Car Insurance Guide

Does car insurance cover accessories and extras?

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 26 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

Does car insurance cover accessories, mags and sound systems?

Factory-fitted accessories are usually included in your car's insured value, but non-standard extras - aftermarket sound systems, mag wheels, canopies, tow bars and performance parts - often need to be declared and specified, sometimes up to a percentage of the car's value. If you don't declare them, they may not be paid for in a claim, and undeclared modifications can even affect the whole claim.

Key takeaways

Factory-fitted accessories are normally part of the insured value.
Aftermarket extras usually must be declared and specified.
Undeclared modifications can reduce or void a claim.
Insurers often cap non-standard accessories at a percentage of the car's value.
Keep invoices for accessories to prove their value.

Standard vs non-standard

Factory options fitted when the car was built are generally reflected in its book value and covered automatically. Aftermarket accessories and modifications - sound systems, mags, spoilers, canopies, tow bars, suspension or engine mods - are extras the insurer doesn't know about unless you tell them, and they're often subject to a limit (for example a set percentage of the car's value).

Why you must declare

Declaring modifications does two things: it makes sure the extras are paid for in a claim, and it keeps your policy valid. Performance modifications can change the car's risk profile, so failing to disclose them can lead to a claim being reduced or rejected entirely. Keep invoices so you can prove what was fitted and what it cost.

Frequently asked questions

Are mag wheels and sound systems covered?

Only if declared. Aftermarket mags, sound systems and similar extras usually need to be specified on the policy, often up to a limit. Undeclared, they may not be paid for in a claim.

Do I have to tell my insurer about modifications?

Yes. Non-standard modifications must be declared. Beyond covering the extras, disclosure keeps your policy valid - undeclared performance mods can affect the entire claim, not just the parts.

Is there a limit on accessory cover?

Often. Many insurers cap non-standard accessories at a set amount or a percentage of the car's insured value. Check your schedule and specify high-value extras separately if needed.

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