How Much Does A Bulletproof Car Cost?

A bulletproof car might not be what everyone wishes to get but it serves the purposes of a high-profile safety to certain places and certain individuals who need additional protection while travelling other than just using security guards. Common purchasers of bulletproof cars are athletes, politicians, businesses, CEOs, celebrities, companies and any other individual that may have noticed some kind of threat to their lives and see the need to upgrade their cars to a more protective one. 

Bulletproof cars are the safest and can withstand any form of danger from outside such as shooting, carjacking and are even safer should in case an accident occurs. The reason being that assault and attack can happen at any time and anywhere. There is usually a cocoon-type shell built around the car which is good for protection against firearms and explosions.

Purchasing an armoured car is becoming a major thing in Nigeria because of the common insecurity around it. The most popular armouring packages can range from N12.3 Million to N37 Million, depending on the level of customization. Some models are easier to modify while some need special work. Whether it is a brand new vehicle or a used one you purchase, they both serve the same purpose.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Bulletproof Cars

The cost of bulletproof cars depend on various factors such as; 

1. The level of protection the buyer needs. It is a personal decision based on an individual’s perceived threat.
2. The model of the vehicle the buyer is getting to become armoured. Some vehicles require more time to turn into a bulletproof car.
3. Coverage area: This refers to the part of the car you want to be bulletproofed Mainly for economic reasons and threats, some buyers would choose only the glass areas or the glass and the doors. These armoring packages do not cost much.
4. The country the vehicle is being armoured: The cost of the armoring is much greater in some countries because of the shipping costs, importation expenses and skilled labour to do the work. Prices can vary up to 30% of the standard pricing.

Cost Of Bulletproofing Each Car Part In Nigeria

Armouring cars are now becoming a significant business especially in places where the crime rate is higher than normal. Companies like Ford, Ferrari, BMW have started making bulletproof versions of cars. The cost of turning a car into a bulletproof one depends on the part of the vehicle you want to make bulletproof.

Bulletproofing Windows:

Windows in regular vehicles are made of regular glass which is very easy to break. At any time of an assault, the first target would be the Windows of the car. A breakable class on the window can harm anyone inside the vehicle at the time of the occurrence which is why it is advisable to get the Windows armoured first if you are looking to bulletproof any part of your car.

Installing bulletproof windows depends on the level of thickness and its resistance. The most usual thickness of glass used in bulletproof cars ranges from 1 to 3 inches. You can even customize the car to make it bullet-resistant. You can also do this with the support of polycarbonate which means that for extra thickness, you can laminate it with the lead glass as well.

There are several options when it comes to glass installation in the car Windows. For general safety, it would be advisable to get the cheaper dense glass like tempered glass that you would not have to worry about shattering should anything happen to the glass. The cost of getting your car Windows armoured in Nigeria ranges from N1.7 Million – N4.1 Million.

Bulletproofing Doors:

Bulletproof windows are useless unless you have a bulletproof door to top the level of protection. When a gun is fired at a car, the windows may resist the bullets from shattering the glass but they would still reach the doors. Like a 9mm bullet can indeed enter the car through cheap and regular doors.

The main aim of armouring a car’s door is to make it look as normal as possible on the outside while giving it some form of protection on the inside.

The first step that is done in making a car’s door bulletproof is to remove all the shells inside of the car. Then the pillars are cut off to make them vacant. Then steel plates are installed around the case of the door and the pillar. The security level still depends on the needs of the buyer. The ceiling and the top of the door can be covered with steel plates along with ballistic fibre. Factors such as shock resistance and fire-resistance technology should be taken into consideration. Ensure that the door is not too heavy or it might be a problem during the daily usage of the car.

A fully armoured door can range anywhere from N3.2 Million to N5 million.

Bulletproofing Tyres:

Regular Tyre will find it hard catching up with gunfire’s and can shred right through them, stopping the driver from getting away. Tires are often the favourite target after windows and doors because no one can drive with a flat Tyre. A rugged tire should be the first option, even before customizing the windows.

The concept of armoured tires does not just come from making them bulletproof. It is almost impossible to build bulletproof tires because every tire is made up of rubber and there is no such rubber as bulletproof. The way it is done is by fixing a polymer doughnut in the centre-lined with a wheel that supports the running of the tires even if they are flat. The polymer can support as much as 60 more miles than 60mph on any road condition.

Bulletproofing a Tyre can cost as much as N82,000 to N620,000. The 18-inches will cost N270,000 while the 22-inches will cost N375,000.

Bulletproofing Floor: 

Should in case your car explodes in any situation of an explosion or an implanted bomb underneath the car, a bulletproof floor will help protect you.

You can install a bulletproof and explosive-proof floor to your car for maximum safety. A floor can be coated with a nylon cover that will protect you from danger. Also, you can replace the carpet on the floor with something rugged for double safety. 

An SUV floor might cost more because of its large surface compared to a hatchback or sedan. You can expect to spend around N824,000 to N1.8 Million.

Bulletproofing car Costs

WINDOWS	N1.7 Million – N4.1 Million
DOORS	N3.2 Million to N5 million
TIRES	N82,000 to N620,000
FLOOR	N824,000 to N1.8 Million