Modified Car Damaged During Holiday Travel Can Be Covered by Insurance

KatadataOTO – Towards the end of March 2025, many people will be making homecoming trips using private vehicles, especially cars.

Some people usually make modifications to their cars. For example, in the lighting sector, changing the lights to be brighter or adding a roof rack to the car's roof to accommodate cargo.

Considering that problems on the road can occur unexpectedly, it is important for owners to insure their vehicles.

It should be noted that insurance companies can still cover damage to modified cars. But there are conditions that must be met by the customer.

Photo : Pixabay

“Changes, addition of accessories, or changes in use (from personal to rental) must be reported,” said Laurentius Iwan Pranoto, Head of PR, Marcomm and Event at Asuransi Astra when met in Jakarta, Monday (24/03).

This is done to ensure that modifications to the car are done properly and are still in accordance with the owner's function and needs.

So if damage due to modifications is done without reporting to the insurance company, the loss will be borne by the owner.

Later, an insurance representative will also conduct a survey on the vehicle to be modified. So that the damage can be covered by the insurance.

“Because we want to see if the installation is correct or not. For example, if a roof rack is installed, where was it bought and what was the price,” he said.

He emphasized that if consumers communicate and report to the insurance company if there are changes to the vehicle, then the costs of losses and problems can be covered.

“That's why it must be reported, don't fail to do so, before the homecoming trip,” said Iwan.

Insurance Claims Are Most Frequent During the Homecoming Season

Reflecting on last year's Eid homecoming, Iwan revealed that many customers usually file insurance claims for scratches from sideswipes to collisions.

Photo : Korlantas Polri

“Usually after the homecoming trip, a week later consumers start coming to us to make a claim. Indeed, the trend after the holiday season is usually an increase (in insurance claims),” he said.

Then there are several services from Astra that are often used by travelers during their journey. For example, towing assistance and replacing a flat tire on the road.

“Can't change the tire, just call us. We will help change it,” Iwan affirmed.