Car Accessories and Modifications: Are They Covered?
Not all car accessories and modifications are automatically covered by insurance. Items such as dashcams, upgraded sound systems and sport rims may need to be declared or covered separately, depending on your policy.
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Does car insurance cover accessories and modifications?
It depends on your policy and the type of accessory or modification. Standard motor insurance generally covers the vehicle according to its policy terms, but non-factory-fitted accessories may require separate declaration or additional coverage.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia's motor insurance and takaful guidance, theft of non-factory-fitted accessories is generally not covered unless the items have been declared.
| Accessory or modification | What to check |
|---|---|
| Factory-fitted audio system | Whether it is included in the vehicle's insured coverage. |
| Aftermarket dashcam | Whether it needs to be declared or covered separately. |
| Upgraded sound system | Whether the system's value is included in the policy. |
| Sport rims and tyres | Whether the upgraded components are covered and comply with applicable requirements. |
| Body kits and spoilers | Whether the modifications have been declared and accepted by the insurer. |
| Engine or performance upgrades | Whether the insurer accepts the modification and whether it affects coverage or price. |
| Window tint or solar film | Whether the accessory is covered under the policy or an optional benefit. |
The treatment of each item varies by insurer. Do not assume that comprehensive insurance automatically covers every accessory installed after you bought the car.
What is the difference between factory-fitted accessories and aftermarket accessories?
Factory-fitted accessories are installed by the vehicle manufacturer or supplied as part of the original vehicle specification. Aftermarket accessories are added or upgraded separately, either by the owner or a third-party installer.
| Feature | Factory-fitted accessories | Aftermarket accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Original audio system, standard equipment and factory-installed features | Dashcam, upgraded rims, custom sound system and body kit |
| Insurance treatment | May form part of the insured vehicle, subject to policy terms | May require declaration or separate coverage |
| Valuation | May be reflected in the vehicle's insured value | Additional value may need to be declared and accepted |
| Claim requirements | Subject to the policy's coverage and exclusions | May require proof of ownership, value and coverage |
If you have added expensive accessories, ask your insurer how they should be declared and whether the selected sum insured includes their value.
What happens if your accessories are damaged or stolen?
Your ability to claim depends on the cause of the loss and whether the item is covered by your policy.
Your dashcam is stolen
If an aftermarket dashcam is stolen from your car, your standard policy may not cover it unless it was declared or included under an applicable accessory benefit. Check your policy wording and ask your insurer whether separate accessory protection is available.
Your sport rims are damaged in an accident
If your upgraded rims are damaged in a covered accident, the insurer will assess whether they are included in your insured coverage. Undeclared modifications may create difficulties during the claim process, particularly if the changes affect the vehicle's value or risk.
Your upgraded sound system is damaged
A factory-installed sound system may be treated differently from an aftermarket system. If you have installed a more expensive unit, check whether its value is included in your policy or requires additional coverage.
Your modified car is involved in an accident
Changes to the engine, suspension or other performance components may affect the vehicle's risk profile. If a modification was not disclosed and contributed to an accident, the insurer may have grounds to dispute or reject the claim, depending on the circumstances and policy terms.
For more information, read the General Insurance Association of Malaysia's guidance on insurance cover for modified vehicles.
Do you need to declare car modifications to your insurer?
Yes. Inform your insurer about relevant modifications and confirm whether they are covered. Depending on the changes, your insurer may adjust the price, require additional coverage or decline certain modifications.
Before making changes, check the JPJ vehicle modification guidelines, as some modifications require approval or inspection.
Here is what you should do:
- Inform your insurer: Explain which accessories or modifications you have installed.
- Keep your receipts: Retain invoices and proof of purchase to support the declared value.
- Confirm coverage in writing: Ask whether the items are covered and whether a separate benefit is required.
- Check the updated policy: Review the policy schedule for any declared accessories, limits or endorsements.
Do not wait until an accident happens to check whether your modifications are covered.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover modified vehicles?
Comprehensive car insurance covers eligible accidental damage to your car and third-party liability, but not every modification or accessory is automatically covered. For example, an aftermarket sound system may need to be declared separately to qualify for coverage.
Your insurer may assess whether modifications have been declared and accepted. Check your policy terms and confirm the requirements with your insurer before installing any modifications.
Will declaring accessories increase your car insurance price?
It may. Declaring accessories can affect the amount of coverage required, and some insurers charge an additional price for separate accessory protection.
The final amount depends on the accessories' value, the type of modification, the insurer's assessment and the available coverage.
| Factor | Possible effect on price |
|---|---|
| Value of accessories | Higher-value items may require a higher insured amount or additional coverage. |
| Type of modification | Performance-related changes may affect the insurer's risk assessment. |
| Coverage limit | Higher limits may increase the amount payable. |
| Optional benefits | Separate accessory protection may involve an additional charge. |
When comparing quotations, check whether the declared accessories are included in the price and whether the coverage limit is sufficient to replace them.
You can compare car insurance on BJAK to review available options for your vehicle.
How can you protect your car accessories?
A few simple steps can help you understand your coverage before you need to make a claim.
List your accessories. Record the items you have added, including their purchase prices and installation dates.
Keep supporting documents. Save receipts, invoices and photographs of the installed accessories.
Notify your insurer. Ask which items must be declared and whether additional protection is available.
Review your policy schedule. Check the insured amount, accessory benefits, limits and exclusions.
Update your details after upgrades. If you install new accessories later, contact your insurer to confirm whether your coverage needs to change.
Remember that proof of purchase alone does not guarantee a claim will be approved. The accessory must fall within the coverage provided by your policy.
Frequently asked questions
Not automatically. Factory-fitted accessories may be included according to the policy, while non-factory-fitted accessories may need to be declared or covered separately.
Check your insurer's requirements. Some policies may cover certain accessories under an optional benefit, while others may require specific declaration or documentation.
They may be covered if the insurer accepts the modifications and the relevant items fall within your policy. Check whether separate coverage is required and ensure the modifications comply with applicable rules.
It depends on the circumstances and policy terms. An undisclosed modification, particularly one that affects the risk or contributes to an accident, may give the insurer grounds to dispute or reject a claim.
It may, depending on the value of the accessories, the type of modification and the coverage selected. Ask your insurer for the updated price before proceeding.
Keep purchase receipts, installation invoices, photographs and any written confirmation from your insurer that the accessories have been declared or accepted for coverage.
Compare car insurance on BJAK
Accessories and modifications can add value to your car, but not all are automatically covered. Before renewing, check your coverage, insured value, exclusions and any additional costs. Compare car insurance on BJAK to explore available options for your vehicle.