So rang my insurance company to insure the Yeti from tomorrow when I pick her up. Usual questions about any mods

 

At this point I asked about a tow bar at some point. I was advised I need to tell them about a tow bar, She said it wont affect the cost of your policy but needs to be declared as could still void the policy.

 

Just thought you all should know just incase as we know it wont take much sometimes to stop a payout.

 

Thanks

 

Glenn

Hi Glenn, you will also need to tell them what you maybe towing as well.

Hi Glenn, you will also need to tell them what you maybe towing as well.

 

I have been towing for more than 30 years and I have NEVER needed to tell my insurance company.

^ What Graham said. 

Looks like some confusion here on what to tell. I thought it would be simple. If you have a towbar fitted and your car was written off/stolen etc you would want a replacement with one fitted. Tell the insurance company and let them make a note if they need to.

 

Colin

This is a guide to towing and insurance from GoCompare.com

 

It contains this: ""As just one basic point to consider, towbars (and roof racks) are classed as modifications by insurers and need to be declared when applying for cover.""

I have always told my insurance company I have a tow bar fitted.

 

I have never been required to tell them when I am towing, as implied by "thingy".

 

My car insurance documents state that when I have a trailer hooked onto my car it is covered for Third Party liability, as required by Law.

My caravan is separately insured for all other risks.

Every insurance company has a different policy with mods and options so no simple answer here. Admiral for example expect you to declare every option from standard, so clearly a tow bar is included in that. This won't invariably impact on the premium, but it does mean that in the event of a repair or replacement the option wouldn't be covered (according to the call centre drone I spoke to).

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Edited 9 January, 201610 yr by Falmouthboy

Falmouthboy's experience with Admiral is interesting because it has never occurred to me that an insurance company might consider factory fitted options as "modifications", particular when as a model reaches the end of its life manufacturers often add as standard some of the items that previously were extras. It makes you wonder where to draw the line - my sunroof? the heated windscreen? my "Special Build Club" 16" wheels? Even the tyre pressure monitor? And at some point I've got to fit my roof bars (used once in nearly three years) to collect a couple of fence panels - should I inform my insurer when they go on and later that day when I take them off again? 

Falmouthboy's experience with Admiral is interesting because it has never occurred to me that an insurance company might consider factory fitted options as "modifications", particular when as a model reaches the end of its life manufacturers often add as standard some of the items that previously were extras. It makes you wonder where to draw the line - my sunroof? the heated windscreen? my "Special Build Club" 16" wheels? Even the tyre pressure monitor? And at some point I've got to fit my roof bars (used once in nearly three years) to collect a couple of fence panels - should I inform my insurer when they go on and later that day when I take them off again? 

I informed my insurer (Skoda) of the vehicles total value at purchase which included all the options. I did not detail them.

With my insurance experience, you just tick the box for the options you have.

'Modifications' tend to be those that indicate an increased risk profile.

Edited 9 January, 201610 yr by Ryeman

.....my "Special Build Club" 16" wheels? .....

 

Like your sunroof, this is an ex-works feature rather than a mod.  (Spec 'H09 = Tires 215/60 R16 95H (polymer coating)' on the build ticket)

Falmouthboy's experience with Admiral is interesting because it has never occurred to me that an insurance company might consider factory fitted options as "modifications", particular when as a model reaches the end of its life manufacturers often add as standard some of the items that previously were extras. It makes you wonder where to draw the line - my sunroof? the heated windscreen? my "Special Build Club" 16" wheels? Even the tyre pressure monitor? And at some point I've got to fit my roof bars (used once in nearly three years) to collect a couple of fence panels - should I inform my insurer when they go on and later that day when I take them off again?

As you will imagine, with a BMW with lost of options this took some time! However the point about end of production run 'additions' - they don't count as they are not options. I just read the list of things I had paid extra over list for and she noted them down. I didn't even have to pay any extra for my M Performance Exhaust to be included at a later date.

I think Admiral is one of the most meticulous companies for this though.

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Edited 9 January, 201610 yr by Falmouthboy

I was charged extra for rear LED lights, but not for any other options.

Each to their own and what the individual feels comfortable with.

My attitude is, I tell my insurance company what I tow and possible goods therein.

That way, if any nice person fails to see the trailer and cause a collision by hitting it, at least the Ins. Co. do not have a get out to not pay up.