Will A Custom Wrap Affect Your Car Insurance?

Super car with car wrap.

High-end cars are a different breed and as such they deserve to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is with a custom car wrap. But will car wrapping affect your supercar insurance? Our experts are exploring the world of car wrapping to understand the pros and cons, and what changes you may need to make to your high-performance car insurance policy.

What Is Car Wrapping?

A car wrap is a vinyl covering that’s applied directly over a vehicle’s original paintwork. This process allows for complete customisation of the car’s appearance by changing the colour, as well as the option to add different graphics, patterns, and textures. Applying a car wrap can be a tricky process and will usually need to be installed by professionals, but they are designed to be easily removable without damaging the underlying paintwork of your supercar.

If you decide to wrap your car, you’ll need to inform the DVLA of the change to your vehicle and will likely to need take out specialist car insurance.

What Are The Pros Of Custom Car Wraps?

  • Aesthetics – The primary advantage of having a car custom wrapped is the ability to create a unique, luxurious design. Whether it’s for personal expression or branding, a well-executed wrap can turn heads and make a lasting impression. Wrapping allows for a wide range of stylistic choices, from chrome or metallic designs to matte finishes, and the ability to add different graphics and patterns.
  • Paint protection – A professionally installed car wrap can act as a protective layer for the vehicle’s original paintwork. It will shield the paintwork from minor scratches, UV rays, and other environmental factors, potentially preserving the car’s resale value.
  • Cost-effective – Compared to a full paint job, custom car wraps are a more affordable option for changing the appearance of a vehicle. They also offer more flexibility for updating or removing the design whenever desired.

What Are The Cons Of Custom Car Wraps?

  • Temporary solution – While car wraps are durable and can last several years with proper care, they’re not permanent. Over time, the wrap will begin to show signs of wear or peeling and will require replacement or removal to keep your car looking fresh.
  • Professional installation – A poorly installed wrap may result in air bubbles, peeling, or an uneven finish, affecting the overall aesthetic appeal. A high-quality wrap by a professional, on the other hand, can potentially be costly – though it’s still likely to cost significantly less than a full paint job.
  • Registration – Custom car wrapping may only affect the outward appearance of a vehicle, but it’s still classed as a modification. This means you’ll need to inform the DVLA and update the car’s V5C registration documentation.
  • Specialist car insurance – Some car insurance companies will cancel a policy if a vehicle has been custom wrapped, meaning you’ll likely need to go to a specialist car insurance broker for suitable coverage.

Why Specialist Car Insurance Is Necessary

A custom car wrap won’t affect the performance or safety of your car, so why should it affect your high-end car insurance?

First of all, it can be a matter of security. Car wrapping is likely to make a vehicle stand out, not only to friends and onlookers but also to potential thieves and vandals. In the eyes of some insurance companies, custom-wrapped cars are more likely to be damaged which in turn  could affect the insurance policy.

Another reason you may need specialist car insurance is that a car wrap can increase the potential cost of any accidental damage or vehicle repairs. For example, if the car wrap is damaged in an accident and needs to be removed or replaced, a standard insurance provider could argue this isn’t included in their terms and may void the policy as a result.

With this in mind, we strongly advise seeking out specialist high-performance car insurance if you’re thinking of custom wrapping your vehicle. As long as you inform your supercar insurance provider that your vehicle has been wrapped, they should be able to provide a suitable policy that ensures you have the coverage you need.

At Prestige Vehicle Insurance, we’re specialist car insurance brokers who are committed to finding the best policy for every one of our customers. We understand the unique requirements of your luxury vehicle and can tailor our bespoke policies to match your needs. This includes high-end car insurance for wrapped or modified vehicles, ensuring you have peace of mind on the road.

Are you interested in taking out a specialist car insurance policy for your own vehicle? Get in touch with us today and speak to one of our expert advisors. Call us on 01202 754900 and we can tailor a quote to your needs, or fill out an online quote form and we will get back to you at another time.