I've worked in insurance for a while now, and you're pretty spot-on. Companies generally don't care about winter tires or minor safety tweaks—those are seen as positive but minor. They're mostly concerned with mods that boost performance or significantly alter your car's value. But you're right, every insurer has its quirks. Asking your agent directly is always the safest bet...we don't bite, promise.
Glad someone from insurance chimed in here, makes me feel better about my winter tires! I always wondered if those little safety upgrades mattered much. Had a friend who put in a fancy stereo and got surprised by his premium going up—guess insurers really do notice the flashy stuff. Anyway, good reminder to just ask directly...agents have always been pretty chill when I've called with questions.
I've wondered about that too—do insurers actually verify upgrades or just take our word for it? Like, winter tires make sense, but how would they even know about a stereo unless you told them directly...? Seems kinda random.
"Like, winter tires make sense, but how would they even know about a stereo unless you told them directly...? Seems kinda random."
Yeah, good point—usually insurers don't actively verify minor upgrades like stereos unless there's a claim involving theft or damage. Had a case once where someone claimed an expensive sound system got stolen...turns out photos and receipts really mattered then.
Yeah, makes sense they'd only really dig into it if you filed a claim. Reminds me of my buddy who had his custom rims stolen—insurance grilled him pretty good until he showed them the install receipt. Better safe than sorry, I guess...
