Warning: your towbar could invalidate your car insurance

[RogerL]

Warning: your towbar could invalidate your car insurance | Auto Express

Drivers could be in hot water if they don’t declare if a towbar is fitted when buying car insurance

www.autoexpress.co.uk

This is a worrying trend if other insurers follow suit.

 

[Jcloughie]

Scary.

I have only been declaring a tow bar for about 20 years. Previously, I did not give it a thought. Since I have been declaring a tow bar. It has made zero difference to my premium.

There have been a number of topics on this forum advising members to declare. This topic will reinforce that message.

John

 

[Beardy]

On my insurance a towbar was on the list of modifications I didn't need to declare, but it wouldn't increase the value of my car. Definitely worth checking though.

 

[Buckman]

I don' think that the insurance company will get away with it as the towbar had nothing to do with the accident. Secondly if the car came from the factory with the towbar already fitted, is it a modification? Same if bought new and the tow bar is fitted before delivery as it is an optional extra. I have always declared our to bar as most insurers do not regard the tow bar as a modification.

 

[otherclive]

Scary.

I have only been declaring a tow bar for about 20 years. Previously, I did not give it a thought. Since I have been declaring a tow bar. It has made zero difference to my premium.

There have been a number of topics on this forum advising members to declare. This topic will reinforce that message.

John

Plus 1 for always advising, but I’ve never purchased car insurance on line.

 

[AndrewAventura]

I don' think that the insurance company will get away with it as the towbar had nothing to do with the accident. Secondly if the car came from the factory with the towbar already fitted, is it a modification? Same if bought new and the tow bar is fitted before delivery as it is an optional extra. I have always declared our to bar as most insurers do not regard the tow bar as a modification.

As reported, the story is rather worrying:
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) decision found in favour of the insurance company. The Ombudsman cited the Consumer Insurance Disclosure and Representations Act on ‘misrepresentation’, which applies when information provided by the consumer to the insurer is incomplete or misleading, be it “carelessly, deliberately or recklessly”.
It would seem exceptionally easy for an insurance company to reject a claim if it chose to - baby seat fitted? seat covers? dog guard? With vague wording in the quotation form, any of these could constitute 'modifications'.
I just hope that there's more to the story, maybe something like a tow bar fitted to a vehicle that isn't homologated with a towing capacity or something like that.

 

[Buckman]

As reported, the story is rather worrying:
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) decision found in favour of the insurance company. The Ombudsman cited the Consumer Insurance Disclosure and Representations Act on ‘misrepresentation’, which applies when information provided by the consumer to the insurer is incomplete or misleading, be it “carelessly, deliberately or recklessly”.
It would seem exceptionally easy for an insurance company to reject a claim if it chose to - baby seat fitted? seat covers? dog guard? With vague wording in the quotation form, any of these could constitute 'modifications'.
I just hope that there's more to the story, maybe something like a tow bar fitted to a vehicle that isn't homologated with a towing capacity or something like that.

If you really think about it, having your vehicle done with a paint protection system is in effect modifying it. Adding washer water using a different type of fluid to the one used by the manufacturer is in effect modifying the vehicle. Fitting new tyres that are a different brand to the vehicle is modifying it. The list is endless!

 

[otherclive]

As reported, the story is rather worrying:
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) decision found in favour of the insurance company. The Ombudsman cited the Consumer Insurance Disclosure and Representations Act on ‘misrepresentation’, which applies when information provided by the consumer to the insurer is incomplete or misleading, be it “carelessly, deliberately or recklessly”.
It would seem exceptionally easy for an insurance company to reject a claim if it chose to - baby seat fitted? seat covers? dog guard? With vague wording in the quotation form, any of these could constitute 'modifications'.
I just hope that there's more to the story, maybe something like a tow bar fitted to a vehicle that isn't homologated with a towing capacity or something like that.

Things such as described in your post don’t really constitute modifications. But on a Pajero I fitted non electcally controlled OEM shock absorbers and higher springs. No extra premium. On a Forester XT I swopped the coilover shocks and springs of the self levelling and installed non self levelling coil overs. Again no extra premium.

