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Performance cars deliver driving excitement, but they come with significantly higher insurance premiums. Whether you own a hot hatch, sports car, or modified vehicle, understanding why performance car insurance costs more – and how to reduce those costs – is essential. This guide explains everything UK owners of high-performance vehicles need to know about getting the right cover at the best price.
In insurance terms, a performance car typically refers to vehicles with high power outputs (generally 200+ bhp), sports car design, high insurance groups (typically group 20 and above out of 50), rapid acceleration (0-60mph in under 6-7 seconds), or performance-badged models with designations like ST, GTI, Type R, AMG, M Sport, or RS[2].
| Category | Examples | Typical Insurance Group |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Hatches | Ford Fiesta ST, VW Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R | Group 27-35 |
| Sports Cars | Mazda MX-5, Porsche Cayman, Alpine A110 | Group 25-45 |
| Performance Saloons | BMW M3, Audi RS3, Mercedes-AMG C63 | Group 40-50 |
| Supercars | Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R, Lamborghini Huracán | Group 45-50 |
| Performance SUVs | Range Rover Sport SVR, Porsche Cayenne Turbo | Group 45-50 |
Performance vehicles use specialist components, materials, and technology that are expensive to repair or replace. According to Thatcham Research, the average repair cost for performance vehicles can be 2-3 times higher than standard vehicles[1]. Specialist brakes, turbocharged engines, bespoke body panels, advanced electronics, and premium interior materials all contribute. Even minor accident damage can result in repair bills of £5,000-£15,000+, compared to £2,000-£5,000 for standard cars[3].
The ABI reported that motor insurers paid out a record £11.7 billion in car insurance claims in 2024[4], with repairs accounting for 64% of total costs. The increasing complexity of modern performance vehicles – packed with sensors, cameras, and integrated systems – makes every repair more expensive and time-consuming.
High-performance cars are attractive targets for thieves. Models like BMW M-cars, Range Rover Sports, and Audi RS variants consistently appear among the most stolen vehicles in UK police data[5]. Keyless entry vulnerabilities on modern performance cars are a particular concern, with relay theft accounting for a significant proportion of high-value vehicle thefts[6]. The average insurance claim for vehicle theft rose to £11,800 in Q2 2025[4].
Relay theft – where criminals amplify the signal from your key fob to unlock and start your car – is a growing problem for performance vehicles. Store your keys in a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking box, especially overnight. Many insurers of high-value performance cars now require a Thatcham-approved tracker as a condition of cover[2].
ABI data shows performance cars are statistically more likely to be involved in claims. Higher speeds increase stopping distances and impact severity, powerful acceleration tests driver skill, and rear-wheel drive models require more skill in wet conditions[7]. Drivers of high-performance vehicles are also statistically more likely to make claims within the first year of ownership[7].
Premiums vary widely based on the specific model, your age, location, and driving history. Here are typical annual premiums for popular performance cars[8]:
| Vehicle | Insurance Group | Age 30+, 5yr NCB | Age 25-29, 2yr NCB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 | 23-28 | £600 - £1,000 | £1,200 - £2,000 |
| Ford Fiesta ST | 29-31 | £900 - £1,400 | £1,800 - £2,800 |
| VW Golf GTI | 27-30 | £1,000 - £1,600 | £2,000 - £3,200 |
| Audi RS3 | 40-45 | £1,600 - £2,600 | £3,500 - £5,500 |
| BMW M3 | 42-50 | £1,800 - £3,000 | £4,000 - £6,500+ |
| Porsche 911 | 45-50 | £1,500 - £2,800 | £3,800 - £6,000+ |
| Nissan GT-R | 50 | £2,500 - £4,500 | £6,000 - £10,000+ |
Premiums assume a clean driving record, secure parking, and comprehensive cover. Younger drivers under 25 or those with claims and convictions will pay significantly more. Location matters too – drivers in London and the West Midlands pay considerably more than those in rural areas[8].
