Holiday Drivers Warned!
Ah, summer! That glorious time of year when the sun is blazing, the skies are blue, and the roads are just begging to be driven on. It’s the season for adventure, the time when you feel the undeniable urge to pack up the car and embark on an epic road trip. But here’s the thing – before you get too carried away with modifying your pride and joy, you might want to think about how those shiny new additions could impact your insurance. You see, insurers don’t share our enthusiasm for adventure. In their world, anything that’s not stamped with the manufacturer’s official seal of approval is considered a “modification,” and that can lead to some seriously eye-watering premiums.
Tow Bars
First up, let’s talk about tow bars. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It’s summer! Time to hitch up the trailer, load the bikes, and head for the hills!” And you’d be right – tow bars are brilliant for that sort of thing. But here’s the rub: insurers see a tow bar and immediately assume you’re about to start hauling half of Dorset behind you. Suddenly, your car is a “risk.” So, the moment you bolt one of these onto your vehicle, you’re obliged to tell your insurer. And if you don’t? Well, don’t be surprised if they turn around and refuse to pay out after your trailer’s had a little tête-à-tête with the tailgate of the car in front.
Roof Bars and Roof Racks
Then there are roof bars and roof racks. These are fantastic bits of kit – perfect for strapping on surfboards, kayaks, or the obligatory oversized suitcase that never quite fits in the boot. But unless your car rolled off the production line with these handy contraptions already installed, they’re classed as modifications. And yes, you guessed it – that means you need to inform your insurer. Some insurers might just nod sagely and jot down a note; others might add a little something extra to your bill. Worst case? They decide your roof rack is a step too far and drop you faster than you can say “cancellation policy.”
Window Tints
Ah, window tints. Who wouldn’t want to cruise around in a car that looks like a Bond villain’s getaway vehicle? Tints don’t just add a dash of mystery – they keep out that blinding summer sun, too. But, and it’s a big “but,” they’re also heavily regulated. Too dark, and the police will be having words. And even if you’re within the legal limit, insurers still consider them modifications. Not only that, but tinted windows are pricier to repair or replace, which means – yes, you’ve guessed it – higher premiums.
Alloy Wheels and Body Work
If you’re the type who prefers to spend the summer polishing your pride and joy rather than using it, you might be thinking about a set of shiny new alloy wheels or a cheeky body kit. But here’s the bad news: insurers view these with the kind of suspicion normally reserved for a fox in a henhouse. Alloy wheels are one of the most popular mods around, and while they won’t break the bank, they can make you a target for thieves. And that body kit you’ve been eyeing? Unless it’s made of adamantium and blessed by the insurance gods, it’s probably going to push your premiums up. Why? Because these things can mess with the car’s handling, and they tend to shatter into a million pieces in an accident, turning a minor bump into an insurance nightmare.
Engine and Performance Upgrades
And then there are the real enthusiasts – those brave souls who spend their weekends with their heads under the bonnet, tweaking this and upgrading that. Whether it’s a new air filter, a louder exhaust, or an engine remap, these changes can make your car faster, louder, and generally more fun. But fun, in the world of insurance, is just another word for “expensive.” The upside? If you’re sensible and upgrade your brakes or suspension to something a bit more robust, you might actually see your premiums go down. Just don’t hold your breath.
Sound Systems and In-Car Entertainment
Finally, let’s talk about the tunes. There’s nothing quite like a top-notch sound system to make that summer road trip more bearable, especially when you’re stuck in traffic with nothing but FM radio for company. But again, be warned – insurers aren’t exactly fans of your new 1,000-watt subwoofer. Anything that’s not bolted to the car at the factory is a “modification,” and that means more cash out of your pocket.
So there you have it. Before you head out on your next summer adventure, take a moment to consider the impact of your latest upgrades on your insurance. Because, let’s face it, the only thing more shocking than an unexpected premium increase is the idea of a road trip without those all-important modifications. Cheers to summer and happy driving!