TL;DR – Our version of “I’m not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”
- Standard features are factory-fitted (e.g., airbags and air conditioning). Accessories are aftermarket additions (e.g., custom rims or upgraded sound systems etc).
- Accessories can increase your car’s value and risk of theft or damage, raising insurance premiums.
- Undeclared accessories can lead to underinsurance, leaving you with inadequate coverage during claims.
- Some modifications are not covered by insurance, which would make your policy null and void—you don’t want to find out 24 months’ worth of premium later should you need to claim.
- Insure with comprehensive coverage like Pineapple’s, starting from R589*/month, to protect your car, accessories, and peace of mind.
What’s the difference between standard factory-fitted features and after-market fitted car accessories?
Don’t worry; this isn’t a trick question.
Knowing the difference between the two does more than win you brownie points with the car enthusiast in your life. This knowledge can give you insight into insurance premiums and other essential expenses.
So, allow Pineapple to explain the difference between standard vehicle features and accessories.
What’s the Difference Between Standard Features and Accessories?
Standard or factory-fitted features are components a manufacturer installs in the car as part of the vehicle’s base model. These features are typically included in the car’s final price and are usually the same across identical models.
Examples of standard car features include:
- Airbags
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) brakes
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Radio/Stereo sound system
Added accessories are custom additions typically fitted to the vehicle after purchase.
These enhancements, which range from practical add-ons to aesthetic modifications/accessories, can be installed by the dealer or dedicated accessory stores, retail chains like Game or Makro, or online retailers such as Takealot.
Examples of additional car accessories include:
- Custom rims
- Dashboard camera
- Mag tyres/rims
- Tow bar, bullbar, sidesteps, etc.
- Upgraded sound system
Why does this matter for insurance? Accessories can increase your car’s value, making it more expensive to replace and potentially a bigger target for theft.
As Ishmael Hlapolosa, Pineapple’s Training Facilitator, explains, “The more accessories you have, the more desirable your car will be to the next person,” which is a nice way of saying criminals may be tempted to vandalise or steal your car, or just the accessories themselves.
How Accessories Impact Your Insurance Premiums
Accessories can enhance your overall driving experience; there’s nothing like admiring how epic your mag wheels look, how hard your sound system’s bass goes and how much of a lifesaver your tow bar is.
But these add-ons can and likely will increase your monthly insurance premiums.
As mentioned earlier, enhancements and modifications increase your vehicle’s overall value, which means higher insurance premiums. There’s also an increased risk, with accessories in danger of being damaged in accidents or stolen.
According to TimesLIVE, the most stolen car accessories in South Africa include:
- Wheels and tyres
- Wheel caps
- Batteries
- Sound equipment
- Mirrors
- Headlights and tailgates
Additionally, some accessories may be illegal in South Africa. For example,
- fitting larger wheels or lowering the suspension can affect the vehicle’s handling
- custom number plates that include symbols (such as %, &, @ or $) or vulgar and harmful language
- Installing a sound system that might cause an illegal noise nuisance (noise that may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of any person).
Then, there’s the matter of underinsurance, which is when your car isn’t insured for its total value. This leaves you vulnerable to receiving a lower settlement when claiming from your insurance provider.
To avoid this, you’ll have to specify the added items.
You must notify your insurer so they can either add the cost of the modifications to your policy or suggest a specific policy to help you avoid losing out on the full value of your items.
Secure your car and accessories with Pineapple today—get a free quote in just 90 seconds!
Tips for Insuring Your Car with Accessories
Declaring your vehicle’s accessories on your insurance isn’t as complicated as it might sound. Simply add these items to your already existing car insurance policy or take out a separate policy specifically for these car accessories.
Follow these steps to ensure you’re insured:
- Make sure your modifications are legal! Don’t risk voiding your policy by adding accessories that are illegal in South Africa (examples would be modifications that compromise the car’s roadworthiness or endanger other road users).
- Declare all your vehicle’s extras! Be upfront about what additions to your car to avoid underinsurance and dishonesty.
- Keep the receipt! This verifies how much you paid for your car’s accessories and lets your insurance provider know how much to cover them.
- Regularly review your policy! Review your policy immediately after pimping out your ride to ensure your car’s actual value is reflected in your insurance policy.
- Invest in security! While adding all kinds of bells and whistles, consider a tracking device or other security measures like wheel locks. These can protect your vehicle and make you eligible for insurance premium discounts.
Insurance providers typically classify accessories into two categories: luxury and essential.
Luxury accessories are all about aesthetics and comfort. They enhance the car’s appearance and entertainment value; think leather seats, sunroofs and LED underbody lights.
These upgrades aren’t necessary for the vehicle’s basic operations and can be pricey. Luxury accessories are more prone to theft, making the car a higher-risk asset, which means higher monthly insurance premiums.
Essential accessories are practical and can improve safety or enhance the vehicle’s basic functionality. Items like fog lights, dashcams and parking sensors pose a lower insurance risk, which means more affordable premiums.
These clarifications can help you make informed insurance decisions regarding accessorising your car and ensuring the appropriate level of coverage.
New vs Second-Hand Cars: What to Watch For
New vehicles typically have advanced features that can reduce insurance premiums because of improved safety. These include, but aren’t limited to, built-in GPS, reverse cameras, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Second-hand or used cars may already have customisations fitted in by the previous owner.
Conducting a thorough inspection is vital to identifying potential risks and avoiding undeclared accessories that could complicate your insurance coverage.
Pro Tip: ask the seller for details about any non-standard features to avoid claim denials and other complications.
Conclusion: Know What’s Standard, Declare What’s Added
Knowing the difference between standard car features and added accessories isn’t simply a matter of car trivia. Understanding the difference between the two is a vital step in protecting your valuable vehicle.
While accessories can boost your car’s functionality, comfort, and style, they also come with an added level of responsibility, one you must be prepared for.
How, you ask? With comprehensive car insurance, of course.
Click here to get Pineapple’s obligation-free 90-second quote and insure your ride in 5 minutes or less.
Starting from a low monthly premium of R589*, our cover includes protection against fire, theft, accidental damage, third-party accidents (worth R5 million) and weather-related damage (including hail cover).
Insure today!
For more insights, check out our blog on Car Insurance For Used Cars Vs. New Cars: Is There A Difference?
Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.
