Original equipment manufacturer dealer-fitted accessories

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Original equipment manufacturer dealer-fitted accessories

I am considering buying a new car and ordering some dealer-fit original manufacturer accessories - roof box and carrier base (roof rack), door visors, wheel arch extensions, splash guards (mud flaps), door-side protectors etc.

The dealer tells me I don't have to inform my insurer as they are manufacturer's parts and fitted by the dealer (plus the roof-box and carrier are 'removable'), however I have also heard that you should inform your insurer about every 'extra' fitted to your car.

Who is correct and, if you must inform your insurer, does this mean everything and where do you stop?

Asked on 12 October 2015 by Compost Corner

Answered by Honest John

To be on the safe side you must 'disclose' all 'modifications' (all non-standard equipment for the model) to your insurer, especially things like a roof box. If you haven't bought the car yet, then far better to buy one with a greater load capacity than to fix something like a roof box on top because that will seriously affect the stability of the vehicle, its fuel economy and its emissions.

Tags: roof bars buying roof boxes accessories mud flaps

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

Is it possible to fit an aftermarket roof box to my MINI Cooper?

When I purchased my MINI Cooper new in June 2014 I asked if it was possible to fit roof bars to the vehicle. I was informed that it was possible, but cutting sections from the plastic guttering would be...

Storage solutions for Volkswagen Transporter

I’m a self-employed electrician with a new Volkswagen Transporter. I drive long distances and carry a lot of tools and equipment, including a ladder. As you can imagine, the tools and equipment can shift...

I have been waiting four months for my Toyota mud flaps, what are my options?

I purchased a new Toyota Yaris Hybrid in Sept 2023 and am very happy with the car. My order included supply and fitting of mud flaps. On collection I was told that Toyota had no stock of mud flaps but...