Something To Be Aware of With Your Tow Car

[@gooderz75]

Thanks for the heads up. I never even thought of that so contacted my insurance. My premium has actually gone down with a towbar and no admin fees! What a result.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mark, What an excellent result 👍🏻 Absolutely delighted for you. Many thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@gnarlyboot477]

Hi Keith, your absolutely correct. It also includes decals or anything else that might change the performance or attractiveness of your vehicle from how it came out of the factory, and in my case tyres. We decided to fit all terrain tyres to our Freelander, my darling wife insisted we should inform the insurance company. I checked the handbook and it only specified tyre size not application. So I rang them up, and sure enough they regarded it as a modification. There was no addition to the premium, however there was a £25 admin charge. I’d recommend all terrain tyres, they provide significantly more grip on grass and mud, without a significant loss in traction on the tarmac. And of course they are great in the snow or heavy rain, I fitted Pirelli Scorpions. They were around £120 per tyre, are rated for both summer and winter. So are legal in European countries where winter tyres are a requirement. They look great on a 4WD as well, far more aggressive looking. Cheers from John & Al

[@keithandmichele]

Hi John & Al, Many thanks for sharing your advice & experiences, we think we may be with the same insurance company as every time we make any amendment, they charge us £25 admin 😠 We’ll find out tomorrow if there’ll be another charge when we call them 🤔 Sending you both all our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele x

[@jonathanayres7142]

Good shout! This should be on the checklist for people new to caravanning. It's also worth knowing that if you have an accident while towing, any claim will be against the car insurance and not the van insurance even if the damage is only to the caravan or is caused by the caravan.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Jonathan, Great advice 👍🏻 Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@busterboy7505]

Now that I didn’t know, what a great piece of information,thank you Kieth,👍.

[@keithandmichele]

We’re delighted you found our video helpful Buster Boy 👍🏻 Many thanks for watching, sending best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@David-ve9zm]

Hi Keith, absolutely 100% correct. We are new to caravanning & recently had a tow bar fitted to our Mercedes. I phoned the insurers (Admiral) & they confirmed it is a ‘material fact’ & MUST be disclosed. They couldn’t have been more helpful, didn’t charge any additional premium & even agreed to waive their usual admin fee. Great bit of advice, & if you haven’t done so already, let your insurers know.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi David, Welcome to the caravanning community 😀 Many thanks for sharing your experience, very helpful information. We’ll be calling our insurance company tomorrow, closed over the weekend due to current issues. Sending all our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@clivetimbrell]

Yes a very good point that could be overlooked. I am a disabled driver and I have hand controls fitted to control the throttle/brake instead of my feet. I played safe and informed my insurance about it. No additional cost (as expected) but expected to be notified.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Clive, Many thanks for sharing your experience, very helpful. Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@CaravanningwithourWesties]

Thanks for the update Keith. We bought a Santa Fe to tow with last year and the tow bar was already on it!!! We will check with our Insurance Company as well. Thanks for sharing. 👍😄🐶🐾

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Guys, Buying a car with a tow bar already fitted saves so much money, like you, we had to go for it. Really pleased you found the video helpful. Sending all our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@glenturner2312]

Hi, thanks for the heads up, we contacted our insurers, and amazingly they reduced our annual premium by £7. 👍👍👍

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent news Glen, Delighted we could help 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@robinlander1158]

Hi, we were made aware this at some point, but thanks for the reminder. One problem that we found was, that if you insure through a comparison website and do the application online, there is no provision on the online form to inform the insurer that you have a tow bar fitted, or any other modifications.

