Towbar on Jimny 2004

300bhpton wrote:

DrRobin wrote:

A tow bar is a modification unless every vehicle of that model comes with one fitted.

Robin

I wouldn't say it is a modification. The vehicle is designed to tow and has a tow rating. Tow bars are also dealer supplied and fitted, so aka as from manufacturer. They are just an option you need to tick when buying.

And as it is not a modification, I don't see why you'd even need to tell an insurance company, it is a standard part.

Applying common sense I would agree with you if the tow bar is a factory one fitted from new.  However, insurance companies don’t take that view, if it has a tow bar fitted, it’s a modification.  This is especially true if the tow bar was fitted after the car was delivered.

Most insurance companies didn’t used to load your premium for a tow bar, but with increased competition in the insurance industry they are increasingly looking for ways to load your premium and if you look, you might find that a majority now see a tow bar as a modification.

Robin

So I had to check my policy on the back of this to confirm my insurers aren't taking the mickey and fortunately they are not. But what it is shining a light on is that if this is becoming more prevalent, the more people who change their provider when they do try nonsense like this the more they will stop weighting premiums.