You have a 2024 RZR Turbo R. You added a $5,000 stereo, $4,000 wheels/tires, and a $3,000 cage. Total mods: $12,000. The UTV burns to the ground. The insurance check arrives… for the stock value of the RZR. You just lost $12,000.
Key Takeaways
- CPE (Custom Parts & Equipment): This is the specific line item for mods.
- The $3,000 Cap: Most standard policies include $1,000 or $3,000 of CPE for free. Anything above that must be declared and paid for.
- Receipts Required: You must prove you owned the parts. No receipt = No payout.
- Labor is excluded: They pay for the part, rarely for the 10 hours you spent installing it.
The “Why” (The Trap): ACV (Actual Cash Value)
The base policy covers the vehicle as it left the factory.
The Trap: You assume “Full Coverage” means “The whole car as it sits.” It doesn’t. It means “The stock car.”
In 2026, with inflation, aftermarket parts are expensive. Underinsuring your mods is the most common financial loss in UTV crashes.
The Investigation: Increasing the Limit
I quoted adding $15,000 of CPE to a policy.
- Cost: It added about $25/month to the premium.
- The Value: $300 a year to protect $15,000 is a no-brainer.
- The Process: Progressive allows you to type in the value. Foremost sometimes asks for a list.
Comparison Table: Mod Coverage
| Item | Stock Policy Limit | With CPE Endorsement |
| Stock RZR | Paid ($25k) | Paid ($25k) |
| Light Bar ($500) | Paid (under $3k limit) | Paid |
| Stereo ($4,000) | Partial/Denied | Paid |
| Portals/Lift ($5,000) | Denied | Paid |
[IMAGE: Photo of a heavily modified UTV with price tags overlaid on the light bar, wheels, and cage]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Audit Your Rig: Walk around your ATV. Add up the cost of everything that didn’t come from the factory. Winch, roof, windshield, tires, stereo.
- Update the Policy: Call your agent. “I need to increase my Custom Parts coverage to $X.”
- Cloud Storage for Receipts: Take photos of your receipts and upload them to Google Drive. Paper receipts fade or burn with the vehicle.
- Photos: Take photos of the installed parts. Proves condition and existence.
FAQ
Does insurance cover my wrap?
Yes, if declared under CPE.
What about my helmet and gear?
Sometimes covered under “Riding Gear” coverage (usually $1,000 limit), separate from CPE.