[@drbdrb113]

Hi there love watching your blogs, thanks you. I read in the caravan magazine a couple of months ago bout this. I’m on my third tow car an never gave it a thought. I called my insurance company RAC to tell them I had a tow bar and the woman went into my account to update it only to find that the broker they had my insured with wanted over £800 a year more because of the tow bar. I told them it was not a Ferrari but a Skoda Kodiaqu. But made no difference. The woman was very nice about it and realised that I was not going to pay that so I had to cancel my policy go onto a comparison site and start again. I’m now paying £73.60 more a year for my insurance. It’s worrying to think I’ve been all the way down to Italy, France Luxembourg Switzerland and had anything happened my insurance company definitely would not have payed out. Dodged a bullet there!! Thanks again guys Take care David Bowie. (My real name honest) bane of my life at times. Stay safe

[@keithandmichele]

Hi David, £800 is a shocking figure!!! Really pleased you’ve got it sorted now but still having to pay £73.60 more a year seems steep. Many comments have stated they’re premium is reduced for having a tow bar 🤔 Insurance companies 😬 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@beltonian1579]

Sensible advice as always. Hope you’re not too frustrated at not being able to give your new vehicle a “run out” yet!

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Belt onian, The best thing we can do at the moment is start the engine every day 😀 So long as we’re here at the end of all this we’re happy to wait 🙏 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@caravanningwithbrenandjule7447]

Hi Keith and Michele, good advice, glad your both well, take care and look forward to your next video x 👍

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Bren & Jules, Many thanks, Hope you’re both keeping well, sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele x

[@andrewmoorey6103]

Good advice Keith.You’ll enjoy the Sorento. We loved ours. We were sad to see it go. Comfy economical and a brilliant tow car. We decided to use my company Navara as the towcar so replaced it with a VW Tiguan. That was such a mistake. Ghastly car in every respect, we finished the contract a year early just to get shot of it. Seeing your lovely car reminds me of the fantastic holidays the Sorento took us to all over France, Belgium, Holland and all over the U.K. Stay safe all of you, we’ll all soon be out there again!

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Andrew, Great to hear your glowing recommendation for the Sorento 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Really looking forward to to getting out with it. Your talk of holidays is making us very wistful 😎 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@davidgayton4424]

Hi keith & michele Good shout ive been caravanning for 4 years and never give it a thought until now !!!!. Im on my second sorrento this one is a 2013 and I love em . Ive just changed my van at easter from a swift to a coachman and itching to see how it pulls it when we can get out . stay safe Dave

[@keithandmichele]

Hi David, Many thanks for your kind words & congratulations on your new Coachman 🎉 Beautiful caravans 👍🏻 We love the Sorento but haven’t had a chance to tow with it yet......looking forward to it 😀 Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@paulmcguire6397]

Hi Keith and Michelle hope you are ok ,we have a Kia kx2 2014 great tow car smooth with lots of power only downside is economy 25 to 28 mpg for towing,40 mpg motorway driving only,and low 30 s for short journeys,but ease of towing makes up for it

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Paul, Many thanks for sharing your experience, greatly appreciated 👍🏻 Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@graemeroberts5730]

Just watching your channel and realised I never had informed them about the towbar! Thanks for the info! 👍👍👍

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Graeme, Welcome to our channel, delighted you found our video helpful, many thanks for watching. Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@petersmith7908]

Hiya both, thanks for the video. Never thought of that. Good to see you are well

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Peter, Really pleased you found our video helpful, hope you’re well, stay safe, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@davidgibbs1063]

Thanks for that I'll look into that. I have Kia sorento 2013 and the same caravan, it tows great. Stay safe

[@keithandmichele]

Hi David, Great choice 😀 We’re looking forward to the time we can actually use it 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@anthonyhall1372]

Hiya Keith,our car is a motability car and every 3yrs when we change vehicles i phone insurance and tell them I'm putting a towbar on and it will be fitted by an accredited fitter,and upto now everything been ok doing that

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Anthony, Many thanks for sharing your experience, very helpful for everyone 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@markhobson1246]

Thanks for that we pick up our first van in just over a week so good to know about mods rule on insurance. just called ins company 👍🏻👍🏻

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mark, Congratulations on your way caravan 🎉 Delighted you found our video helpful, wishing you many happy travels & adventures, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@elainetodd6203]

It's these sort of videos that makes you both soo popular. Well done Keith and Michelle. Calling our insurance in the morning. X

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Elaine, Many thanks for your lovely words, good luck with your insurance company 👍🏻 Sending all our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele x

[@janscott3031]

Wow !!! Welcome to the Sorento club. I love my 2,5 Deisel Mk1 and would not change it for anything else. A great tow car and there isn't much on the market they wont tow really safely. Good advice Keith, hadn't thought about that either as mine came with the tow bar fitted as well. Like you will check with my insurance company if they class this as a modification. Stay safe and well, Jan & Nick.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Nick, The stats on ours state we can tow up to 2.5 tonnes. Much higher than the BMW. Delighted to be a member of the Sorento Club 😀 Looking forward to getting on the road. Sending all our best wishes to you & Jan, stay safe, Keith & Michele

[@christanner8104]

Mmmmm. I've been insured with Direct Line for many years and yes, when changing my car have always informed them of the Towbar. Never made a difference to the premium, but I've declared it. Couple of years ago Direct Line made some changes and updated their company logos etc. Along with issuing me with a new policy number. This was about the time I changed my car. Surprisingly when I contacted them the towbar was not quoted as a modification anymore. The chap at the call center even asked his supervisor and yes it's wasn't classed as a modification on the DL system. Due to reliability issues I was forced to change the car again last October. Tried to change the car details on line but again the towbar was not listed as a modification. Rang the call centre and they again confirmed this. Very strangely the call centre chap asked me about any other mods to the car and surprisingly, factory metallic paint is now classed as a modification. Very strange. Insurance is due up next month so I'll check again.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for sharing your experience Chris, car insurance is certainly a minefield 🤨 Good luck with your renewal! Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@christanner8104]

Just to add, I'm now insured with LV due to the renewal premium jumping up £90 this year. We (wife and I) been insured with Direct Line on both cars for quite a few years and they didn't seem bothered about me not renewing when we called them. So much for loyalty these days. Wife's premium jumped up considerably as well. By the way LV class a towbar as a modification but it's not impacted the premium.

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

Most comparison sites ask if there has been any modifications made and if you tick yes have a drop down list including all possible modifications. We have never been charged extra for a tow bar.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Jacqueline, Many thanks for sharing that information 👍🏻 We didn’t use a comparison site, just changed vehicle with our existing insurer. We certainly know for the future 😀 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@peterschofield6220]

Thanks Keith. Mine wasn't on my policy as a modification. Just added it now

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent Peter, Our insurance company is closed today, will be contacting them first thing tomorrow 👍🏻 Stay safe, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@paulsmorthit3820]

We told our insurance Esure, that our 2016 Kia Sorento had a tow bar fitted . I was very surprised to be told I was seen as a more professional driver and they reduced our premium by £53.00. Happy day’s

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Paul, That’s excellent news 👍🏻 We’re delighted we’ve been able to help. Many thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Hi Keith and Michele, glad to see you’re keeping ok (I disinfected all our kitchen cupboards and handles yesterday!!). Thank you so much for this video - we got a new tow vehicle a couple of months ago and the first thing we did was get a tow bar fitted!! We would never have thought of contacting our insurance company to tell them - of course we will be doing that first thing tomorrow now!!! We were also thinking about changing the steel wheels for some alloys, so again we need to keep that in mind. Take care, stay safe - Pete & Kaz xx

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Pete & Kaz, Delighted our video was helpful for you, it’s not something that has ever crossed our minds until now. Will be interesting to see what our insurance company says tomorrow. Hope you are both well, sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele x

[@robswiseways5697]

Hi Keith, Hope you are both well during lockdown? I agree, it is important to disclose to insurance any changes to your car especially in relation to towing. With after market tow bar wiring I've heared people will not pay that bit more for vehicle specific wiring. Many cars these days (using specific wiring) require coding to tell the car it has towing equipment fitted. People do not realise by not doing this does not activate the trailer stability programme or trailer stability assist - a cars safety assistant system. When I plug the caravan into the car (factory fit tow bar) it activates tow mode and various changes take place for safety. Hope this info is helpful and stay safe. Rob

