Tow Bar and insurance

I've never asked that question but have always told them I will be towing a caravan and not had a problem?  Have you tried contacting the Club insurance service.

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RAC in my case. I have used Saga and also LV. Always declared the tow bar.

Who had you approached and when did you pass your test out of interest?

A towbar fitting is not classed as a "modification" ,i have always "advised any insurance company that one is fitted,  they have always just "aknowledge" it but thats all

A towbar fitting is classed as a modification by many if not all insurers (even if factory fit option). Many will say that it is an accepted mod with no extra charge - or so I have found 

Thanks everyone.  

I have just spoken with direct line who will insure the car. They advised that a tow bar is classed as a modification. It is stated in their terms and conditions when taking out a policy that you need to contact them by phone to declare any modifications.

I won't ever just tick that box again to agree to terms and conditions without reading them!!

The other insurance companies were Zenith through Sainsburys bank (who we were insured with) and the other was through Debenhams finance through compare the market. We've both had our driving licence since 1996 so I just couldn't understand the price. I nearly fell through the chair!! Direct line are doing it for £402 which is more like it! 

Anyway panic over now! Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond.

Emma 

I think most companies make a statement to the effect that the quote is issued under certain assumptions and one of those is that the vehicle has not been modified in any way. The onus is then on you, the insured, to tell the company about the towbar even though they may not ask the specific question. It pays to read the small print.

I always told my insurers - various companies - and was never refused cover or penalised in any way. 

I think an insurance company would be on dodgy ground if they  tried to wriggle out of a claim if the policy holder had already declared they towed with the vehicle.  surely its the same as declaring having a towbar fitted?

Then there is the argument that some makes are marketed and sold as tow cars, Land Rover being one......

With our latest policy with Churchill, I stated the car was un-modified from new  and stressed the point at least twice to the agent on the phone that we tow a 7.3mtr caravan with the car. The answer being that's fine, your covered.

In my opinion it is essential that you tell your insurance company that you have a tow bar.  Failure to do so could probably be against their  T&Cs and give them an excuse to refuse to settle a claim.  Having said that, when using comparison sites for quotes if you tick 'Has your car been modified' then you probably get the option for 'tow bar'.  I have never been refused nor had to pay extra for having a tow bar fitted.

I insure with LV, I declared my towbar, no problem and no additional cost. I declared my engine rechip and price went up by £25 for the first year but subsequent years reduce the premium.