Do I need to tell my insurance I’ve had a tow bar fitted?
Having a tow bar fitted to your vehicle opens up a whole new world of possibilities, carrying bikes, towing a trailer, towing a caravan. But probably the last thing you think about after having one fitted is your insurance.
A tow bar is classified, from an insurance viewpoint, as a vehicle modification.
A vehicle modification is classified as any alteration from the original vehicle specification when purchased new. This can include items such as having the engine remapped, changing the wheels, or even adding a small sticker to your rear bumper. Anything that was not on the vehicle when new is a modification, hence the tow bar being a modification of the vehicle.
Your insurer will require you to declare the modification to them. This is standard insurance protocol. Not all modifications lead to a rise in your premium. Some might bring down the total amount.
In general, fitting a tow bar will not increase your insurance premium.
If your vehicle is on finance, a lease car or a Motability vehicle then things get slightly more complex.
Before having a tow bar fitted you should get permission from the company that owns the vehicle. Without permission, you run the risk of having to pay for the tow bar and wiring removed when or if the vehicle goes back to them.
The owning company usually do not object to having a tow bar fitted to the vehicle, providing it has been fitted by an approved and VAT-registered business. The reason for this is that the company will have the paperwork required for proof of the tow bar being fitted and that it was fitted professionally. Can you self-fit a tow bar to a lease or Motability vehicle? Unfortunately, you can’t as the fitting will not be in accordance with the company’s guidelines and you could end up with a bill for putting the vehicle back to its original state, which could cost more than the cost of having the tow bar fitted. You will still need to inform the insurance that you have had a tow bar fitted.
Failure to disclose a modification
If you fail to tell your insurer that you have had a vehicle modification then the insurer has a legal right to void the insurance. This could cause a major problem should you be involved in an accident, even if through no fault of your own.
If towing a trailer or caravan this is often covered by your vehicle insurance, you will still need to inform them you have had a tow bar fitted.
Our advice is, if unsure, always check with your insurance company.
If you’re going to get a tow bar fitted then always choose an approved company to fit it.
For information about insurance and car modifications please see the website listed below.
For tow bar supply and fitting please get in touch by calling our team on 0114 360780 or complete the online tow bar price linked below…