Declare Car Modifications
Undeclared Summer Car Modifications Including Roof Racks May Invalidate Your Insurance Policy
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Common summer car add-ons — roof boxes, bike racks, roof racks, and tow bars — could void your car insurance if you don't tell your insurer about them first. Essex Live reports that insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have issued a warning ahead of the busy summer travel season, urging drivers to declare these items before hitting the road.
Many drivers don't realise that fitting these accessories counts as a vehicle modification. If you make a claim without having declared them, your insurer could refuse to pay out — leaving you with no cover.
Why These Accessories Count as Modifications
Insurers treat roof boxes, bike racks, roof racks, and tow bars as modifications because they change how your car behaves on the road. Bristol Post explains that these additions increase the risk of accidents and damage, especially if they are not fitted correctly. A poorly secured roof box, for example, raises your vehicle's centre of gravity and can affect braking distances.
The rule is simple: any change that affects your car's safety or performance must be declared to your insurer. Failing to do so gives the insurer grounds to reject a claim. Lancs Live notes that these modifications raise the likelihood of an accident or damage — which is exactly why insurers need to know about them.
Tow Bars, Window Tints, and Sunroofs Also on the List
It's not just roof-mounted gear that needs declaring. Daily Post reports that having a tow bar fitted to your car must also be reported to your insurer. Window tints and aftermarket sunroofs fall into the same category. Each of these changes can affect how your vehicle is assessed for risk.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, pointed out a striking knowledge gap among drivers. According to Examiner Live, 65% of drivers did not realise that adding a sunroof could be classed as a modification. Wilson's data suggests millions of UK drivers could unknowingly be driving with invalidated cover right now.
What Drivers Should Do Before Summer Trips
The fix is straightforward: contact your insurer before you fit or attach anything to your car. Kent Live advises that drivers should declare every modification, no matter how temporary it seems. A roof box you clip on for a single weekend away still needs to be reported.
Declaring a modification does not always mean your premium will rise. Some changes have little or no impact on your policy cost. But not declaring them could mean the difference between a paid-out claim and being left to cover thousands of pounds in damage yourself. A quick call to your insurer before you travel is all it takes.
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