Do you need to notify your insurance if you fit a towbar?

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Do you need to notify your insurance if you fit a towbar?

2 May 2018

We all know that if you fit bigger wheels, or a performance exhaust to your car, then you need to inform your insurance of the modifications that you have made. But does the same apply when you fit a tow bar?

A towbar does count as a modification to your vehicle, because fitting one will mean that the vehicle will now be different from the manufacturer’s factory specification.

This means you will need to inform your company if you are planning on having a towbar so they can adjust your policy details accordingly.

Will the towbar increase the price of my insurance policy?

The reality is that most insurers will not make any additional charges to your policy.

This, of course, will vary depending on who you are insured with. The towbar shouldn’t increase your insurance, although you may be charged an amendment or service fee if adding it to your existing vehicle.

If there is an increase in premium with your current insurer, it would be well worth shopping around come renewal time.

Why do I need to inform my insurance company about my towbar?

Car modifications can affect how your insurance premium is assessed in terms of risk of accident, and any risk of theft. Having a towbar fitted means you can tow other vehicles, caravans, and even boats, which could increase the risk of accident on your policy. Click here for more info!

Will I be covered for damage to my towbar?

This is one of the main reasons to inform your insurers that you have a towbar installed.

If you add your towbar to the policy, it should be covered for any damages that occur.

Rear End Car CrashWe often get calls from people where there has been a light rear-end collision, and the towbar has saved the car from any damage (A good reason to fit a towbar?), but the towbar itself has taken the force of the impact.

There may be no visible damage to the towbar, but it is impossible to tell if there is any underlying damage without removing the towbar and sending back to the manufacturer to be stress tested.

The costs involved to do the stress testing would be greater than the cost of a new towbar, so it is more economical to simply fit a new towbar in the case of end rear end collision. Even if there is no apparent damage. Naturally, if you haven't told your insurers that you have a towbar fitted, they would be reluctant to cover the costs of a new one.

If you need to fit a new towbar in your car, you can get a quote simply by entering your reg number and postcode on our website: https://www.towbarexpress.co.uk/towbars/

If your car already has a towbar fitted, crash damaged, or otherwise, please inform us at the time of booking as there may me an additional charge to remove the old towbar.