High Dollar Aftermarket Car Upgrades

High Dollar Aftermarket Car Upgrades

Every young generation approaches car customizations just a bit differently. In the forties and fifties it was hot rods, in the early sixties, little sports dominated and, in the late sixties, VW Beetles and Busses were popular. In the seventies, of course, muscle cars took over, followed by a myriad of configurations ranging from “low-riders” and boom boxes on wheels to “spinners”, custom paint jobs and oversized wheels.

They all gain attention, generally appealing to males, and can be time-consuming and costly to make.

Wheels and Tires

Oversized, highly polished chrome wheels or even “midnight” or black rims are being combined with oversized wheels to provide a distinctive look that has even transferred to new cars coming off the assembly line. Tires can cost into the hundreds of dollars per car and a car could have thousands of dollars in upgrades in rims alone.

Sound Systems

It has always been common for youthful Americans to play music loud in their cars, but new technology has taken automotive sound systems to the next level. This sometimes happens at the expense of cargo and interior room. Add in some lighting and a system could price out at what a new Mustang would have cost in 1965.

Custom Paint

Custom paint has always been on the high-end wish list for those individualizing their vehicles. Today’s custom paint schemes can have an almost 3-D appearance to them, taking multiple applications of paint and clear coat. This, of course, can easily reach into the thousands of dollars.

Engine Performance and Amplification

It is almost limitless at what can be spent on getting more and more horsepower out of an engine. Of course, it is not just about the power either. A car has to “sound” right. Engine upgrades and exhaust and amplification kits can rival that of a replacement engine.

It is important to note that some of these upgrades are done to older cars, increasing their value significantly. If you want to cover these upgrades with car insurance, they will need to be noted in your car insurance coverage. If not, coverage may be limited to the basic book value of your vehicle.

If you are upgrading your car or truck, upgrade your car insurance. Contact our independent agents to seek out appropriate coverage for you with a free, no obligation quote.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

From Home to Holiday: Securing Your Christmas Road Trip Auto Coverage Checklist

Heading over the river and through the woods? Your Christmas road trip needs an auto insurance checkup, focusing on roadside assistance and UIM coverage.

The Fire Under the Fir: Insuring Against Christmas Tree Calamity and Holiday Fire Risk

Don’t let a dried-out tree ruin Christmas. Essential home insurance tips for fire safety, electrical risk, and candle liability during the holiday season.

Cozying Up: Embracing the Danish Art of Hygge for a Stress-Free December

Banish the December chaos! A simple guide to adopting Hygge—the Danish concept of cozy contentment—for a truly joyful holiday season.

Tinsel, Traffic, and Transactions: Insuring Your Business Against December’s Holiday Rush Risks

Don’t let the holiday rush expose your business. A guide to essential commercial insurance coverages for increased sales, foot traffic, and cyber threats in December.

The Ultimate December Gift: Why Life Insurance is the Most Important Present You’ll Ever Give

Forget the gadgets; life insurance is the real gift of security. A timely look at protecting your family’s future during the season of giving.

Skids, Slush, and Safety: How Your Auto Insurance Navigates the December Driving Nightmare

Essential auto insurance checks and tips for safe, claim-free driving through December’s challenging winter weather and holiday traffic.

Snowed In, Safely Covered: A December Guide to Home Insurance and Winter Preparedness

Don’t let winter woes ruin your holiday cheer. Essential tips on home insurance coverage for snow, ice, and festive accidents.

The Mindful Feast: Reclaiming Thanksgiving in a World of Distraction

Want a more peaceful Thanksgiving? Learn how to embrace a mindful approach and find true gratitude this year.

The New Entrepreneur’s Playbook: Insuring Your Business for Digital and Global Risks in 2026

Starting a digital-first business? Learn how to protect your enterprise from modern risks in 2026.

The Modern Parent’s Dilemma: Life Insurance for a Generation of Savers and Investors

Today’s parents have new financial goals. Here’s how life insurance can be a flexible tool for a modern family in 2026.