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Rob, Many thanks for that very useful information, hopefully others will find this useful 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@LittleCamperNZ]

Another wonderful video. Thanks guys.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Little Camper NZ, Many thanks for watching, delighted you found our video helpful. Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@andrewpaley9914]

Hi I have a tow bar and roof rack listed as a modification on the insurance schedule. No increase to premium and if you remember to do it at renewal no admin charge. Both caravanning clubs regularly mention this requirement.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Andrew, Many thanks for sharing your experience, great advice. Thanks for watching, stay safe, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@nilakavanagh1698]

we told the insurance company about our two hitch and they reduced our payments down by £16 it surprised us. Take care stay safe, and thanks for the lovely comments on lin and riches channel about my dad xx

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Nila, Many thanks for sharing your experience, greatly appreciated 👍🏻 Our sincere condolences on the sad loss of your wonderful Dad ❤️ You’re in our hearts & prayers ❤️ With all our best wishes to you at this difficult time, Keith & Michele ❤️❤️❤️

[@roysole3294]

Wow I would have never thought about that good spot

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Roy 👍🏻 Delighted you found our video helpful. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@candyburton106]

Wow we didn’t know that Keith much appreciated will be contacting insurance company tmw x

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Candy, Delighted you found our video useful, best wishes, Keith & Michele x

[@billsimmonds6005]

I've always told insurance companies about tow bars and some are interested and some are not but always safe to tell them and never had it affect the premium. On a completely different subject are the bumper bars (kangaroo bars) which is essential you tell insurance companies and many of them will take your premium up because of the high number of whip lash injuries from quite minor slow shunts with cars/vans fitted with them.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Bill, Many thanks for sharing that information. Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@RichardHarrisson]

Hi Keith, Great minds think alike, I had a Volvo XC60, nice car but changed it last year for a Kia Sorento 2019 ex demo and its a far better and more comfy ride, towing wise it's great, I dont think you will regret it. Hoping to meet up with you at New Lodge Farm if we get out of this lockdown, stay safe. Richard

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Richard, They’re a superb car aren’t they 😀 We absolutely love ours but unfortunately we haven’t had a chance to drive it yet due to the lockdown ☹️ Fingers crossed for September🤞Looking forward to meeting you. Stay safe, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@jeffjohnson847]

Really good vid and good information I did not no that Just going back to your tow car I persume you have two cars I use to have two cars small one for my wife and a vow Passat for towing so When not towing it was parked up so paying insurance tax mot etc so decided To buy one car for caravan and sell small car my wife liked small car but now save A lot of money just having one car

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Jeff, Yes, We have a smaller vehicle for work & everyday running around, the “big” car mainly used for towing or trips to the tip 😀 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@Venomator.]

Good choice of tug Keith and more economical to run than it’s predecessor... 👍🏻 Good reminder vlog too, little things like that areeasily overlooked and could be costly in the event... 🤷🏼‍♂️ Hope both you and Michele are staying safe and keeping well, lovely to see you (unexpectedly pop up in my notifications), cheers for now, Rog... 👍🏻 😉 🐍

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks Rog, We’re really looking forward to when we can tow with “The Beast” (as we have named the car 😀) Hope you’re both keeping well & staying safe, sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele x

[@paulandsarahcaravanlife]

Hi guys. Even if you tint the windows in the front normally rear are done from factory you need to tell the insurance company just thought I'd add that as well. Keep safe 😷👍

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Paul & Sarah, Great additional advice 👍🏻 Many thanks for sharing that information, very helpful. Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@HowardB54]

