The simple car modifications that could see you fined and invalidate your insurance

Drivers planning winter trips are being warned over minor changes to their vehicles which could land them in trouble. Motorists could void their insurance if they do not report to their provider certain modifications.

It means that drivers could be left uninsured or not covered when it comes to making a claim. Even simple additions, like a roof rack or tow bar, could put your coverage at risk.

Most insurance companies view anything beyond a manufacturer's official accessory list as a modification. Small modifications should not significantly hike up your current premium but they could lead to your insurer refusing coverage if an accident happens.

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Many drivers want to carry more items, like Christmas presents and luggage, during winter. Tow bars offer a convenient way to haul a small trailer or attach bike carriers to the back of the car, Mirror reports.

Installing a tow bar suggests you are likely to be towing trailers, caravans, or large items, increasing the vehicle's risk on the road. Most insurers see fitting an aftermarket tow bar as a modification, meaning they must be told about this.

Often, insurers will simply make a note on their systems and no additional charges are added. But some customers may see their premiums increase, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal.

Adding roof bars or a roof rack could alter your vehicle's insurance profile, as some providers see this as an additional risk. This could be due to potential changes in how the vehicle handles or increased chances of theft or damage.

Aftermarket roof racks and roof bars - those not fitted at the factory - are considered modifications. So, it's important to inform your insurer if you have added these.

It is likely that they will add a note to the policy or charge a small amendment fee. Window tints can add a certain aesthetic to your vehicle and reduce potentially harmful or distracting sunlight during the brighter summer months.

The law states that vehicles first used on April 1, 1985, or later must have a front windscreen that lets at least 75 per cent of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70 per cent of light through. Traffic officers are often armed with light measuring tools that scrutinise window tint.

They can hand out instant fines for anything that breaches the rules. Even if your car's window tinting is within the law, it could still dent your insurance policies as it is seen as a modification.

Specially tinted glass can be more expensive to fix or replace, potentially hiking up the cost of your monthly or annual insurance premium. Alloy wheels are a sought-after vehicle modification, often picked to reduce the weight of heavy steel alternatives and give motors a sportier look.

If these were not installed by the manufacturer, adding them is viewed as a vehicle modification. If alloy wheel theft is rampant in your area, this could push up your premiums.

But changing wheels is a routine practice so it usually does not lead to hefty financial penalties. Insurers often disapprove of adding flashy body kits or extra body work to a standard motor.

These sporty kits can change a vehicle's handling and driving capabilities and are typically not built to the same crash standards as OEM kits. They are thought to be more prone to damage or shattering in a crash, leading to costly repairs for the insurer and potential harm to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Insurance experts Adrian Flux said adding a body kit to your motor could potentially increase your premium by 10 to 15 per cent. They recommend considering a specialist modified vehicle policy for such alterations.

Modifications from air filter replacements to aftermarket exhaust systems can boost vehicle performance and change its driving dynamics. It is important to tell your insurance provider about these modifications to ensure you are properly covered.

Upgrading your brakes and suspension system to superior parts could potentially reduce your insurance premiums if your provider views it as a significant safety improvement. Fitting a head unit compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is unlikely to hike your insurance premiums.

But it is wise to let your insurer know. Keep in mind that a top-of-the-range head unit could make your vehicle more attractive to thieves, potentially pushing up your premiums.

If you do not tell them, some insurers might not cover the cost of stolen or damaged infotainment equipment if it differs from the standard kit fitted to the car.