Modified Vehicles — NZ Motor Insurer Rules

How NZ insurers handle modifications — declaration rules, exclusions for undeclared modifications, value caps on modifications.

Last refreshed 2026-05-20

What this topic covers

Non-factory modifications must be declared at application time. Undeclared modifications can void cover for related claims. Some insurers exclude performance modifications entirely; specialist insurers (Initio, Star Insure) write modified-vehicle cover.

How each NZ motor insurer handles modified vehicles

32 of 48 cells populated from ingested policy wordings. Cells marked Not on file mean the wording PDF didn't address that specific fact, or extraction couldn't isolate it with confidence. Authoritative answer is always the source PDF (linked from each provider profile).

Provider	Modifications must be declared	Modification value cap (NZD)	Cover voided for undeclared mods	Performance mods excluded
AA Insurance 3 tier wordings · 2025-04-28	yes	Not on file	Modifications we have not agreed to cover are excluded from 'your vehicle'. You must tell us immediately if you add, change or remove any modifications.	Only modifications that have been fitted to your vehicle that we have agreed to cover are included.
AMI Insurance 1 wording · 2024-11-01 · +1 variant	We need to know about certain modifications. The modifications we asked about when you applied for your policy and the answers you gave us are listed in your policy schedule under 'Your vehicle details'. Check this list and let us know as soon as possible if you need to update any of your answers.	Not on file	We do not cover anything under this policy if you have a modification in this list but have not told us about it, even if you got the modification after you applied for your policy.	A 'modification' means any performance enhancement to your vehicle. Modifications including changes to the engine, suspension, or chassis must be declared. Cover is voided for undeclared listed modifications but there is no blanket exclusion of performance modifications if declared.
Cove Insurance 1 wording · 2021-01-01	You must tell us about any modifications to your car.	Not on file	Your car is not covered if your car has been modified.	Modifications includes engine components that enhance performance (e.g. turbochargers or over-sized injectors), including exhaust system upgrades or reprogrammed ECUs. Cover is excluded if the car has been modified.
FMG 1 wording · 2024-07-01 · +1 variant	You must let us know promptly if the private vehicle has any modifications that are not standard manufacturer's specifications.	Not on file	We may change the terms of this insurance in those circumstances, because modifications may affect the risk.	No explicit blanket exclusion of performance modifications stated in this wording
Initio 1 wording · 2021-05-01	You must tell us or your broker immediately if, after we have accepted your application for this policy, there are any: 1. modifications to the car	Not on file	There is no cover under this policy if the car has been modified, unless details of all the modifications have been given to us and we have agreed to those modifications in writing.	Not on file
NZI 1 wording · 2026-04-01 · +1 variant	You must let us or your broker know as soon as possible if your vehicle has a modification listed under 'Modified vehicle' in the section 'Exclusions', which you have not already told us about.	Not on file	We do not cover anything under this policy if you have a modification in this list but have not told us about it, even if you got the modification after you applied for your policy.	We do not cover anything if your vehicle has any of the following modifications, unless your policy schedule shows you have the 'Modified vehicle' endorsement: nitrous or hydrogen fuel; fitted aftermarket petrol turbo or supercharger; ECU alterations; non-standard boost controller; engine modification or replacement requiring Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification; fitted roll bar, roll cage or racing harness; body or chassis alterations; air filter or induction kit including snorkels; enhanced exhaust system such as engine extractors or big bore exhaust; modified transmission including drivetrain or slip differential; modified suspension such as different springs, shocks or coil over units; upgraded brakes requiring LVV certification; custom or aftermarket specialised paint or vinyl wrapping.
Protecta Insurance 1 wording · 2024-12-01	Except as advised by You and noted by Us it is agreed by You that Your Vehicle complies with the maker's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture and has not been modified in any way.	Not on file	Policy is based on the vehicle complying with maker's standard specifications unless modifications have been advised and noted; failure to disclose may allow the insurer to avoid the policy or reject claims under the duty of disclosure provisions.	Not explicitly addressed; however undeclared modifications breach the maker's specifications condition and the duty of disclosure
Star Insure 1 wording · 2022-07-01	Not on file	Not on file	Not on file	Not on file
State Insurance 1 wording · 2024-11-01	We need to know about certain modifications. The modifications we asked about when you applied for your policy and the answers you gave us are listed in your policy schedule under 'Your vehicle details'. Check this list and let us know as soon as possible if you need to update any of your answers.	Not on file	We do not cover anything under this policy if you have a modification in this list but have not told us about it, even if you got the modification after you applied for your policy.	A 'modification' includes any performance enhancement to your vehicle. Undeclared modifications listed in the policy schedule void cover entirely.
Tower Insurance 3 tier wordings · 2024-09-01	Comp You must tell us immediately if anyone modifies your car from the manufacturer's standard specifications TPFT yes TP yes	$2,000 or $5,000 (chosen accessories and modifications sum insured listed on certificate of insurance)	Comp Your policy does not cover your car if it includes any modifications (for example, modified suspension) which differ from the manufacturer's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture unless you have chosen and we have agreed to insure under the Accessories and modifications optional benefit and as listed on your certificate of insurance. TPFT Your policy does not cover your car if it includes any modifications (for example, modified suspension) which differ from the manufacturer's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture unless you have chosen and we have agreed to insure under the Accessories and modifications optional benefit and as listed on your certificate of insurance TP Your policy does not cover your car if it includes any modifications (for example, modified suspension) which differ from the manufacturer's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture, unless we've agreed to the modification, and it is noted on your certificate of insurance	Comp Modifications are excluded unless covered under the optional Accessories and modifications benefit; modifications include changes made to engine, steering, suspension, tyres or wheels, exterior paint work including paint effects and wraps, specialised interiors including racing harness, roll cage, steering wheel changes, external wastegate, carbon fibre panels and door changes. TPFT Modifications not listed on your certificate of insurance under the optional Accessories and modifications benefit are excluded; you must tell us immediately if anyone modifies your car from the manufacturer's standard specification
Trade Me Insurance 3 tier wordings · 2024-09-01	Comp You must tell us immediately if anyone modifies your car from the manufacturer's standard specifications TPFT yes TP yes	Comp Optional benefit sum insured of $2,000 or $5,000 as chosen and listed on certificate of insurance TPFT $5,000	Comp Your policy does not cover: your car if it includes any modifications (for example, modified suspension) which differ from the manufacturer's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture unless you have chosen and we have agreed to insure under the Accessories and modifications optional benefit and as listed on your certificate of insurance TPFT Your policy does not cover your car if it includes any modifications which differ from the manufacturer's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture unless you have chosen and we have agreed to insure under the Accessories and modifications optional benefit and as listed on your certificate of insurance TP Your policy does not cover your car if it includes any modifications (for example, modified suspension) which differ from the manufacturer's standard specifications for the model and year of manufacture, unless we've agreed to the modification, and it is noted on your certificate of insurance	Comp Modifications are excluded from cover unless declared and agreed under the Accessories and modifications optional benefit. The policy does not cover any accessories or modifications other than the cover provided under the optional benefit Accessories and modifications. TPFT Modifications including but not limited to changes to engine, steering, suspension, tyres or wheels are excluded unless declared and agreed under the Accessories and modifications optional benefit
Vero Insurance 1 wording · 2025-12-01 · +2 variant	no explicit general modifications disclosure requirement found in the extracted text	Not on file	Not on file	Not on file