Does my car insurance cover damage to my car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories?
A lot of people ask whether car insurance covers damage to a car's stereo or other aftermarket accessories. To get proper coverage on aftermarket parts, you need car insurance for modified vehicles. Some companies don’t offer coverage for aftermarket accessories such as a stereo, and it’s a good idea to compare policies carefully to get the best rates.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
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UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance 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
- Customized parts and equipment coverage can pay for aftermarket accessories and modifications to your vehicle after an accident
- Without this type of coverage, collision or comprehensive car insurance usually doesn’t pay for damage to a car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories
- Many car insurance companies offer customized parts and equipment coverage, and shopping carefully can help you get the best rates for your vehicle
Can I get car insurance for a car that is modified or customized? The answer usually depends on the nature of the modifications and the insurance provider’s policies. Sometimes, car insurance covers damage to a car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories. Car insurance coverage depends on the insurance company and the type of policy, and car insurance requirements vary according to the state.
Although comprehensive coverage would cover your vehicle’s original stereo if it were stolen, in most cases, it doesn’t pay for aftermarket accessories.
Does your car insurance cover damage to your car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories?Here’s some more information about car insurance that covers aftermarket accessories, some companies that offer this insurance, and how to get the best rates.
Does my car insurance cover damage to my car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories?
Car insurance that covers damage to a car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories is called customized parts and equipment coverage. For instance, many people wonder, “Does car insurance cover paint jobs?” This type of insurance can cover repairs or replacements for:
- Stereos and sound systems
- Custom paint
- Chrome accents
- A raised or lowered suspension
- Radios
- Rims
- Hubcaps
- Running boards
- Custom headlights
- Truck bed liners
The car insurance rates for customized parts and equipment coverage are often higher than they would be for a factory vehicle with a similar value and no modifications.
That’s because cars with aftermarket accessories often look more attractive to car thieves. Drivers are also more likely to keep their mileage low, raising replacement costs after an accident.
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What car insurance companies cover stereos and aftermarket accessories?
Some insurance companies don’t cover aftermarket accessories because they can be expensive. Also, many people modify paint jobs and other exterior features that can be particularly vulnerable to damage. Car insurers for vehicles with aftermarket accessories include:
- Hagerty
- Safeco
- Grundy
- American Collectors
- American Modern
- Nationwide
- Chubb
How can I get the best rates for customized parts and equipment coverage?
Like many other types of car insurance, having a good driving record can help you keep your rates low.
People with aftermarket accessories sometimes participate in racing and other activities that could be hazardous, so having tickets or accidents on your record can raise rates even more than they would with other types of insurance.
Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Stereo and Aftermarket Accessories
Case Study 1: Limited Coverage
John installed a high-end stereo system in his car worth $2,500. Unfortunately, his car insurance policy did not include customized parts and equipment coverage. When his car was broken into and the stereo was stolen, he had to bear the entire cost of replacing it.
Case Study 2: Comprehensive Coverage Pays Off
Emily had customized her car with aftermarket accessories, including a navigation system and alloy wheels. She had comprehensive coverage as part of her car insurance policy, which covered the value of her aftermarket accessories. When her car was damaged in a hailstorm, her insurance company reimbursed her for the cost of repairing the accessories.
Case Study 3: Comparing Policies for Better Rates
David wanted to ensure coverage for his expensive aftermarket accessories, including a customized paint job and a performance exhaust system. He compared policies from different insurance companies and found one that offered customized parts and equipment coverage at a competitive rate. By switching to this policy, he secured proper coverage for his aftermarket accessories.
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Car Insurance Coverage for Stereos and Aftermarket Accessories: The Bottom Line
Liability, collision, and comprehensive car insurance usually don’t pay for customizations or aftermarket accessories, but customized parts and equipment coverage can compensate you for modifications you add to your vehicle. You can compare car insurance to find a policy that meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does collision or comprehensive coverage pay for aftermarket accessories?
Collision and comprehensive car insurance can help you pay for many types of repairs. However, even the best collision coverage car insurance companies usually won’t pay for more than the replacement cost of a vehicle.
Companies get this information from vehicle manufacturers, and they don’t usually consider modifications.
Many accessories, such as a premium sound system, a suspension you can adjust from the cabin, or a custom paint color, can add thousands of dollars to the price of your vehicle. Without customized parts and equipment coverage, you won’t get the money you spent on modifications back.
Is an appraisal required for customized parts and equipment coverage?
With many customized parts and equipment policies, you’ll need an appraisal to determine the current value of your car.
After you select coverage and get an appraisal, notify your insurance company every time you make a modification or add a new accessory to your vehicle. Otherwise, you can only receive the value determined at the appraisal.
Do customized parts and equipment policies have deductibles?
Like many other types of car insurance, customized parts and equipment policies have deductibles that drivers must pay. For example, if a truck with a replacement cost of $40,000 was a total loss in an accident and the deductible is $1,000, the driver should expect to receive $39,000 after their claim.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.