Vehicle modifications, depending on what they are, may need declaration in order to prevent any invalidation of insurance or lease agreements. But does this extend to window tints? Specifically, a chameleon tint?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Do you have to declare chameleon tint to insurance?’
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
Contents
ToggleChameleon tints – The basics
A chameleon tint is a type of window film that changes colour depending on the angle of light. It’s often used to give a vehicle a unique and eye-catching appearance.
Chameleon tints are typically made of a multilayer film that contains microscopic particles that reflect light in different ways. This creates the illusion of the colour changing as the light source or viewing angle changes.
Chameleon tints can be used to:
- Improve vehicle aesthetics: Give your car a unique and stylish look.
- Reduce glare: Help to reduce glare from the sun and other light sources.
- Increase privacy: Provide privacy for passengers by making it difficult to see inside the vehicle.
- Protect against UV rays: Help to protect the interior of your vehicle from fading caused by ultraviolet radiation.
However, it’s important to note that chameleon tints may not be legal in all jurisdictions, and they can affect your vehicle’s visibility. Before applying a chameleon tint, it’s essential to check local laws and regulations and consider the potential impact on your driving experience.
Chameleon tint vs window tints – What’s the difference?
A chameleon tint is a form of window tinting. But are they the same? Or are there specific differences between the two?
Window Tint:
- Uniform colour: A window tint typically has a single, consistent colour that doesn’t change.
- Opacity: The opacity of a window tint can vary from light to dark, affecting the amount of light that enters the vehicle.
- Functions: Window tints can serve various purposes, such as reducing glare, improving privacy, and protecting the interior from UV rays.
Chameleon Tint:
- Colour-changing: A chameleon tint changes colour depending on the angle of light. This creates a unique and visually appealing effect.
- Opacity: Chameleon tints can also vary in opacity, but they often have a darker hue than traditional window tints.
- Functions: In addition to the functions of a regular window tint, chameleon tints can add a stylish element to a vehicle.
In summary, while both window tints and chameleon tints can be used to modify the appearance and functionality of car windows, chameleon tints offer the added benefit of a colour-changing effect.
Do you have to declare chameleon tints to insurance?

Chameleon tints, which change colour depending on the angle of light, are considered a modification to your vehicle. Many insurance companies require that you disclose any modifications to your vehicle when you take out or renew your policy.
Failing to declare a chameleon tint could invalidate your insurance coverage if you were to get into an accident. It’s important to be honest with your insurance provider to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage in place.
If you’re unsure about whether your insurance provider requires you to declare a chameleon tint, it’s best to contact them directly. They can provide you with specific information about their policies and requirements. Do not risk getting any sort of modification without clearing it first.
This is the same when it comes to leased vehicles. Modifications are likely not allowed for lease agreements, as you don’t own the vehicle, getting one can invalidate the agreement. Be sure to double-check with your lease provider before getting a modification.
What happens if my insurance is invalid?
If your car insurance is invalidated due to a chameleon tint that you didn’t declare, you could face serious consequences in the event of an accident.
Here are some potential outcomes:
- No coverage: If your insurance is invalidated, you may not receive any compensation for property damage or injuries caused by the accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: You may be responsible for paying all costs associated with the accident, including repairs, medical bills, and legal fees.
- Legal issues: In some cases, driving without valid insurance can lead to legal penalties, such as fines or even jail time.
How do the police check a window tint?
Police typically use a specialised device called a tint meter to measure the darkness of a window tint. This device shines a light through the tinted window and measures the amount of light that passes through.
The results are compared to legal limits set by local authorities. If the tint is darker than the legal limit, it can be considered illegal.
It’s important to note that chameleon tints can be particularly challenging to measure. Their colour-changing properties can make it difficult to determine their true opacity. As a result, police may need to use multiple measurements or other techniques to assess whether a chameleon tint complies with local laws.
Legal consequences of a window tint
If your window tint is found to be illegal, you could face the following consequences:
- Fines: You may be issued a fine for violating traffic laws related to window tinting. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violation.
- Vehicle seizure: In some cases, your vehicle may be seized until the illegal tint is removed.
- Insurance issues: Your insurance coverage may be affected if your tinted windows are considered illegal. In some cases, your insurer may refuse to cover claims if you were involved in an accident while driving with illegal tints.
- Points on your licence: Depending on the severity of the violation, you may receive points on your driving licence. Accumulating enough points can lead to suspension or revocation of your licence.
Browse chameleon tints today

Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Wheel refurbishment:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have provided insight answering the question ‘Do you have to declare chameleon tint to insurance?’ Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
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Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
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TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk

2 Comments. Leave new
Hey – I’ve been thinking about having the windows tinted on my Tesla M3P 2022.
I’d love to get as black as it gets in the back, and possible front to the legal limit (70%) as well as the windscreen for the extra UV rejection!
Please can you send me a quote?
Thanks
Thank you for your enquiry. Please call us on 0161 524 4489 alternatively, you can email us on info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk.