Kasko for Classic and Modified Cars: Accessories and Declared Value

A classic car or a carefully modified one is much more than transport to its owner. For insurance, though, these cars need more attention than standard vehicles. Kasko (comprehensive motor insurance) usually works on the car’s market value, and that value does not always reflect special parts or a car’s collectible character. Expats who bring an enthusiast’s mindset — or a restoration project — to Istanbul should know how this works. Here is what to watch out for.

Why a standard approach may not be enough

Standard kasko policies usually base the car’s value on a market value set by make, model and year. For a mass-produced car, that is usually fine. For classic cars, condition, originality and restoration quality largely determine value. On modified cars, wheels, sound systems, body kits or performance parts added later may not appear in the standard calculation. An undeclared part may be excluded at claim time.

Declaring accessories and added equipment

Anything added after the car left the factory can be treated as an accessory or additional equipment, and usually needs to be declared separately to be reflected in the policy. When declaring, pay attention to:

• Description: brand, model and nature of the part, clearly written.
• Invoice or document: keep the purchase invoice where possible and provide it if asked.
• Photos: photograph the part as fitted on the car.
• Fitting details: note who fitted it and where, if known.
• Registration status: some changes need to be recorded on the ruhsat (vehicle registration); modifications that do not comply with the rules can cause problems at claim time.

How value is handled for classic cars

For classic cars, some insurers may ask for an expert report or a documented declared value to reflect the car’s real worth. This means both sides agree on the car’s value at the outset. Not every insurer offers this and terms differ, so ask specifically at quote stage. Useful documents include:

• invoices and work records from the restoration,
• recent photos from several angles,
• documents showing the condition of original parts,
• an independent expert or valuation report, if available.

An exaggerated or unrealistic value is not the answer either. The declared value may need to be backed by documents at claim time, so working from a consistent, documentable value is the healthiest approach for both the quote and the claim.

How the car is used matters

Most classic cars are used at weekends or for events, not daily commuting. Where the car is parked, whether it is kept in a closed garage and how often it is used can play a role in the insurer’s assessment. Give this information accurately; misstatements can cause problems at claim time. For modified cars, performance-oriented changes may lead an insurer to assess the risk differently, and some may not accept certain modifications or may add conditions. Rather than hiding modifications, declare them openly and compare which insurer covers your car best.

If you take the car to shows, meets or events, check whether that use fits the policy terms; racing or track use is excluded in many kasko policies. If the car is moved on a truck or trailer, clarify in advance which policy covers damage in transit. Valuable wheels, special sound systems and rare parts attract thieves, so a secure parking place and alarm or tracking systems both reduce risk and can be considered at quote stage.

Repairs, parts and yearly updates

Parts for classic cars can take time to find, and some can only be repaired by specific craftsmen. Discuss in advance which workshop can do the repair and what happens if an original part is not available. For the difference between repair routes, read our English guide on a contracted garage or cash settlement. Our office sits inside Maslak Atatürk Oto Sanayi Sitesi, where repair and parts work happens every day, which helps owners of special cars set realistic expectations.

Values change and new parts get added, so do not renew with the same information year after year. At each renewal, tell your adviser about the car’s current condition, new parts and any new restoration work. The most common mistakes are not declaring accessories, not keeping invoices, leaving value to the standard approach and driving with modifications not recorded on the registration. See our comprehensive car insurance (kasko) in Maslak page to find a suitable policy together.

For a quote and help listing the parts to declare, call us on +90 530 375 89 61 or send a message on WhatsApp — our team offers English support. You are welcome at our office in Maslak Atatürk Oto Sanayi Sitesi.