Just to update this topic, had a letter from Hastings Direct today to confirm that they "will be liable for this incident' as expected as they don't consider a towbar as a 'modification' !!
Lesson learnt however when and if I change insurer I'll be telling them everything including my stainless steel exhaust!!
Lesson learnt however when and if I change insurer I'll be telling them everything including my stainless steel exhaust!!