7 common car accessories that could invalidate your insurance - including stickers

In the UK, car customisation is on the rise, with a surge in demand for personalised number plates and even car stickers. However, while these modifications are popular, they're also subject to legal regulations and insurance considerations that drivers need to be aware of.

Motoring experts are now cautioning drivers that they could be unwittingly voiding their car insurance with common accessories. From air fresheners to 'baby on board' signs, drivers should be mindful of the items that could affect their insurance claims.

Zego, experts in new driver car insurance, warned: "Many of these popular accessories for your car pose not only an insurance risk but also could land you with hefty fines and points on your license.

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"If it is deemed that your vision is obstructed, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of £100, which could increase to £1000 if taken to court, and you could be slapped with three points on your licence. So it is always important to seek guidance for car accessories before purchasing to avoid accidents, rejected insurance claims and penalties."

Seven ways you could be unknowingly invalidating car insurance, reports the Daily Record.

1. 'Baby on board' and other signs

Often used to encourage safer driving by other road users, 'baby on board' and other signs like 'anxious driver' and 'elderly driver' could actually cost you your cover.

If positioned incorrectly, these safety signs can become a hazard by blocking the driver's view, and if they lead to an accident, they could jeopardise a payout.

2. Air fresheners on your rear-view mirror

While fuzzy dice may be out of fashion for now, hanging items such as air fresheners, rosary beads and even dreamcatchers are often found in British drivers' cars.

If large enough, these accessories can pose a risk by obstructing vision, causing drivers to overlook pedestrians, cyclists and even road signs.

3. Bumper stickers and decals

A common misunderstanding about car insurance cover is that cosmetic modifications don't matter to insurance providers, as you're not changing the car's performance or safety, but even small stickers need to be declared as modifications, as they can affect how insurers evaluate risks.

For instance, if you have a business decal on your vehicle, it might suggest commercial use, which requires a different type of cover. Also, for some, it increases the risk of theft as you could have tools or equipment stored inside.

4. Football flags

Football team pride runs deep in the UK, and with football car flags available for as little as 50p, the temptation to show off your team can be irresistible. However, they carry the risk of up to a staggering £2,500 penalty.

Placement is crucial for flags, where if they are insecure, they risk an immediate fine or court appearance, or if they obstruct vision, they also carry fine risks.

They can even heighten the risk of vandalism and theft, all of which could necessitate a driver to make an insurance claim.

5. Dashboard ornaments and decorations

Dashboard trinkets ranging from bobbleheads to Jellycats often pose risks from insecure fixing, to vision obstructions or distractions, all of which could lead to an accident.

Other dashboard adornments, such as bedazzling dashboards, could worsen injury if airbags deploy.

6. Seasonal decorations

From spare wheel covers, number plate decals, to battery-powered Christmas lights or mini Christmas trees, seasonal accessories often bring joy for drivers and pedestrians.

However, these decorations can cause distractions for yourself and other drivers, as well as pose fire hazards.

7. Steering wheel, gear shift and handbrake covers

Although they may enhance visual appeal or even comfort for the driver, decking out your car with covers, which is becoming an increasingly popular trend on TikTok, such as on the steering wheel, could result in up to 11 points on your licence.

If you lose control of your vehicle due to the cover, it could be deemed as dangerous driving, and if you need to claim, it may be rejected.