The most useful aftermarket accessories for UK drivers are a dash cam (£40–£150) for insurance-claim evidence, an all-weather boot liner and floor mats (£20–£70) given the UK's wet climate, a type-approved tow bar (£150–£400 fitted) if you tow, and a portable tyre inflator (£25–£60) for roadside peace of mind. Prioritise features over brand names — footage resolution and parking-mode for dash cams, and load rating for tow bars.
Category price bands (UK, 2026)
| Accessory | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Dash cam (single, front-facing) | £40–£100 |
| Dash cam (front + rear) | £80–£150 |
| Tow bar, fitted | £150–£400 |
| All-weather mats/boot liner set | £20–£70 |
| Portable tyre inflator | £25–£60 |
| Roof box | £150–£450 |
Dash cams — the highest-value accessory for most drivers
A dash cam is one of the few accessories that can directly change the outcome of an insurance claim. Footage showing who was at fault in a collision can speed up a claim significantly and, in contested cases, is often the deciding evidence. Look for at least 1080p resolution, a wide field of view, parking mode (records while stationary, triggered by motion or impact), and — if the car will be left in busy or high-risk areas — a rear-facing camera as well.
What insurers think of dash cam footage
Most UK insurers accept dash cam footage as supporting evidence, and some offer a small premium discount for having one fitted. Footage isn't a legal requirement to submit, but withholding footage that contradicts your account of an incident can complicate a claim.
Tow bars — legal and fitting requirements
A tow bar must be type-approved for the vehicle it's fitted to, and professional fitting is strongly recommended both for safety and because a poorly fitted tow bar can affect your car's structural integrity and MOT status. Confirm the tow bar's rated towing capacity matches or exceeds what you intend to tow, and check whether your insurer needs to be told about the fitting.
Weather-proofing for the UK climate
All-weather rubber floor mats and a boot liner are inexpensive but high-utility given how often UK drivers deal with wet, muddy conditions — they protect resale value by keeping the original carpet clean and are easy to rinse out.
Tyre inflators and breakdown-adjacent accessories
A 12V portable tyre inflator lets you correct a slow puncture or top up pressure before a long trip without hunting for a petrol station pump. Pair it with a basic tyre repair kit if your car doesn't come with a spare wheel — many newer cars only include a repair kit or run-flat tyres as standard.
Roof boxes — what to check before buying
- Confirm your roof bars' load rating and the roof box's own capacity match your car's roof load limit (in the handbook).
- Aerodynamic-shaped boxes reduce fuel/energy consumption penalty versus boxy designs.
- Check opening mechanism (dual-side opening is more convenient for loading from either side of the car).
Rather than chasing a specific brand name, compare accessories against these feature checklists — resolution and parking mode for dash cams, type-approval and rated capacity for tow bars, roof load limits for roof boxes — since feature specs matter far more than branding for real-world usefulness.
Accessories that don't deliver much value
Cosmetic-only additions like decorative interior trim kits or novelty gear knobs rarely improve the driving experience or resale value, and some — like poorly fitted seat covers — can interfere with side airbag deployment on cars where the airbag is integrated into the seat. Check compatibility before fitting anything that touches the seats.
Frequently asked questions
What features should I look for in a dash cam?
Do UK insurers give discounts for having a dash cam?
Does a tow bar need to be professionally fitted?
Are seat covers safe to fit in modern cars?
Do roof boxes affect fuel or energy consumption?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
