Kit Car Insurance

A kit car, sometimes known as a 'component car', is a vehicle that starts life as a set of parts sold by a manufacturer to be assembled. Usually, many of the major systems such as the engine and transmission are sourced from donor vehicles or purchased from other vendors. Kits vary in completeness ranging from as little as a book of plans to a complete set with all components included.

There is also a group of kit cars, known as 're-body' cars in which a standard vehicle has a new body placed on the chassis. These kits require less technical knowledge from the builder and as the chassis and mechanical systems are all standard designs.

The definition of a kit car usually indicates that a manufacturer constructs multiple kits of the same vehicle which they then in turn sell. This should not be confused with 'hand built cars' which are typically built from scratch.

Vehicle regulations in the United Kingdom allow the production of two hundred vehicles a year without all the regulation and testing needed for full-scale production cars.

The DVLA regulate all kit cars in Britain which ensures that vehicles are safe.

Many kit cars are provided with the 'Q' registration plate meaning a vehicle of unknown age. Like all cars, a kit car must pass its MOT test and have a valid car tax.

The level and type of insurance will depend upon the particular type of kit car you have. Don’t forget that this is a specialist type of vehicle and so that insuring your kit car or replica car is going to be a different process to normal car insurance. An insurance specialist, one used to dealing with specialist motor vehicle insurance and high value vehicle insurance is necessary to ensure that you receive the best premium possible for your motor vehicle.

A replica car is not considered in the same category as a standard vehicle and can be seen as being similar to a classic or vintage car in the sense of being a high value vehicle requiring high value vehicle insurance.

One of our insurance specialists will determine the best cover for your vehicle taking into consideration such details as build, motor, trim and other details specific to your replica car.

Kit car insurance and replica car insurance can also include kit car/replica car insurance specific clauses into the premium such as a build-up clause. This gives additional peace of mind if anything were to happen to the replica car during the build process.

Kit cars are often classed as classic or vintage cars in their own right and a classic kit car is as high value a vehicle as a standard vehicle. Seeking out vintage car insurance will often not throw up the right results for your specialist vehicle and, many standard insurers simply will not handle kit or replica car insurance.

And that’s where Performance Direct can help. We are a dedicated UK specialist car insurer with years of experience handling premiums for high value, specialist vehicles. Our team are enthusiasts themselves and whether yours is a new or vintage kit car you can be sure we will find the best kit or replica car insurance for your vehicle.

Performance Direct can provide insurance cover for all the popular kit car brands. So, whether you're looking for Westfield kit car insurance, Caterham insurance or insurance cover for your Robin Hood kit, DNA kit or for any replica vehicle insurance, give us a call or get a cheap online kit car insurance quote now.

Part of Grove & Dean Group – a family company formed in 1974, Performance Direct is now one of the UK’s leading specialist vehicle insurers and leaders in the filed of what the industry calls ‘ non standard cover’. Non standard insurance cover includes Kit Car and collectors car insurance, an area which requires specialist knowledge and skill and one which, indeed, is often ignored by other more mainstream insurers. That’s why it’s so important to consult a specialist who knows the market and the vehicles involved. For example, kit cars are often their creators’ pride and joy – they having built them from scratch – so it’s clear their drivers will value and respect these vehicles, wanting the best possible fully comprehensive cover. Our team understand this and that’s why our specialist and bespoke kit car policies offer the cover and peace of mind you’d expect.

If you’re not sure, simply give us a ring, speak to us and you’ll soon realise we understand the market and will work hard to find the best insurance policy for you and your kit car.

Kit car insurance is specialist motor cover for vehicles built from component parts rather than factory production. These may include self build cars, replicas or low volume vehicles assembled using donor components. Unlike standard policies, underwriting considers non standard engineering, engine conversions and Individual Vehicle Approval status. Terms depend on the declared build specification and insurer assessment.

IVA approval is normally required before a completed kit car can be insured for road use. The Individual Vehicle Approval certificate confirms compliance with UK safety and construction standards. If the vehicle is still under construction, laid up cover may be available to protect parts and materials during the build phase. Eligibility varies depending on build stage.

Insurance may be arranged during construction to protect against theft, fire or accidental damage. This type of cover applies while the vehicle remains off the road and does not include road use. Build stage insurance often considers where parts are stored and the value of components already fitted. Terms depend on declared progress and storage arrangements.

Kit cars are often insured on an agreed value basis due to their bespoke nature. Valuation may be based on documented build costs, receipts for parts, labour investment and overall condition. Supporting evidence such as photographs and build records is typically required. Market comparisons alone may not reflect the true value of a unique or replica vehicle.

Engine changes and performance enhancements can be insured provided they are fully declared. Many kit cars incorporate non standard engines, upgraded suspension or bespoke braking systems. Insurers assess the completed specification as a whole rather than individual components in isolation. Acceptance and pricing depend on declared power output and overall build characteristics.

Kit car insurance premiums vary depending on power, weight, build quality and intended use. Some kit cars are driven occasionally and stored securely, which can influence risk assessment. Others, particularly high powered replicas, may attract higher premiums. Pricing is determined individually rather than by standard insurance group classification.

Commuting may be permitted on certain kit car insurance policies if declared accurately at quotation stage. Insurers assess how regularly the vehicle will be used and whether it forms part of everyday transport. Many arrangements are structured around limited mileage or leisure use. Eligibility depends on the insurer’s appetite for daily usage of self build vehicles.

Security requirements depend on value, specification and storage location. Some insurers may request approved immobilisers, tracking devices or secure garaging, particularly for high value builds. Enhanced security can influence eligibility and pricing. Requirements are assessed as part of the overall underwriting review.

Replica and re bodied cars can often be insured under specialist arrangements if fully declared and correctly registered. Insurers consider documentation, road legality and build specification when assessing risk. Accurate disclosure of donor vehicle details and modifications is essential to ensure policy terms reflect the completed vehicle.

Kit car insurance through Performance Direct is arranged for individuals who have constructed, restored or substantially modified their own vehicle. This may include owners of bespoke builds or replica models that fall outside mainstream factory classifications. Cover is assessed according to documented specification, declared usage and agreed valuation, subject to insurer underwriting criteria.