You’ve got a nice new caravan or trailer and now you need to fit a towbar to your car to pull it along. But do you need to tell your insurance provider about the towbar? The short answer is yes. Let’s take a closer look at why.

Why a towbar counts as a modification

Insurers usually class any change from a vehicle’s original spec as a modification. That includes towbars because they alter both the structure and use of your vehicle and even though it seems pretty minor, a towbar can affect how the vehicle behaves on the road.

What could happen if it’s not declared

If it’s not declared, your policy could be invalidated, especially if the towbar is considered relevant to a claim.

That means even a routine claim could be questioned if the towbar was not disclosed. Some insurers simply update the policy with little or no cost, while others may apply a small adjustment, so it’s always worth telling them to be safe and avoid any headaches further down the line.

Things to check before and after fitting

Some policies may include accessories automatically, while others require them to be listed individually. It’s also worth checking whether the towbar itself is covered for damage or theft, especially if it’s used frequently alongside equipment or trailer parts, like these options autoandtrailer.com/shop/trailer-parts.

So, make sure you let your insurer know about your new towbar to make sure your cover is valid and avoid any complications if something goes wrong.