DRIVERS have been warned how decorating their car for Christmas could invalidate their insurance and cost them thousands of pounds.
The potential sting on your wallet depends on how your policy provider defines what counts as a modification on your vehicle.
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Some class it as anything that’s been changed since the car was manufactured, either to improve its performance or the look of the motor.
This can range from getting a sat nav fitted, to even putting on some fancy new alloys.
But new research from Zero Deposit Car Leasing found accessories can also be defined as modifications – leaving your insurance effectively worthless unless you declare them.
Failing to declare any modifications to your car could could invalidate your insurance if you come to make a claim.
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That means dressing your car in reindeer antlers, or decorating the windows with snowflakes, could be a costly error this Christmas unless you tell your provider.
If you’re unsure what counts as a modification, it’s best to contact your insurance company.
Tom Preston, Zero Deposit Car Leasing managing director, told the Daily Mirror: “Our research shows modifying your vehicle, with something as simple as a Christmas sticker, could invalidate your insurance if it’s not declared.
“Drivers who want to get into the spirit of the season on their daily commutes, by transforming their car into Rudolph the Red Nose Renault, should probably think again if they want to avoid having a blue Christmas this year.
“Bah humbug, indeed.”
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We’ve previously reported on how football fans face similar penalties by putting a sticker of their team’s logo on their car.
An investigation by publication Auto Express, industry trade body British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) and insurer Aego found putting stickers in your window can hike your premium by over £100.
When The Sun ran our own price comparison on the impact of car modifications, we found adding a sat nav can hike your premium by £114.93.
A rear roof spoiler will add £124.30 to your premium, while parking sensors will see you pay an extra £77.57.
This is how price comparison websites are making your car insurance 33 per cent more expensive.
Martin Lewis explains how to slash £100s off car insurance renewals by skipping comparison sites.
Car insurers charge drivers £365 a year extra if they pay monthly.
