Do Illegal Car Modifications Prevent Injury Claims in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach is home to numerous auto enthusiasts. Sometimes, vehicles may lose their “street-legal” status after being modified. You may be willing to accept the risk of a traffic ticket, but what happens if you become injured in an accident? Will your illegal modifications make it impossible to pursue an injury claim? How do modifications affect your auto insurance in Florida? These are questions you may want to ask your car accident lawyer in West Palm Beach.
Examples of Illegal Auto Modifications in Florida
Not all modifications are illegal in Florida. As a first step, determine whether your vehicle is street-legal. Here are a few examples of illegal mods in Florida:
- Certain colored lights
- Certain types of lights
- Excessively low vehicles
- Excessively high vehicles
- Certain horns
- Excessively loud exhaust systems
- Certain window tint levels
- Rough surfaced wheels
- Laser jammers
- Some cold air intakes
- Catalytic converter removal
- Nitrous
How Auto Modifications Affect Your Insurance in Florida
If you modify your vehicle in Florida, you may make your insurance policy invalid. Progressive states that “you’ll typically need a coverage endorsement or a separate, custom car insurance policy.” This is necessary due to the higher repair costs for modified vehicles. Insurance companies also argue that modified vehicles are more likely to attract thieves. However, Progressive also states that you might get a discount if you install aftermarket safety features.
Some insurance companies will refuse to insure vehicles with “performance modifications,” but they may still insure vehicles with “aesthetic modifications.” Performance modifications have a higher chance of making the vehicle unsafe. These modifications often increase horsepower, top speeds, and other factors.
If you purchase an insurance policy for an unmodified car, you must inform the insurance company of any subsequent modifications. If you fail to do this, insurers may refuse to pay out any claims. Adjusters may argue that this represents a “material misrepresentation.”
Filing a Claim After Crashing Your Modified Vehicle in Florida
Filing an injury claim may be difficult after modifying your vehicle in Florida. Even if your modifications are legal, insurance adjusters may attempt to deny your claim if you never disclosed your modifications. Remember, insurance companies often search for any possible reason to deny your claim. These are profit-driven companies. To fight for the compensation you deserve, it makes sense to work with a qualified injury attorney in this situation.
Book a Consultation with a West Palm Beach Auto Accident Lawyer
Issues regarding illegal modifications and injury claims can be complex. To discuss this issue in more detail, book a consultation with a West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer. During your first meeting with Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather, you can review the specifics of your situation. These might include your auto modifications, the circumstances of your accident, and any communication you might have had with insurers. Reach out today to get started.
Sources:
culbertsonagency.com/how-car-modifications-impact-your-insurance-rates-in-florida/
progressive.com/answers/insurance-for-modified-cars/
