Towbar mounted Cycle Racks.

[Drago]

I think the insurance company might argue if it was properly installed - so put behind panels and fixed in place

even if it is only an accessory like a dashcam - that could have been stuck to the windscreen with a loose cable plugged into the internal power socket
in future I will check this out if I ever get anything installed properly

The ABI define for their members what constitutes an accessory and what is a modification. Your typical sucker on the screen dashcam is the former, a fixed mount hard wired job the latter (ie, hard install asmI stated.)

 

[lazybloke]

The thought never occurred to declare the towbar on my wife's car.
Had a quick look online and there's a multiple choice list of modifications to choose from, including 'bar'.

Is that tow bar? Bull bar? Light bar? Roof bar? Running board bar?

I'll be giving them a call shortly...

 

[steveindenmark]

I would be suprised if anyone is suprised at this. Insurance companies are notorious at wriggling out of paying claims.

 

[lazybloke]

Phew, I can tow on my existing policy. My insurer doesn't consider the after-market towbar to be a 'modification'.
I've requested written confirmation!

 

[Drago]

Phew, I can tow on my existing policy. My insurer doesn't consider the after-market towbar to be a 'modification'.
I've requested written confirmation!

I suspect that the chaps insurers also never gave a toss about the towbar...until it presented a handy means of avoiding writing a cheque for a six figure sum.

You're wise to get it in writing.

 

[wiggydiggy]

I suspect that the chaps insurers also never gave a toss about the towbar...until it presented a handy means of avoiding writing a cheque for a six figure sum.

You're wise to get it in writing.

If I was to guess then the problem probably was highlighted by the rear car's claim, possibly their insurer was arguing the damage was more severe because of the towbar and that triggered the process of the insurers trying to avoid paying the claim.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I suspect that the chaps insurers also never gave a toss about the towbar...until it presented a handy means of avoiding writing a cheque for a six figure sum.

You're wise to get it in writing.

that is a very cynical attitude

not saying it isn't 100% accurate though!!!

 

[Drago]

Ife very good reason to be cynical of insurers.

 

[simongt]

This is why I always phone insurers and have a conversation with something passing for real human. It's a ballache, but all question get answered and there is no ambiguity.

As I've experienced, don't always rely on the spoken word. Once or twice, when I've had to phone back to check a detail that was given to me verbally, I was then informed that '..'whoever' wasn't authorised / shouldn't have said that' and then enter a 'discussion' about the validity of said detail.
Always get any such agreement in print, it's much harder to deny.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Here is the full story: https://road.cc/content/news/cyclist-denied-car-insurance-due-tow-bar-bike-carrier-311579

Having read it the bike mounted carrier is not the issue, but that he chose to insure his car and not declare the towbar to the insurers who have stated they would have refused insurance at the start had he chose to inform them. He could have then chosen a different insurer who would cover him.

Insurer is not at fault here, the driver should have checked with them before buying the policy that he would be covered.

And quoting my own advice I've just had a towbar fitted for a carrier, so I checked and my insurer says their fine with it. I've saved the conversation just in case

 

[Dag Hammar]

And quoting my own advice I've just had a towbar fitted for a carrier, so I checked and my insurer says their fine with it. I've saved the conversation just in case

If you need a sturdy two-bike towball mounted rack, here’s a nice one on eBay if you feel like a trip to Colchester in Essex.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/297226128954

 

[wiggydiggy]

If you need a sturdy two-bike towball mounted rack, here’s a nice one on eBay if you feel like a trip to Colchester in Essex.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/297226128954

Advertising for a friend?

I've actually got Thule one already, but hadn't fitted the towbar yet. Looking forward to using it as I've always had roof mounts so this will be easier.

 

[Dag Hammar]

Advertising for a friend?

Yes. And I am my best friend ! I have listed the bike rack on eBay and F B marketplace.
I cannot use it anymore as my wife and I share one car now and there is no towbar. The price of having a towbar supplied and fitted seems astronomical compared to when I last had one fitted many years ago.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Advertising for a friend?

Yes. And I am my best friend ! I have listed the bike rack on eBay and F B marketplace.
I cannot use it anymore as my wife and I share one car now and there is no towbar. The price of having a towbar supplied and fitted seems astronomical compared to when I last had one fitted many years ago.

Haha no problem, it looks fine so well worth getting something for it.

Towbar prices have gone up though I'm happy with the price as it was by far the cheapest (and with a trusted local trader). i think rack prices have gone up a lot more though, it's £800 now for the one have so I'd definitely go second hand if I needed one now.