Does remapping void your warranty or affect your insurance?
Remapping doesn't automatically void your whole warranty, but a manufacturer can refuse a claim on any part it believes the remap has affected, such as the engine, turbo, gearbox or clutch. On insurance, a remap is a modification you need to declare. Your premium may go up, stay the same, or the insurer may decline to cover the car.
Does a remap affect insurance?
Yes, in the sense that your insurer needs to know about it. A remap changes the engine's power output, which is one of the things insurers use to price cover, so it counts as a modification just like new wheels or a body kit.
Some insurers add a small amount, some charge nothing extra, and some won't cover remapped cars at all. Specialist modified-car insurers are often the better fit if your current provider says no.
What happens if you don't tell your insurer
If an insurer finds an undeclared remap after a claim, it may reduce the payout, refuse the claim or cancel the policy. A cancellation can then make cover harder and dearer to find in future, because you'll need to declare it.
Telling them before the remap goes on the road is the safest approach. Your insurer can tell you upfront whether the premium changes.
What to tell your insurer
- That the engine has been remapped, and when
- The type of remap, such as Stage 1, Stage 2, economy or gearbox
- Any power and torque figures you've been given
- Any parts fitted alongside it, such as an intake or exhaust
- Who carried out the work
How a remap affects your warranty
A manufacturer warranty covers faults in parts as they left the factory. If a part fails and the manufacturer can show the remap played a part, it can refuse that claim, and in some cases it may question claims on related parts too.
The parts most likely to be looked at closely are below. Claims for unrelated faults, such as electrics or bodywork, shouldn't normally be affected, though it depends on your warranty terms.
Parts most often questioned after a remap
Engine internals
Pistons, injectors and anything that sees more fuel or cylinder pressure after mapping.
Turbocharger
The turbo works harder on most performance maps, so turbo claims tend to be checked first.
Clutch and flywheel
Extra torque puts more load through the clutch and dual-mass flywheel.
Gearbox
Especially automatics and DSGs running more torque than standard.
Can a dealer tell if a car has been remapped?
Often, yes. Dealer equipment can read the software version on the ECU and, on many vehicles, a record of how many times it's been written to.
Putting the original software back before a dealer visit doesn't always hide a remap. If your warranty matters to you, it's better to wait until it ends.
Company, lease and fleet vehicles
If the car or van belongs to your employer or a leasing company, it isn't your decision alone. Most lease agreements ban modifications, and a remap found at the end of the lease can lead to charges.
Fleet operators can remap vans for towing or economy, but the fleet insurer still needs to know. Our van remapping page covers the options for commercial vehicles.
Before you book a remap
Read your warranty terms
Look for anything about software changes or modifications.
Check any finance or lease agreement
Many don't allow modifications while the car isn't yours outright.
Ask your insurer
Get a quote with the remap declared before you go ahead.
Fix existing faults first
A diagnostic check shows anything that needs sorting before mapping.
Do I have to tell my insurance about a remap?
Yes. It's a modification that changes the engine's output, and leaving it off your policy gives the insurer grounds to refuse a claim.
Will my insurance go up after a remap?
It might. Some insurers add a little, some add nothing and some won't quote, so ask yours before booking.
Does an economy remap need declaring?
Yes. Any change to the engine software counts, even if the aim is better mpg.
Does remapping affect an aftermarket warranty?
It depends on the policy. Many used-car and extended warranties exclude modified vehicles, so check the terms before booking.
Will a remap affect my MOT?
A remap on its own doesn't fail the MOT, as long as emissions stay within limits and there's no engine warning light on.
Ready to book once you've checked?
When your insurer and warranty position are clear, we'll come out and remap your car or van at home or work for £275 + VAT. Our guides to remap costs and whether remapping is worth it cover the rest.
Eccles, Manchester M30 0SF