Westfield Insurance
Tailored insurance for Britain’s most iconic kit cars
When you own a Westfield, you’re driving a piece of British heritage that combines classic styling with modern performance. At Chris Knott Insurance, we understand the unique characteristics of these exceptional kit cars and the tailored cover requirements that come with owning such a distinctive vehicle.
Whether you drive a legendary Seven-inspired roadster, a track-focused racer, or a custom-built creation, our experienced team has the knowledge and tailored insurer relationships to secure protection for your cherished Westfield.
What makes insuring a Westfield different from standard cars?
Westfield Sports Cars has been producing some of Britain’s most exciting lightweight sports cars since 1982. These vehicles represent a unique category in the world; they’re not quite classic cars, not quite modern vehicles. Certainly, not standard production cars that mainstream insurers can easily categorise.
The challenge with Westfield vehicle insurance lies in the bespoke nature of these cars. Many are built from kits, often with significant customisation and modification from the standard specification. This means that no two Westfields are exactly alike, and each requires individual assessment to determine appropriate cover and value.
Standard motor insurers often struggle to understand the true value and replacement cost of a Westfield. The combination of fibreglass bodywork, space-frame chassis construction, and often significantly modified engines creates a unique risk profile that requires a tailored understanding.
Our tailored insurers recognise that Westfield owners are typically knowledgeable enthusiasts who take great care of their vehicles. This understanding allows us to offer suitable premiums that reflect the reality of Westfield ownership rather than applying blanket assumptions about modified or kit cars.
What Westfield models can we insure?
Our specialist arrangements cover the complete range of Westfield vehicles, from classic Seven-inspired models through to the latest high-performance variants and one-off custom builds.
Current Production Models
- Westfield Seven – The classic lightweight roadster that embodies the spirit of traditional British sports cars, available in various engine configurations from modest touring setups to high-performance variants.
- Westfield SEiW (Special Equipment i Wide) – The wider-bodied variant offering enhanced stability and accommodation for larger engines and more substantial performance modifications.
- Westfield FW Series – The track-focused models are designed for serious performance driving, often featuring aerodynamic enhancements and competition-oriented specifications.
Classic and Heritage Models
For owners of older Westfield models, including early Seven variants, discontinued models, or vehicles that have been significantly modified over the years, we understand that these cars often appreciate and require agreed value coverage that reflects their significance to enthusiasts.
Custom and Modified Builds
Many Westfield owners modify their vehicles extensively, whether for improved performance, enhanced comfort, or personalised styling. Our policies can accommodate these modifications, ensuring that your investment in upgrades and personalisation is properly protected.
What factors influence your Westfield vehicle insurance premium?
Understanding the elements that affect your costs helps you make informed decisions about coverage and risk management. Several factors impact the cost of insuring a Westfield:
- Engine Specification – More powerful engines typically result in higher premiums, though the relationship isn’t always linear
- Vehicle Value – Higher agreed values require higher premiums, but specialist insurers often offer better value than mainstream providers
- Modifications – Declared modifications are covered, but may affect premiums depending on their nature and extent
- Usage Pattern – Limited mileage and recreational use typically result in lower premiums
- Storage and Security – Secure garage storage and additional security measures can reduce premiums
- Driver Experience – Experience with sports cars and clean driving records is viewed favourably
- Club Membership – Membership of recognised owners’ clubs often qualifies for additional discounts
Storage and Security
Where and how you store your Westfield significantly impacts your premium. These lightweight sports cars are attractive to thieves, making secure storage essential. Garage storage with additional security measures such as steering wheel locks, immobilisers, or tracking devices can help reduce premiums whilst providing better protection.
Driving Experience and Club Membership
Westfield owners are typically experienced enthusiasts who understand the characteristics of lightweight sports cars. Our insurers recognise this, and membership of recognised owners’ clubs or participation in organised events can qualify for additional discounts.
Many insurers also offer preferential rates for drivers who have completed advanced driving courses or have demonstrable experience with similar vehicles.
What coverage options are available for your Westfield?
Our comprehensive policies can be tailored to include a wide range of coverage options designed specifically for specialist sports car ownership.
Core Coverage Elements
- Comprehensive Physical Damage – Protection against collision, theft, vandalism, weather damage, and other perils. Given the specialist nature of Westfield construction, comprehensive coverage is particularly important to ensure proper repair standards.
- Third Party Liability – Mandatory coverage that protects you against claims from other parties. For high-performance Westfield variants, higher liability limits may be advisable given the potential performance capabilities.
- Agreed Value Protection – Essential coverage that ensures you receive the full agreed-upon value in the event of a total loss, avoiding disputes about market values or depreciation.
Optional Enhancements
- Track Day Coverage – For owners who participate in track days or driving experiences, we can arrange coverage that extends protection to circuit use, subject to specific terms and conditions.
- Show and Event Coverage – Special coverage for concours events, shows, and rallies, including coverage for awards, trophies, and equipment.
- Breakdown and Recovery – Specialist breakdown coverage that understands the unique requirements of kit cars and can arrange appropriate recovery to specialists when needed.
What about modifications and upgrades?
Westfield ownership often involves ongoing modification and improvement. Whether you’re upgrading the engine, improving the suspension, enhancing the interior, or adding performance modifications, our policies can be adapted to cover these enhancements.
It’s essential to declare modifications to ensure they’re properly covered. Our team understands common Westfield modifications and can advise on how different upgrades might affect your coverage and premiums.
We recognise that modifications often enhance rather than detract from a Westfield’s value, and our policies reflect this understanding rather than penalising owners for improving their vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Westfield ownership typically requires some driving experience, each case is assessed individually. Factors such as the specific model, engine size, intended use, and any advanced driving training can influence eligibility. We can often find solutions for newer drivers, particularly with more modest engine specifications.
Yes, it’s essential to declare all modifications from standard specification. This ensures they’re properly covered and prevents issues with claims. Our team understands common Westfield modifications and can guide you through the declaration process.
Yes, we can arrange specialist coverage that extends to track day participation at approved circuits. This requires specific terms and conditions, including safety equipment requirements and circuit approval, but allows you to enjoy your Westfield’s performance capabilities safely.
You should contact us before making modifications to ensure they’ll be covered. Most modifications can be accommodated with appropriate adjustments to the policy, and we can often arrange cover for planned modifications in advance.
Yes, we can arrange multi-vehicle policies for enthusiasts with several cars. This can provide cost savings and administrative convenience, with a single renewal date covering your entire collection.
For agreed value policies, we work with you to establish an appropriate value based on factors such as the specification, condition, modifications, and current market values for similar vehicles. This might involve professional valuations or evidence of recent sales of comparable cars.
You’ll need standard documentation including driving licence details, vehicle registration documents, and details of the specification and any modifications. For agreed value policies, evidence supporting the proposed value such as build receipts, modification invoices, or professional valuations may be required.
While we have a network of approved repairers experienced with Westfield vehicles, you may be able to use your preferred specialist subject to our approval. We understand that many owners have established relationships with particular specialists and will try to accommodate these preferences where possible.
Ready to protect your Westfield with specialist cover that understands the passion behind kit car ownership? Contact our experienced team today for a comprehensive quotation tailored to your specific requirements. Our UK-based specialists are here to ensure your distinctive British sports car receives the specialist protection it deserves.
