Motorists risk having car insurance voided and £300 fine for 'common' driving adjustment - 'Quite unusual'

According to experts, failing to declare these, as well as other modifications including window tints and sunroofs, could lead to car insurance issues as well as hefty penalties.

Drivers have now been urged to inform insurers of any changes they make to their cars as the weather warms up and more motorists hit the road.

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If drivers fail to keep their insurer up to date, they could be driving with a void insurance policy, and if they need to make a claim, an insurer could refuse to pay out.

Other factors which could cause problems include tow bars, roof boxes and bike racks, which can all be classed as modifications.

Experts explained that drivers must update their policy to include any new changes to the vehicle, as without this, insurers may terminate policies.

Drivers could also face similar issues with bike carriers, as any modification can be seen as increasing the likelihood of damage or an accident.

Other improvements to vehicles, such as window tints, sunroofs and adding a tow bar, could enhance the cost of the vehicle and increase the risk of an incident.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: "As the weather improves and motorists head off for summer trips, many make seasonal modifications, like adding a roof box or towbar, but failing to inform the insurer of these changes could invalidate the insurance and leave the driver unprotected.

"All the additions - towbars, roof boxes and racks, window tints, bicycle racks and adding a sunroof can all be seen as increasing the risk of an accident or the likelihood of damage, which is why it’s so important to notify the insurer."

A recent Quotezone survey revealed that 65 per cent of drivers "didn’t realise a sunroof could be seen as a modification".

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Wilson added: "There’s a full list of modifications that insurers need to be aware of, our car insurance quote form details them all with an explanation on modifications - it’s so important for drivers to check the list thoroughly as some items are quite unusual and many drivers may assume they are covered as standard."

The expert explained that having a tow bar fitted to the car can potentially affect insurance as it increases the risk of an accident happening.

While window tints do not automatically invalidate car insurance policies under UK law, there are restrictions on the number of tints used in front windscreen and front side windows.

For vehicles first used on April 1, 1985, or later, the front windscreen must let at least 75 per cent of the light through, with the front side windows letting at least 70 per cent of light through.

Installing a roof rack or roof box can impact the vehicle’s weight distribution and potentially its handling, which could make the overloaded roof racks dangerous.

This can incur fixed penalties ranging from £100 to £300 for various percentages of overload, as it affects vehicles' stopping distances.

Drivers who install sunroofs have been warned that it can alter the car’s value, repair costs and even its structural integrity, which can make it more prone to leaks.

Wilson shared: "If you’re adding a bike carrier for summer adventures, notify your insurer. They are classed as modifications and may be seen as increasing the risk of accidents or damage to your vehicle, especially if they’re not properly installed."