According to a report by Tesco Finance, the financial services arm of the supermarket giant, car insurance customers should tell their insurance company if they modify their vehicles in any way.

Tesco Finance pointed out that changing a car in any way could alter insurance premiums, meaning that drivers have to keep insurers informed. The insurance premiums are weighted in this way because thieves are known to look for modifications and in-car entertainment systems.

To raise awareness of the issue, Tesco Finance has teamed up with Tim Westwood, who hosts car modification program Pimp My Ride.

Allan Burnes, head of insurance at Tesco, reportedly said: It's great that more and more people are expressing themselves through their vehicles . What we are encouraging people to do is to let their insurance provider know what modifications have been made so that they have the right vehicle cover .