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1.5 million drivers risk fines over 10 modifications you might not have declared

A Tempcover survey of 2,000 UK drivers found one in four vehicles features non-factory modifications, potentially leaving over 1.5 million motorists operating with invalid insurance coverage.
Many motorists remain unaware that retrofitting tech requires disclosure, as 91% do not know about Apple CarPlay or Android Auto requirements, and 88% overlook rules for speaker system upgrades.
Omitting material vehicle changes can be treated as insurance fraud, resulting in cancelled cover, fines, or penalty points, while 14% of drivers with altered vehicles face reduced claim payouts.
Cazoo motoring expert Michael Golson warned that used cars often hide performance changes, noting that replacing tampered emissions equipment like a DPF can cost around £1,000 to £3,500.
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, recommends motorists check vehicle handbooks and confirm directly with their insurer if unsure about their vehicle's status.

Insights by Ground AI