Common Car Modification That You May Have, Invalidating Your Insurance

[Hymie]

Insurers will use any excuse they can dream up, not to pay a claim – this is getting ridiculous.

 

I recall they tried claiming fitting a roof-rack was a modification that invalidated the insurance.

 

One of the vehicles I owned had a tow bar fitted; I thought its most useful feature was that if someone was to rear-end me at low speed, the only damage would be that inflicted on their vehicle by the tow bar.

 

If I was the Financial Ombudsman I would have been asking how having a tow bar fitted increases the insurance risk.

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-14153617/Drivers-invalidating-motor-insurance-common-feature-fitted-car.html?ico=mol_desktop_home

[THECORBYLOON]

Your link shows a driver referred an insurer's decision not to pay out, to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman agreed with the insurers.

"The driver who got in touch with us told us that he is at his 'wits end' adding that, following a routine vehicle collision, his insurer had refused to honour his insurance at the last minute, leaving him with a potential six-figure cost and incredible stress and anxiety for him and his family,' Rosamond said."

"Following a nine-month dispute with Flow - a subsidiary of Allianz - the Financial Ombudsman Service found in favour of the insurance company."

[Hymie]

So how does having a tow bar fitted increase the insurance risk?

[New Judge]

"If I was the Financial Ombudsman I would have been asking how having a tow bar fitted increases the insurance risk."

And that's exactly what the Ombudsman asks. There must be a clear link between the modification and additional risk before liability can be denied.

Here's an example from the Ombudsman where an insurer tried to deny a claim because of a changed air filter:

https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/data-insight/our-insight/car-modifications-insurance

The Ombudsman actually goes further than that in some cases and insists that the modification actually contributed to the accident before cover is denied..

[barry1010]

I tell my car insurer everything, that way they can't refuse to pay out.

I tell them about my hardwired dashcam (nearly invisible from outside the vehicle) and the after market reversing sensors.

Ridiculous, I know.

Towbars are a bit more understandable. The risk increases because you will not only be insured for driving a car but also for towing a vehicle and that changes the way a vehicle handles, increasing the risk of accident.  Look at the aftermath of a towing vehicle jack knifing or a caravan toppling on a motorway. 

If you reverse in to anything your twobar will cause a lot more damage than your bumper, even at low speed. 

So having a towbar does increase the risk of higher claims

[1ozzy]

If you inform your insurer of any modifications before accepting the policy, no worries.

But if you don't,  you can expect an argument from them.

It's not rocket science, just be honest.

[bhg481]

Every car insurance quote I've filled in for many years have asked if the car has been modified and, if you say it has, gives a list of the modifications they're interested in. If you have more than 2 mods the comparison sites usually won't quote and you have to contact individual companies. I bought my car new and had several options fitted at the factory but I don't consider any of these to be mods as they came out of the factory already fitted I do confess to the tow bar and engine chip which were fitted after-market.

[Old_Geezer]

Have to say I'd not have considered that as something worth mentioning, any more than fitting a larger rear view mirror, or adding a back windscreen heater, or fitting a new gear knob. I envisage modifications as something like an upgraded suspension, or dropping in a V6 engine, converting it to be open top, etc.. Luckily I've not done anything like adding a towbar to cars I have owned.

[douglas9401]

Adding a towbar increases the chance of a caravan being hitched up thereby contributing directly to congestion, raised blood pressure, frustration, and the absolute refusal to pull into a lay-by to let other travellers get on with their day.

All extra risks for little reward.

[nicebloke1]

I've never come across an insurance application that gives a list of modifications that you should refer too. So could an insurance company refuse paying out because you have an air freshner in your car? They will screw you if they can, and they wonder why people try to screw them.

[gingejbee]

"following a routine vehicle collision". Routine?

How often is it happening to him?!

[davebro3]

I once fitted a towbar (to a previous car) & didn't think to tell my insurer - but I can see that it would alter the risk assessment.

I recently had my wheels re-furbed & painted a different colour. Should I fess up?

[nicebloke1]

^^ You've altered the structure of the alloy.

Claim refused. :○(

[netherfield]

I'm not surprised about the roof rack, the things people carry on them can make a car very unstable.

[bhg481]

A roof rack is only a temporary modification. Would an insurance company expect you to inform them that you put it on for an hour, took it off again, back on again the day after etc? Only permanent mods should affect a policy.

[mjwman]

What if, say a mattress, fell forward off the roof rack and obscured your vision and caused you to to hit something?

[barry1010]

I would tell an insurance company that I have a roof rack / box that I use occasionally.