Hi Keith (& Michele of course!) Good video and I bought a RAV4 and had a towbar fitted after purchase. Phoned my insurer ( LV) and they thanked me for letting them know and revised my policy . THEY REDUCED MY PREMIUM !! I asked them if that was correct and they said yes ! Presumably having a towbar means you are less likely to be a boy racer type ( or should that be a person racer?). Def worth calling insurer - no doubt if push cane to shove if you hadn’t told them and had an incident they would try wriggle out of payment ! Good to hear and see you - stay safe and keep fingers crossed for September! HOWARD x

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Howard, Very interesting to hear that they reduced your premium. It will be interesting to see what our insurers say tomorrow when we call them 🤞Stay safe, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele x

[@artybarty4543]

I had the same, my premium was lower with a towbar.

[@steveleete4291]

Hi, also with LV and had premium reduced when they were told of tow bar fitted, also got premium reduced because of aftermarket reversing sensors. Pleased to tell them worth the phone call,

[@kevandrews6418]

Hi Keith hope u both well thanks for the info didn't know about that will have to get onto insurance SAP love the choice of car heard they pretty good cars the wife likes them I bet u will use this car more now than the BMW will b interesting to c what u think of it in a up coming vlog when you've had it awhile thanks again for info stay safe kev

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Kev, We absolutely love the car & very much looking forward to the time when we can use it 😀 Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@barryeaton8907]

Thanks Keith. There's going to be a lot of busy insurance call centres on Monday 🤣

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Barry, Absolutely 😀 Better to be safe than sorry 👍🏻 Best wishes to you, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@lensmanonline]

Great advice Keith, I do know someone that had an issue with insurance as they didn't let them know about alloys that they fitted. Hopefully you'll be doing a review of the Kia sorento as my aging L200 animal needs changing we were looking at the sportage and sorento. Stay safe best wishes Jon and Karen

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Jon & Karen, It was also a choice between the Sportage & Sorento for us. The Sorento won due to it’s huge towing capacity & its size.....we call it “The Beast” 😀 Sending you both our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@briancarter4408]

Hi Keith and Michelle, greetings from Australia! We too are in lockdown and our caravan is sitting under the carport. We have had it 12 months now and the insurance is due for renewal. I spoke to the insurance company yesterday and told them it is doing nothing so they gave me a five month lay up discount that has reduced the premium by 5% for each month the van is idle. We are hoping to go away in October if allowed otherwise I’ll extend the lay up duration. I also received a discount on the tow vehicle insurance due to the reduced annual mileage estimate because we can’t go anywhere other than shopping. Something to think about. Cheers, Brian Carter.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Brian, Many thanks for sharing that information, very interesting to hear 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you in Australia, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@briancarter4408]

@@keithandmichele Thank you. FYI, we had a Bailey Orion we bought new in 2013, it was our first caravan and we traveled 50,000 kilometres with it. We sold it in November 2018 and ordered a new Bailey Unicorn Pamplona series 4 and it was built here in Australia by Bailey Australia with an Australian chassis that sits a lot higher off the ground. We picked it up on 29 April 2019. There have been a few issues with it but it is pretty much sorted now. Thank you for your KZbin chats, We have seen them all and always look forward to the next one. Stay safe, Brian & Sue.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Brian & Sue, Great to hear the Unicorn is all sorted now 👍🏻 Fingers crossed you’ll be able to get out in it soon 🤞 Best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@joaosl1980]

Hello Keith and Michele I Have a Kia Mohave V6 3.0 Diesel. I am looking for a Caravan used from England and I would like to know if my car is able to tow a twin axle Caravan. Thank you

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Joao, The Kia Mohave is not readily available in the UK. We have done some research & believe that it can tow up to 2500kgs with ease. This would allow you to tow most twin axle caravans purchased from the UK. Hope this helps, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@topnotch7570]

Hi Keith good to see you about three months ago I purchased a X4M competition and I’m going to have a towbar fitted glad that you mentioned ,please let me know how you get on with your insurance.👍👍

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Pietro, Delighted the video has been helpful, many of us didn’t know about this. Sending all the family our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@garydavis1528]