If you've modified your performance car – or plan to – declaring every modification is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988[9]. The ABI reports that undeclared modifications are a factor in approximately 5% of rejected claims[10]. Our car modifications and insurance guide covers the full details.
| Modification Type | Examples | Typical Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Engine / Performance | ECU remap, turbo upgrade, exhaust system, intake | +20-50%[10] |
| Suspension / Handling | Coilovers, lowering springs, anti-roll bars, brake upgrade | +10-30% |
| Cosmetic / Exterior | Body kit, spoiler, alloy wheels (18"+), window tint, wrap | +5-20% |
| Interior | Roll cage, bucket seats, custom steering wheel | +5-15% |
| Security (reduces premium) | Thatcham tracker, alarm upgrade, steering lock, Faraday pouch | -5-20%[2] |
Failing to declare modifications can void your insurance entirely – claims are rejected and you could face prosecution for driving uninsured under the Road Traffic Act[9]. This applies to every change, no matter how minor it seems: alloy wheels, tinted windows, a new exhaust, even upgraded floor mats if they differ from factory specification. When in doubt, declare it.
For modified performance cars, the difference between agreed value and market value policies is critical:
| Policy Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Agreed Value | You and the insurer agree your car's value upfront – that's what you receive if written off | Modified cars, rare models, appreciating classics |
| Market Value | Insurer determines value at claim time based on comparable sales | Factory-standard cars with easy-to-determine values |
If you've spent thousands on modifications, a market value policy may not reflect the true worth of your car. Agreed value policies are strongly recommended for any significantly modified performance vehicle.
Performance car owners have a choice between specialist insurers who focus on high-performance and modified vehicles, and standard high-street insurers. Research from Which? Money found that specialist insurers can be 30-40% cheaper for modified vehicles, while standard insurers sometimes offer better rates for factory-standard performance cars[11].
| Feature | Specialist Insurer | Standard Insurer |
|---|---|---|
| Modification understanding | Staff who understand performance parts and builds | May struggle with complex modification lists |
| Agreed value policies | Commonly available | Rarely offered |
| Modification cover | Often included up to £5,000 in base premium | May charge for any modifications |
| Track day cover | Optional add-on (typically £50-150 per event)[12] | Almost never available |
| Limited mileage discounts | 10-25% off for under 5,000 miles/year | Smaller discounts typically |
| Courtesy car | More likely performance-level replacement | Usually a basic runabout |
| Best for | Modified cars, rare models, high-value vehicles | Factory-standard hot hatches, older drivers with long NCB |
The key takeaway: always compare quotes from both types. A factory-standard Golf GTI driven by a 40-year-old with 10 years NCB might be cheaper through a mainstream insurer, while a heavily modified Civic Type R could be cheaper through a specialist.
Comprehensive cover is essential for performance cars – their value means third party only would leave you massively exposed to loss. If a £40,000 car is written off with only third party cover, you lose the entire value. Our fully comprehensive insurance guide explains the different levels in detail.
Standard policies exclude track use under FCA-regulated policy terms[17]. If you plan circuit days, you'll need either a policy with track day cover included, separate single-day track insurance (typically £80-200 per day)[12], or a track day add-on to your main policy. Motorsport UK provides information on circuit insurance requirements[12].
Check what modifications are covered as standard versus requiring additional premium. Specialist insurers typically include up to £5,000 of modifications in the base premium, while standard insurers may charge extra for any changes. If you plan to modify your car over time, having a policy that accommodates this from the start saves hassle and cost.
After an accident, will you receive a like-for-like performance car or a basic runabout? Policies vary significantly – specialist insurers more commonly offer performance-level courtesy cars, which matters if your car is your daily driver.
Whether your car is factory-standard or heavily modified, comparing quotes from over 130 insurers – including specialists – is the best way to find cover that protects your investment.
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Before you make changes to your car, it's important to understand how modifications can affect your insurance costs. The short answer is: yes, most modifications will increase your premium – but not always.
Performance cars come with higher insurance premiums. Find out why they cost more to insure and how you can reduce your performance car insurance costs.
One of the most persistent car insurance myths suggests that red cars attract higher premiums because they're associated with aggressive driving, or that brightly coloured vehicles cost more to insure. But what does the evidence actually show? Let's examine the facts.
*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd's insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
Find answers to common questions about performance car insurance.
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