Thousands of motorists who trim up their car for the festive season could be having a blue Christmas this year, according to new research. Many road users may already argue that decorating your car for Christmas should be a crime. But the research, from car experts at Zero Deposit Car Leasing, has revealed Xmas car accessories could invalidate a driver’s car insurance, if not declared. The decorations could also drive up their premiums because they are classed as a vehicle modification.

This means drivers who modify their car with a range of Christmas accessories, from stickers of snowflakes on the windows to reindeer antlers on the roof, could be stung by their insurance providers and left out of pocket.

Tom Preston, car expert and Managing Director for Zero Deposit Car Leasing, said: “Thousands of motorists use car decorations to bring a touch of festive cheer to the roads. Yet, our research shows modifying your vehicle, with something as simple as a Christmas sticker, could invalidate your insurance if it’s not declared.

“Our research also shows thousands of motorists have been searching online to buy things like car antlers. But drivers who want to get into the spirit of the season on their daily commutes, by transforming their car into Rudolph the Red Nose Renault, should probably think again if they want to avoid having a blue Christmas this year. Bah humbug, indeed.”

Drawing attention to your car can also drive up your insurance premiums because you’re making it a target for vandals, according to the research. Even a careless passerby, who want a selfie with a trimmed up car, could potentially cause its driver damage, by giving it exposure online, with most decorated cars being slated on social media.

In addition to this, a study from General Motors has found that reindeer antlers and Rudolph’s nose alone can add significant weight to a car. This can result in a 3% increase in drag coefficient, and a one-mile-per-gallon decrease in fuel efficiency, increasing a driver’s fuel costs as a result.

Tom added: “It really seems no good can come from trimming up your car at Christmas, from being a target for vandals to increasing costs of your fuel. We say it’s probably best to be a bit of a Scrooge when behind the driver’s seat, and save the tinsel for the living room instead.”