I’ve always told them and on insurance certificates always says it’s a modification. Including the 360 degree radar around our 2015 Mondeo estate that parks itself, steers you back into your own lane if radar decides you are drifting giving a safe alarm etc despite being manufacturer fitted options and not the dealer. Will be held against you if have a claim and have not. I’ve said tow bar proves I won’t be speeding, cheaper quote please! 😉

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Gary, Great information, Many thanks for that 👍🏻 You’re so right...with a tow bar, we won’t be speeding so theoretically the premium should be reduced 😀 We’ll find out tomorrow when we call them. Stay safe, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@markboulton104]

Hi Keith and Michelle is it possible to share your mtplm of your new caravan and what is your Kia sorrento towing limit

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mark, Our Swift Challenger 645 has an MTPLM of 1681kg & the towing limit for the Kia Sorento is 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg). Hope this helps, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@steveelliott6581]

I have a kia serento mine is an 06 model it's a fantastic tow car

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks Steve, We’re really looking forward to getting out with the Sorento, the reviews are very good 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@steveelliott6581]

@@keithandmichele thank you Keith & Michelle you if you love yours as well as we love ours you won't go far rong I have a Bailey pageant champagne 1999 and I don't know its on the back all the best and keep safe and well

[@alanpostma5861]

Hi Keith I got 09 Sorento XT 2.5 Auto IT PULLS MY Quasar 524 Brilliant and I told insurance about me towing

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Alan, We haven’t had a chance to tow our caravan yet with the Sorento, looking forward to the day when we can 🙏 Sending all our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@colinrimmer789]

Yes Keith you need to sing like a Canary to your Insurance Company, better to be safe than sorry. I’m on my 5th towcar having the bar fitted has never cost me a penny more hope you find the same.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Colin, Many thanks for your advice, we’ll find out tomorrow if there will be any changes to our premium 🤔 Sending all our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele x

[@davidduffy9361]

hi keith you will not regret your sorrento we have a 2lt sportage and love it ours is second hand but run like a dream and tows my caravan fine plus its seven year warranty any way all being well we still might meet you and michele at you sep weekend god willing any way back to work at my local n.h.s.hosiptal you and michele stay save hope me and ann can see you soon p.s.i allso notified my ins about my tow bar well said keith

[@keithandmichele]

Hi David, Many thanks for your reassuring words 👍🏻 You’re one of our Heroes, we’ll be clapping for you on Thursday 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Sending all our best wishes to you, stay safe, Keith & Michele ❤️

[@davidduffy9361]

thank you keith as you will see hero i am not but all being well will look forward to meeting you both in sep ps thank you for the clapping

[@revkjb1]

Hello David, just noted that you have a Sportage. I tow a Swift Challenger 565. I have used a VW Passat, which was fine if I was careful with loading. I am looking at a Kia Sportage KX-4 , just worried I might have the same issue, some say the rear suspension is a bit soft. Also the noseweight is only 80kgs. How have you found it and what weight do you tow?

[@adamdix9322]

It’s the same thing for roof racks as well I’ve have had to tell them that I have roof racks on my car some times

[@nanrod981]

Hi Adam - does that apply to a temporary roof mounting used only when caravanning?

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Adam, Didn’t realise that, thanks for letting us know 👍🏻 Stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@adamdix9322]

James Dornan I believe so (that’s when I have mine on) for the bikes ect :)

[@davidmbell]

Always told my insurance companies about the tow bars on the 8 or so tow cars I’ve had. Never adds anything at time of quote, might do if you tell them after as they’ll charge admin fee.

[@keithandmichele]

Wise words David, Many thanks for sharing your experiences. A lesson for those of us who weren’t aware of this. Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@markbowden2369]

most insurance companies give a lower quote if you have a towbar fitted. you may be surprised to find its well worth telling your insurance company.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing this information, very helpful for everyone 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@tizer1028]

I'm looking to buy twin axel caravan to tow with a medium sized van around the uk and possibly into Europe. Could you help me with the pros and cons of using a van both here and Europe or is it worth just looking for a large car. Many thanks.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi T, Sorry, can’t help you with this query, we’ve got zero experience of towing with a van. Hopefully someone else with experience will comment on here 👍🏻 Sending best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@tizer1028]

Carefree Caravanning thank you for your reply. I am struggling to find advise, so I hope someone will help. Thanks again. Love your channel. Stay safe.

[@DJMarshy]

I had one miss it so much I got a sportage when my daughter past her test

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching DJ Marshy, we’re thrilled with our Sorento, perfect for the job 👍🏻 Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@DJMarshy]

Really enjoy your channel Iv just bought a caravan pick it up 12 September it’s my first so learning lot from you both thanks

[@keithandmichele]

Congratulations on your new caravan 🥳 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures. Any questions, feel free to email us [e-mail] Safe travels, Keith & Michele.

[@revkjb1]

Hello Keith, thanks for this. My wife and I have just enjoyed your previous video about the X3 as we are looking at one for sale. We are also looking at a Kia Sportage KX-4. There is also a Kia Sorento KX-4 for sale locally. Both Kia seems to have noseweights rated at only 80 kgs! What were your reasons to part with the X3 other than the Run Flat tyres? Thanks, Ken

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Ken, The general running costs of the X3 became unjustifiable for the amount of use it got. It was initially a work car but then Keith got a smaller run around instead, to save costs. We absolutely loved the X3 but we solely used it for towing, thus the expenditure/running costs didn’t justify keeping it. We love the Sorento, haven’t had a chance to tow with it yet ☹️ but will keep you posted 😀 Hope this helps, sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@painterscastle]

My husband used to moan at me for going through modifications on cars eg sidecsteps and tow bar on my kia. Then read an article one day about a couple who had an accident and insurance did not pay out as they hadn't declared a towbar. The accident didnt even involve the towbar in anyway. It doesnt seem to make much of a difference to premium if any. We also declare a hardtop cover on back of hubbies Navara.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Louise, Thank you so much for sharing that information, it’s exactly the scenario we were concerned about! You’re doing the right thing! Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@andrewwright9916]

Just looking at changing our car how do you find the kia to drive.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Andrew, Sadly, due to the current situation we have been unable to drive the car. We literally just drove it home & haven’t been out in it since! Fingers crossed it won’t be too long 🤞 Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@ronster1791]

Hi hope your eell. I followed your advice and rang insurance and told them about fitting a towbar they said it didn't matter as when they say a modification they mean wheels and engine mods they said they expect people to get a towbar.

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks for the info Ronnie 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.

[@stephenclarke8876]

We also have a sorento tow car is yours an auto or manual? Another thing to tell the insurance is that I noticed you also have side steps as has ours , people forget that as well

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Stephen, Ours is a six speed manual, haven’t had a chance to give it a good run yet 😏 Many thanks for the info 👍🏻 Stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@simonworthing]

Does this count if it came brand new with it fitted?

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Simon, If the towbar was fitted at the factory when the vehicle was manufactured it is not classed as a modification. If it is fitted by a dealer it is a modification. Hope this helps, thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.

[@andysroadtrips7770]

thing is keith how far do you take the argument? i have hyundai santa fe needed new tires the main dealer replaced all 4 cos its always 4wd. battery too was replaced upgraded to a red top cylinder battery from usa. ive bought chrome trims for lights and around side windows how do all these things stand as they are modified ps my car like yours was used came with tow bar. keep safe guys lol

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Andy, Lol, have we opened a can of worms here 😀 Sending our best wishes to you, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@alistairwallace2257]

So if from the factory with spec the car with a tow bar you're ok?

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Alistair, Yes, if it has been fitted in the factory at time of build, it is not classed as a modification. Hope this helps, Keith & Michele.

[@markdinmore9766]

Wow I didn’t know thank you

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Guys, Happy to have helped, looking at the comments on this video, many of us were unaware. Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@dominobeauty]

Have you still got your Sorento

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Lucy. We sold our Sorento at the beginning of the year as we just weren’t using it. Many thanks for watching, Keith & Michele

[@georgeknowles5327]

Insurance companies will look for any excuse not to pay out. That's why they employ claim adjustors, a.k.a. enforcers. Insurance companies work on the principle that they will only pay out on 50% of claims. There's no rhyme or reason to which claims they reject as long as it's at least 50% of them. You always have to fight for a payout. I once had a wall knocked down by a driver who fled the scene. Never found him. The insurance company said that the wall needed pointing anyway so they weren't going to pay out. I fought it and they eventually paid up. Nil illegitimus carborundum.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi George, Many thanks for sharing your experience & well done for winning 😀 Persistence is obviously key 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@georgeknowles5327]

@@keithandmichele Thank you. A question. I have installed a rear view camera on my caravan. It's wireless. The receiver in the car is powered from a cigar socket. The screen clips over the rear view mirror. Therefore, nothing is permanent. It's actually a safety feature and it works well. I still use extended door mirrors as well. I don't see the being a "modification any more than the satnav and the mobile, both controlled by my wife who provides instructions (one of her greatest talents) so I don't have look at either.

[@LittleCamperNZ]

When the video started we all cracked up laughing because we all said " Look Keith has done away with Michele!!!"

[@keithandmichele]

😂😆😂 She’s still here 😀 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@leighrowberry9651]

Well when I took my insurance told them it would be towing caravan so had a tow bar there were very good didn't charge me any extra so so u be doing blog on your new car

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Leigh, Great news that your premium wasn’t altered 👍🏻 We haven’t had a chance to use the car yet but very much looking forward to it 😀 Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@andysroadtrips7770]

oh one other thought ...... mods on caravans ive motor mover roof a/c unit upgraded jockey wheel auto gas regulator upgraded pay load list is endless

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Andy, Haven’t seen the question asked about caravan modifications on insurance 🤔 Best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@nanrod981]

I bought a Kia Sorento last September after much research, along with a caravan (hopefully we've both made a good decision) - haven't seen it yet and probably won't until next year thanks to the CCP. Nor might I in 2021 as the British Government are talking about Locking Up (imprisoning) innocent people over a certain age for a year after the LockDown, wouldn't fly in the USA as no age discrimination. Anyway - I digress. I also had a Towbar fitted and the car is insured by my Brother-In-Law - I hadn't realized that fitting a TB would affect the insurance - so many thanks - very useful VLOG. Good Luck - Stay Safe and let's hope this Bio-Weapon can be defeated before a possible phase two.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi James, Sorry to hear your plans for the UK have been completely cancelled for this year. We haven’t had a chance to use our Sorento yet, literally picked it up, got it home then lockdown arrived. So long as we’re all safe & healthy, that’s the main objective 🙏 Sending you our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@markbradbury6076]

I looked into this when I got my first caravan, about 6 years ago. The insurance company said yes you have to notify them, even if its a 'factory fitted' item. Most companies ask this question when preparing a quote for cover. I also asked about what I tow. Do I have to tell them what it is and does that make a difference? The answer to that was no, I don't have to tell them. Your standard insurance covers the 'trailer' when its attached, irrespective of what it is (within the legal limits, obviously!). Apparently this is a legal requirement for the insurance companies. Note that this is for third party risks only, irrespective of your level of cover for the car, so you should still insure your van separately for additional protection.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mark, Many thanks for the information, hopefully others will find this useful 👍🏻 Best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

I did this and they have up'd my insurance £50 a year

[@keithandmichele]

WOW!!! That’s shocking Vanessa. The majority of comments have said their premium has been reduced due to having a tow bar. You may have to look at a comparison site when you’re due for renewal 🤔 Thanks for letting us know, sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.