I got into a minor fender bender (not my fault). When the adjuster came to look at the bumper, he saw a 10lb NOS bottle in the back seat. He took a photo. Three days later, I received a “Notice of Cancellation” for “Unacceptable Risk: Racing Equipment.” They paid the bumper claim, but I was dropped and blacklisted.
Key Takeaways
- Nitrous = Racing: To an insurer, there is no “street use” for Nitrous Oxide. It implies racing. It is an automatic “Do Not Insure” for standard carriers.
- Prohibited List: Most underwriting guidelines list “Nitrous Oxide Systems” alongside “Roll Cages” and “Parachutes” as prohibited mods.
- The “Purge” Defense: Some insurers allow the system if the bottle is removed or disconnected for street use, but having the bottle in the car during a crash is fatal to the policy.
- Specialty Carriers Allow It: Hagerty/Grundy allow nitrous if you sign a “No Racing” warranty.
The “Why” (The Trap): Increase in Hazard
The policy allows cancellation if there is a “Substantial Increase in Hazard.”
Installing a system designed solely for short bursts of extreme speed is defined as a substantial increase in hazard.
Even if the bottle was closed, the presence of the system proves intent to drive aggressively.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Nitrous bottle bracket in a trunk]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked: “I have a show car with a Nitrous setup. Can I insure it?”
1. Progressive / Geico
- Answer: “No.”
- Quote: “We do not accept vehicles with nitrous oxide, even if disconnected.”
2. State Farm
- Answer: Agent discretion.
- Quote: “If it’s for show and the bottle is empty? Maybe. But if an underwriter sees it, they will likely cancel.”
3. Hagerty
- Answer: “Yes.”
- Condition: Accepted as a modification on a show/pleasure vehicle. They know you aren’t drag racing your insured classic (or at least, they trust you not to crash while doing it).
Comparison Table
| Status | Standard Policy | Specialty Policy |
| Bottle Installed | Cancellation | Accepted |
| System Installed / No Bottle | Risk of Cancellation | Accepted |
| Purge Kit Only (Show) | Varies | Accepted |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Remove the Bottle: For daily driving, take the bottle out. Leave the brackets. If you crash, “It’s a show car setup, the bottle isn’t here.”
- Disconnect the Line: If the adjuster inspects, show them the main feed line is disconnected at the solenoid.
- Switch to Specialty: If you run nitrous, you are playing with fire on a standard policy. Move to a carrier that allows mods.
- Don’t Lie: If they ask “Do you have nitrous?”, say yes. If you lie and they find the solenoid after a crash, they rescind the policy for fraud.
FAQ Section
Is it illegal to have nitrous on the street?
In many states, yes. Having the bottle connected on a public road is a violation. Insurance won’t cover illegal acts.
What if the bottle explodes?
If the car catches fire? Covered (Fire). But they will cancel you immediately after paying.
Can I hide it?
Adjusters know where to look (trunk, solenoids on intake). Don’t try to outsmart them.