Risk Update: Shining a Light on Vehicle Modifications

Ever fitted a light bar to the roof of your truck? No big deal you might say, it’s a widely fitted accessory and helps set your truck apart from the crowd. Some would even say it’s a practical modification, particularly for those operating at night.

A recent query from an insurer following an incident highlights their perspective on vehicle modifications. If a modification results in a vehicle differing in any way from the manufacturer’s standard specification, they feel it’s a material fact that needs to be disclosed. In this instance, the fitting of a light bar was the modification that fell under their spotlight.

Commercial vehicle insurers typically require you to disclose the following:

“All changes you or anyone else make to your vehicle if these make your vehicle different from the manufacturer's standard specification (whether the changes are mechanical or cosmetic)”

That makes it clear that not only must any performance-related modifications be disclosed; cosmetic changes such as the following must be disclosed:

• Custom paintwork (other than standard company livery)
• Light bars, high and low
• Chrome wheel hubs or trims
• Side skirts
• Lowered suspension
• Non-standard air suspension

Arguably interior modifications such as custom upholstery, curtains and interior LED light boards should also be disclosed. This list provides examples of modifications your insurers would need to know about but it is not exhaustive.

Vulnerable road user safety equipment

You should also consider if the fitting of vulnerable road user safety equipment such as what’s required under Transport for London’s HGV Safety Permit Scheme* needs to be disclosed. Despite such modifications being changes to the standard specification, it’s unlikely your insurer would say that safety-related modifications, often mandatory, such as the following must be disclosed:

• Camera monitoring systems to eliminate blind spots
• Class V and IV mirrors
• Blind spot and moving off information systems
• Audible vehicle manoeuvring systems
• Side under-run protection
• Warning signage

What must not be overlooked is the need to adjust the market value declared for insurance purposes to reflect the cost of such equipment.

Go to a truck show and you’ll often see ‘show-and-go’ trucks on display. Working trucks yes, highly personalised yes, and often much to admire. But it’s vital owners of those modified trucks disclose their modifications to insurers before they head out on the open road.

To find out more about haulage vehicle insurance, be that for a single truck or a fleet, talk to your usual Towergate advisor.

Towergate and Towergate Insurance are trading names of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited. Registered in England Company No. 4043759, Registered Office: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the FCA’s register by checking the FCA website at www.fca.org.uk/register or by contacting them on 0800 111 6768.

*Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

About the author

Chris North FCII is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets.