Is Your Car Insurance Valid?

Friday, 14. May 2010

Auto Express has uncovered a potential hugely dangerous oversight that many drivers may make when taking out insurance. Most of us are aware that we need to provide details of any modifications carried out on our cars when we complete the application form but few would consider the fitting of a towbar as a modification that could invalidate the insurance if not declared. When one of their readers tried to renew his insurance with the Co-Op and mentioned in passing the tow bar they refused to insure him unless the tow bar was removed as they have a no modifications policy. Whilst others would still insure the vehicle the RAC would add £83 to the premium. Admiral pointed out that the most common oversight was the fitting of alloys or other non standard wheels and even went on to say this includes a factory fitted upgrade if this is non standard on the car – this would still be considered a modification. Upon checking out confused.com researchers found that premiums could increase by as much as £1,026 if any modifications such as wheel upgrades are fitted. So when completing your application it would be wiser to make sure that you list any optional extras fitted to the car. By Graham Hill