On travel insurance it’s not uncommon for the insurers to look for non compliance. In my case I now have to declare a cancer which was found as a result of a totally seperately procedure. In reality it has absolutely no effect on my lifestyle and requires nothing at the moment other than period blood tests. So in reality I’m no different to before my procedure, but since I’m on a “pathway” it has to be declared. Nett result…. premium increase from my normal travel insurer. Insurers don’t like risk☹️

 

[RogerL]

Things such as described in your post don’t really constitute modifications. But on a Pajero I fitted non electcally controlled OEM shock absorbers and higher springs. No extra premium. On a Forester XT I swopped the coilover shocks and springs of the self levelling and installed non self levelling coil overs. Again no extra premium.

On travel insurance it’s not uncommon for the insurers to look for non compliance. In my case I now have to declare a cancer which was found as a result of a totally seperately procedure. In reality it has absolutely no effect on my lifestyle and requires nothing at the moment other than period blood tests. So in reality I’m no different to before my procedure, but since I’m on a “pathway” it has to be declared. Nett result…. premium increase from my normal travel insurer. Insurers don’t like risk☹️

Travel insurers particularly don't like risk - I was quoted over £7,500 insurance premium for a two-week trip to the USA, so we didn't go!

Having survived cancer earlier in my life I find it particularly annoying that it didn't qualify as serious enough for an enhanced pension but serious enough to bar me from life insurance and make travel insurance prohibitively expensive.

 

[ProfJohnL]

To save the day and prevent situations like the one raised in the OP, it's worth the effort to just tell your insurers you have a tow bar fitted, and you intend to tow a caravan, then they know, and can't wriggle out of claim on a technicality.

Normally insurers do not charge extra for having a towbar, so for the cost of the time to write a letter or email to tell them if or when a towbar is fitted and to warn them you will be towing a caravan, it's worth the effort.

 

[Buckman]

To save the day and prevent situations like the one raised in the OP, it's worth the effort to just tell your insurers you have a tow bar fitted, and you intend to tow a caravan, then they know, and can't wriggle out of claim on a technicality.

Normally insurers do not charge extra for having a towbar, so for the cost of the time to write a letter or email to tell them if or when a towbar is fitted and to warn them you will be towing a caravan, it's worth the effort.

Good advice. If doing it Online normally then is a drop down list for added options like tow bar. As said is it a modification if the vehicle comes from the factory with a fitted towbar?

 

[toad a caravan]

Certain points covered in previous posted in April under "towbars"

 

[toad a caravan]

Check "ultimate towbars" website for useful info

 

[audiorob]

I would like to think that if I was rear ended that any damage to the car would be repaired and the towbar replaced under the insurance policy as I have informed my insurer that the towbar is fitted using their drop-down list of 'modifications' .

 

[GTPete]

Having a fitted tow bar may cause more damage to the body shell if rear ended, so insurance repairs may be more costly as a result.....we always declare a tow bar is fitted, factory or aftermarket...

 

[Jcloughie]

Having a fitted tow bar may cause more damage to the body shell if rear ended, so insurance repairs may be more costly as a result.....we always declare a tow bar is fitted, factory or aftermarket...

Many years ago I was rear ended while in France. I was doing 40mph so the person that hit me had to be doing at least 70. And this was entering a village!

On my Citroen XM the tow bar and underslung spare wheel were pushed forward, the bodywork was jammed against the rear wheels. The only door that would open was the front passenger. Even the sun roof was creased.

Despite the tow bar, the car body had folded up as it was supposed to, and none of the 4 passenger were hurt at all. In fact, my friend sat next to me was even wondering why I had stopped.

I am not sure if the tow bar helped or not. But the young lad in the VW Golf that hit me, drove off!

John

 

[ProfJohnL]

Good advice. If doing it Online normally then is a drop down list for added options like tow bar. As said is it a modification if the vehicle comes from the factory with a fitted towbar?

I don't know of any UK car that comes a standard with a towbar, it may be a factory fitted option you have to select when ordering. It is therefore a modification, all-be-it factory fitted one.

 

[Guzzilazz]

OK, let's clarify how most towbars are constructed these days rather than bleat on about the "good old days".

A towbar fitment to a modern car usually involves the replacement of the complete rear bar across the back of the car with one that is modified with the fixings etc for the tow bar assembly. That's not a "modification"? I beg to differ.

