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 Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage

What Is Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage?

Many of us like to make our cars snazzier by customizing them with special tires, DVD players, additional speakers and more. Options for installing all kinds of gadgets in our cars are growing. So how do you protect those custom parts and equipment you have invested in your car? Your car insurance policy has just the option for you: Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) coverage, also referred to as accessory coverage.

Do You Need Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage?

If you permanently added anything to your vehicle that was not originally installed by the manufacturer, you may choose to add accessory coverage to your auto insurance policy. But you can only purchase the CPE option if you have also purchased comprehensive/collision coverage for your car. Most auto insurance policies that include comprehensive/collision coverage already include some coverage for CPE.

What Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage Includes

Generally CPE covers permanently attached equipment, accessories and devices that were not installed by the manufacturer. The items are intended to enhance or change the appearance of your vehicle or its performance. On the other hand, anything installed by the manufacturer as a standard part for your vehicle would be covered under the normal limits of your comprehensive/collision coverage. For example, special trim or sport packages installed by the manufacturer would not require additional CPE coverage.

What You Can Expect CPE to Cover

Here are some examples of custom parts and equipment that should be covered:

• Custom paint and deluxe exterior accessories

• Special tires, oversize tires or custom wide tread tires

• Alloy/magnesium wheels; wheel covers; aluminum wheels or wire-spoke wheels

• Special roof and/or deluxe roof treatment • Chrome engine accessories

• Racing slicks

• Camper tops; 1-bar roof and T-tops, including glass
• TV and other permanently installed items

• Anti-theft equipment not installed by the auto manufacturer
• Custom seats not installed by the auto manufacturer

What CPE Will Not Cover

Some items may not be covered even if you have purchased CPE:

• Radios, CD/DVD players, telephones and other electronic devices not permanently installed

• Radar detectors not permanently installed

• Ski racks, bike racks, and similar items

You can readily understand that the distinction between covered or not is heavily influenced by whether the item is permanently installed.

Items not permanently attached will generally not be covered by your auto insurance policy, but they could be covered under either a renters or homeowners policy, depending on the coverage you purchased under that policy. Some examples include jewelry, laptops, MP3 players and sports equipment.

What Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage Costs

The cost of CPE coverage will depend on the degree to which you have customized your vehicle. If you are considering customizing a vehicle, ask your independent insurance agent in advance to provide you with an estimated quote. Depending on the extent of your customizing, your agent may recommend a specialty carrier that could provide better coverage at a more competitive premium than your regular carrier.

We Are Here to Help You Select the Appropriate CPE Coverage

As your independent insurance agent, we can review with you the special items you added to your car and help you select the appropriate limit. Contact us when you are purchasing your auto insurance and we will discuss the options you may wish to consider. Remember, we are here to help you.

How Can We Help You?

Contact us through Phone or Submit an inquiry online, by Clicking the Button below.

Ryan Smith is very informative and professional. Always able to talk and help with my needs and answer any questions that I have. Polite and able to expedite any requests or emergencies.

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Lisa