Car Insurance declined because of towbar.

ArdoVeering
ArdoVeering Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited March 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

I've just had my car insurance renewal come through and as it had increased considerably, I thought I'd check out other providers. Tesco turned out to be the most competitive, so before I took it out I phoned them to make sure that having a tow bar fitted was an acceptable modification. Initially, the operative said it shouldn't be a problem but then informed me that my quotation had been declined because of the towbar! 

I've always checked about towbars with previous insurers and it has never been a problem. Has anyone else out there had insurance refused because they tow a caravan?

PS: I would have loved to have gone with Caravan Club insurance, but unfortunately they weren't competitive this time.

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Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2017 #2

    Presumably Tesco is not an insurer but a broker. It is surprising that they did not check with the other insurers on their books.

    Not something that I have come across before.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited March 2017 #3
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
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    edited March 2017 #4

    I believe if the tow bar is factory fitted (or maybe even dealer fitted) it is not classed as a modification.

  • misterg
    misterg Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited March 2017 #5

    I have always declared tow bar but never had a problem.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2017 #6

    Same here msterg. I declare it and no problem

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666 ✭
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    edited March 2017 #7

    My tow car is insured with Tesco. I have declared my tow bar, on my last two cars insured with them, and it has not a problem.

  • Simmo2300
    Simmo2300 Forum Participant Posts: 29
    edited March 2017 #8

    Aviva weren't bothered at all when I told them.

  • redface
    redface Forum Participant Posts: 1,701
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    edited March 2017 #9

    Hi Simon100

    Perhaps now is the time to double check with them. in view of the OP's problems.

     

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666 ✭
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    edited March 2017 #10

    Redface. Thanks, but as far as I am concerned my insurance is valid until I renew it as they have taken my money in the knowledge that I have a tow bar.

    When I renew I will ensure that they are again aware that i have a tow bar and take it from there.

     

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2017 #11

    I have insured a car for towing for most of the last 35 years. I have always declared a towbar purely so that in the event of an accident the tow bar is also covered in the event of an accident. 

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited March 2017 #12

    Tow bars do not increase the risk but reduce it, insurers who do not accept them are shooting themselves in the foot, those that charge are at it. Most insurers accept them at the standard rate so just look around. I am insured with More Than and the tow bar is no problem.

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