Motorists planning summer getaways have been cautioned that seemingly minor alterations to their vehicles could invalidate their insurance if not reported to their provider. This could result in drivers being uninsured or denied claims in the event of an accident. Even straightforward additions like a roof rack or tow bar could jeopardise your coverage.
Most insurance firms consider anything beyond a manufacturer's official accessory list as a modification. While these simple modifications may not drastically increase your current premium, they could lead to your insurer refusing coverage if an accident occurs. With this in mind, we've examined some common summer car modifications and their potential impact on insurance premiums.
Many motorists want to transport more items during the summer, whether for camping trips or cycling excursions. Tow bars provide an easy way to pull a small trailer or attach bike carriers to the back of the vehicle, reports the Express . It might seem self-evident, but installing a tow bar indicates you're likely to be towing trailers, caravans, or large items, increasing the vehicle's risk on the road.
Furthermore, most insurers view fitting an aftermarket tow bar as a modification, meaning they must be informed. In most cases, insurers will simply make a note on their systems and no additional charges are added, but some may find premiums increase, so it's worth shopping around with providers to find the best deal. Again, adding roof bars or a roo.