 

[otherclive]

OK, let's clarify how most towbars are constructed these days rather than bleat on about the "good old days".

A towbar fitment to a modern car usually involves the replacement of the complete rear bar across the back of the car with one that is modified with the fixings etc for the tow bar assembly. That's not a "modification"? I beg to differ.

On my last three cars your description is incorrect. The cars rear cross member a sophisticated box construction is removed. The tow bar attachment points fixed to the points used by the cars OEM cross member. So instead of a member designed to accept a rear or side impact with some degree of “crushability “ the towbar fixings put any load direct to the cars scantlings. These were Witter and Brink towbars.

 

[Dustydog]

Interesting posts from Larry ,Prof and Clive.

The question of Towbars and Modifications must be the most often raised issues on here over the years.

I have just renewed with a different motor insurer. My previous and now the new one specifically ask for details of any modifications that may have been carried out after construction of the evehicle . They then give a list of modifications the last one being
“ any other not listed”. Guess what Towbar features. No difference in the premium.

I can only speak about the VW Touareg and Westfalia.

The oem rear cross member is substantial . It stiffens the entire rear end, protects the fuel and Ad blue tanks from rear impacts and stiffens the effects of being T Boned on the rear N/s and O/s.

The Westfalia towbar beam is a direct replacement and certified by the powers that be , Europe with mine, that it is as good if not better than the oem. It is a massive full sectioned piece of steel very similar to the oem but with welded add ons too.
I understand VW will have been consulted and agreed the spec. I am therefore confident my safety has not been compromised.

However I expect Lutz and Roger will know a lot more than me!

 

[RogerL]

On my last three cars your description is incorrect. The cars rear cross member a sophisticated box construction is removed. The tow bar attachment points fixed to the points used by the cars OEM cross member. So instead of a member designed to accept a rear or side impact with some degree of “crushability “ the towbar fixings put any load direct to the cars scantlings. These were Witter and Brink towbars.

Can't be sure about your specific cars but the standard rear cross-member isn't generally designed to crush - the crush is done by the bumper cover and any foam underneath plus the structure forward of the cross-member.

 

[Buckman]

I don't know of any UK car that comes a standard with a towbar, it may be a factory fitted option you have to select when ordering. It is therefore a modification, all-be-it factory fitted one.

Checked on that before I wrote the post. Definitely not classed as an added modification if it came from the factory with the towbar already fitted. I had side steps added recently and that is not counted as a modifictaion.

 

[Dustydog]

Checked on that before I wrote the post. Definitely not classed as an added modification if it came from the factory with the towbar already fitted. I had side steps added recently and that is not counted as a modifictaion.

I recall on a past post way back BMW may be a candidate 🤔

Equally I well recall 99% of people who bought a new car and requested a tow bar didn’t get what they thought .The Dealer called in a local towbar fitted who did the job. The Dealer then added his 35%.

The AA / Covea proposal form I recently filled in on line, as I said, was very specific about modifications even listing them .The recent FOS decision mentioned earlier will also have influenced most insurers in the information gathering at proposal time.

Listing them is covering both their and your position for the future.
Why play semantics and possibly prejudice your own claim?

Surely far better to err on the side of caution and disclose everything?

 

[RogerL]

My RAC policy states "The vehicle has not been modified or adapted in anyway (excluding manufacturer optional extras e.g. alloy, sat nav, etc)" - so my factory-fit towbar, ordered as one of several options, seems to not count as a modification to them.

 

[otherclive]

I recall on a past post way back BMW may be a candidate 🤔

Equally I well recall 99% of people who bought a new car and requested a tow bar didn’t get what they thought .The Dealer called in a local towbar fitted who did the job. The Dealer then added his 35%.

The AA / Covea proposal form I recently filled in on line, as I said, was very specific about modifications even listing them .The recent FOS decision mentioned earlier will also have influenced most insurers in the information gathering at proposal time.

Listing them is covering both their and your position for the future.
Why play semantics and possibly prejudice your own claim?

Surely far better to err on the side of caution and disclose everything?

I even declared the fitting of front sensors by a Kia dealer using the Kia sensor pack. Didn't change the policy premium. Fundamentally I don't trust insurers to not look for a get out if they can.