What effect can modifications that increase a vehicle's horsepower have on insurance premiums?

Modifications that increase a vehicle's horsepower can indeed lead to an increase in insurance premiums. This is primarily because vehicles with higher horsepower are often associated with a greater risk of accidents and higher potential for damage. Insurers consider the likelihood of risky driving behavior, such as speeding or aggressive driving, which tends to be correlated with more powerful vehicles. As a result, the increased performance capability can signal to insurers a higher probability of claims due to accidents, thereby warranting an increase in premiums.

In contrast, modifications that either enhance a vehicle's safety features or do not significantly affect its performance may not result in higher premiums, as they do not represent an increased risk level from the insurer's perspective. Therefore, understanding how modifications impact insurance is crucial for vehicle owners, especially when considering performance enhancements.