Drivers warned £200 car modification could cause car insurance to be 'invalid'

A common modification that could cause insurance prices to skyrocket has been revealed. Tony Green, Head of Technical and Training at Auto Windscreens, warned drivers should be careful making to their vehicle is adding a chameleon tint.

He explained: "Chameleon tints create a colour-changing effect on a vehicle’s windscreen or windows. These tints are applied using a film and are commonly seen on cars. They may also be used on motorhomes for purposes such as UV, heat and glare reduction, as well as increased privacy." The warning comes as we head deeper into winter and towards Christmas.

A Chameleon tint is a tint for your vehicle’s front windscreen that gives a ‘Chameleon’-like effect. The popular trend is different to a regular window tint, as it is not one solid colour like ordinary window tints. Chameleon tint contains coloured dyes which generate a gradient of purple, green or blue.

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These colours change when the vehicle is moving, or depending on the weather, lighting or angle of view. This gives the ‘Chameleon’ effect, as the tinted windows appear to change colours depending on outdoor conditions.

Tony added: "For vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985, the front windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through, while front side windows must allow 70%. For vehicles first used before this date, both the windscreen and front side windows must permit at least 70% of light."

In the UK, chameleon tints can range between £200-500 generally. But failing to declare a chameleon tint could invalidate your insurance coverage if you were to get into an accident. It's important to be honest with your insurance provider to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage in place.

Your chameleon tint must follow legal parameters in order to pass your MOT, too, drivers are warned.