Kit car insurance

Kit cars are often a true labour of love. Personally constructed with dedication and attention to detail, many enthusiasts spend years building their dream machine to the exact specification they want.

Some are built with a clear love of classic car nostalgia, while others are made with a passion for performance in mind. 

Whatever the motivation, these distinctive vehicles are likely to require equally unique car insurance cover.

If you're a kit car fanatic and happen to be looking for a kit car insurance quote, you're in luck. There are many specialist kit car insurance companies that not only understand kit car culture and construction, but also reward the hard work that goes into them.

Kit car insurance during construction

As you might expect, insurance for kit cars can become very pricey very quickly. However, it's not just insurance for driving the car you have to worry about... There are several other areas of coverage you need to consider during the construction process as well.

One of the more unusual aspects of kit car insurance is the fact that the vehicle needs cover before it's even built, with the relevant policies known as build-up insurance. 

In addition to that, it may also be a sensible idea to insure individual parts while they're in transit to you – for this you'll need transit cover.

Build-up cover

Kit car parts can be highly valuable in deconstructed form, and may require appropriate coverage for fire, theft and accidental damage. 

Any kit car specialist worth their salt will be able to offer this cover, so don't be afraid to shop around for a good policy and an even better price.

Goods in transit

Goods in transit policies keep you covered for theft, loss or damage to your car parts and tools while they're en route to you – be it delivery or pick up. 

This is commonly offered as a bolt-on extra to build-up cover. It usually works on a day rate to cover the time it takes for your kit car/parts to get from A to B.

Tool cover

Kit car construction requires an extensive kit of expensive tools. Loss or damage to these tools could leave you significantly out of pocket. 

When it comes to tool cover, it's worth bearing in mind your home insurance. List your items and contact your home contents provider directly to ensure you have adequate cover.

Achieving roadworthy status

Before registering for the road, it's a legal requirement that all kit cars are examined by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). This is a simple test to check the vehicle is fit for purpose and meets the necessary standards.

Test centres can be found in many major UK towns and cities.^† After a successful test, you'll need to complete a V627/1 form.^† The final piece in the registration puzzle is a V55/4 form to register the vehicle for a number plate.^†

During these stages you may be asked to show evidence of your build process and list specific parts of the car. 

It's important to document the build of your kit car with a list of all parts, plus photographs of key build stages.

You'll also need to consider insurance coverage during transit to the test centre. The aforementioned goods in transit bolt-on cover should be suitable for this, but it's worth checking the specifics of your policy to make sure.

Kit car cover on the road

After building, approving and registering your fledgling motor, you should finally be ready to hit the road. So what do you need to get it insured?

When searching for your insurance, we'd encourage you to try our quick and easy car insurance comparison service. However, the level of detail required is why certain insurance providers are unable to provide a quote online. Each policy is unique, and may well require personal communication with a specialist insurer or broker.

You'll need all the usual motor insurance information, such as the value, how you'll use the vehicle, your age, postcode, occupation, the number of drivers, where the vehicle is kept overnight, and whether it has any security devices fitted. In addition, you'll need to supply the following details:

• What type of engine you've installed
• What type of body the vehicle has

Body type and engine are the key rating factors for kit car cover underwriters. As kit builds are unique, the usual scrutiny on modifications is no longer appropriate.

Instead, you'll be asked more details about the engine itself – for example, whether it uses a super-tuned motorcycle engine or not. 

In some cases the documentation of your build – such as photos and receipts for specific parts – may be required for verification.

How much does kit car insurance cost?

A common mindset within kit car circles is that no two kit cars are the same. And indeed, due to their uniqueness, there's no 'book value' on kit cars.

Specialist kit car cover insurance providers study the market closely. Some have their own valuation department, while others will use an independent, third-party evaluator.

As some kit cars can retain their value much more effectively than regular showroom models, many policies will be based on an agreed value if the unfortunate event of a total loss claim occurs.

Salvage retention rights

When comparing policies and approaching providers, always enquire about salvage retention rights. In the event of a total loss claim, certain expensive parts may have escaped damage and could be used again.

In some policies, this sort of cover is included in the terms and conditions. In other cases it could be available as a bolt-on to a policy for additional cost. Either way, be sure you know you're covered as it could save you a lot of money down the line.

Leisure driving

Kit cars are often used for hobby driving, either on tracks or off-road. The activity of choice can be crucial in determining your cover, and how you plan on driving your car can have a notable impact on your insurance.

Track days

If you intend using your kit car at track days, be sure to inform your insurance provider. Many companies will offer daily bolt-on policies to cover this activity for the specific time you're on the track. If you're a racing enthusiast who uses tracks regularly, it may be worth factoring this into your annual premium.

Green-laning

Off-road activity isn't considered by insurers to be as high risk an activity as track or rally days, primarily because the statistical likelihood of a collision with another vehicle is a lot lower.

Some policies include green-laning as standard, while others will require additional information. To ensure you're properly covered, always inform your provider if you're considering this particular type of activity with your kit car.

There are a few things you can do which'll hopefully lower your kit car insurance cost:

Build the car yourself

Many kit car companies can build the vehicle for you at a cost. However, as you've not put the elbow grease in yourself, some underwriters could consider you a higher risk.

Join a kit car club

Another great way of finding cheap kit car insurance is to join a specialist kit car club. Club members and enthusiasts are widely considered less likely to be dangerous drivers. Cherishing their build like a family member, their dedication is recognised by certain providers.

Mileage

While there can be qualifications with regard to very low-mileage motorists, it's generally considered that the less time you spend on the road, the less of an insurance risk you are.

Many kit cars are driven infrequently, perhaps as a weekend hobby, and there are policies that offer discounts for low-mileage users. Each provider will have its own rating value on mileage, so be sure to inform them when organising your policy.

It goes without saying that you should be as honest and accurate as possible when supplying such information to your insurer – underestimating your mileage could invalidate your policy.

Security

Thatcham-approved immobilisers, trackers and alarm systems tend to be recognised and rewarded by insurance providers, and could result in lower premiums.

You can read more about car security and insurance here, but remember that all providers will put different weightings on different factors when calculating your policy price.

Who offers the best kit car insurance?

When it comes to choosing the right insurance provider for your kit car, there are a few names that stand out from the crowd for you to take into consideration.

Adrian Flux kit car insurance and Frank Pickles kit car insurance are commonly cited as two of the most popular kit car insurers. Meanwhile, both Footman James kit car insurance and A Plan kit car insurance are also potential alternatives, offering a variety of perks including tailor-made policies and discounts for limited mileage and club membership.

To get a general idea of what's out there, why not try a quick comparison right here at GoCompare? A simple search with us could bring up a list of options in moments, allowing you to hopefully browse a range of prices from a variety of kit car insurance providers.

By Dave Jenkins