve decreased it as it was less likely to be nicked.

There are many differences between car and commercial policies but one common thing is the insurance company – who’ll wriggle like mad to get out of making a payment…………… so be as honest as you can.

[Michael Winfield]

its all been taken off now anyway it was only so i could take some picture’s for a leaflet and the website.

Chris: i only found out about the numbers on the side of the car after I’d put them on, but I’d passed a hand full of Police cars on my way to Scarborough and not one of them pulled me.

So this is a gray area and the best thing to do is to check with your insurance company?

[K Wilkins]

Found this
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/in … try1793678
It’s not illegal in terms of road law as far as I know but many believe it is, this is mainly due to it being illegal in terms of the RAC Blue Book. The Blue Book bars racers from displaying their numbers when travelling between stages in multi stage road or track events, to discourage competitors from racing on the public road and prevent them using the event as an excuse if they get nicked. That’s why the numbers are crossed through.

Displaying numbers will usually invalidate your insurance though because its one of those things that insurance companies hate. Many won’t quote on a car displaying numbers. Check with your insurer before putting numbers on your car.

On a motor-rally site the view was it is not illegal to have the number, but most persons carrying a number are in race mode. Thus there is a chance that the insurance company will take that as a get out clause, as you are not covered for racing, pacemaking etc. If you are not covered, you have no valid insurance. With no valid insurance you should not be on the road. So it is the insurance company making it appear to be law, but forcing your compliance with penalties for alternative options.