Tyres and wheels can be costly to replace or repair. Whether you have normal, performance or run flat tyres, just a bit of bad luck and they suddenly become a financial pain. Rather than waiting for a hefty bill, tyre insurance can help get you back on the road quickly - for a fraction of the cost.
What is tyre insurance?
Tyres are one of the most important parts of your car and what keeps you on the road. Unfortunately, unwanted accidents due to potholes, debris and nails can cause damage that requires immediate attention to get you back on the road.
A tyre insurance policy will pay out to repair or replace your tyres should you damage them during the time of your policy. You can make up to 3 or 6 tyre claims per year, dependent on your policy, which will usually be taken out over a 2-3 year period.
What Does a Tyre Insurance Policy Cover?
Tyre insurance offers protection against various types of tyre damage. It covers vehicles for accidental damage, including incidents like kerbing or blow-outs, and also addresses malicious damage, such as tyre slashing. The insurance primarily handles tyre replacement for any damaged tyre. This includes speciality tyres, such as split rims. This comprehensive protection ensures that you can replace your tyres when they are no longer safe or functional due to unforeseen incidents.
Why take out tyre insurance?
As mentioned, tyres can be damaged even when you're driving carefully. It's important to fix any damage as soon as possible to keep you on the road. Without tyre insurance, repairs and replacements can be very costly, sometimes hundreds of pounds. However, with a tyre insurance policy, you could pay as little as £11 per month for peace of mind whilst driving.
Does Tyre Insurance Cover All Types of Tyres?
Yes, tyre insurance typically covers a variety of tyres, including standard tyres, run-flat tyres, and those on new cars. This coverage is particularly important for vehicles with large alloy wheels or off-road tyres, which can be costly to replace. With many modern vehicles, such as BMWs and Minis, being equipped with run-flat tyres, it's important to note that these tyres often require replacement rather than repair when damaged.
The cost of tyre insurance is influenced by factors like the type of vehicle, wheel size, and overall performance. Therefore, insuring a town car will generally be less expensive than insuring a high-end sports car. Additionally, alloy wheel insurance can sometimes be included, providing further protection for expensive wheel damage but can also be bought separately. Overall, tyre insurance is designed to cover a broad spectrum of tyres, ensuring you are protected against common issues like flat tyres and other types of tyre damage.
Are Both Repair and Replacement Covered Under Tyre Insurance?
Yes, tyre insurance covers both repair and replacement. Most policies allow you to claim for a certain number of replacement tyres over the policy term, typically three years. This means there is often a claim limit on how many tyre claims you can make within that period. If you frequently encounter flat tyres due to heavily potholed roads, you might find yourself needing to use this coverage more often.
Additionally, tyre insurance generally covers both accidental and malicious damage. This includes situations where a tyre or alloy wheel is damaged, ensuring that whether you need a repair or a full replacement tyre, you are protected. Evaluating your driving conditions and past experiences with tyre failures can help you decide if the policy's claim limits will meet your needs.
How Do I File a Claim Under My Tyre Insurance Policy?
To file a claim under your tyre insurance policy, follow these general steps:
- Contact the Claims Team: Reach out to your insurance provider's claims team as soon as you experience a flat tyre or any damage. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms and instructions.
- Provide Details of the Damage: Describe the nature of the damage, whether it is accidental or malicious damage. Be sure to mention if the damage involves any additional minor cosmetic damage or other identifying marks on the tyre or wheel.
- Submit Required Documentation: Gather and submit all required documentation, which may include photos of the damaged tyre or wheel, a police report or crime reference number (in case of malicious damage), and proof of your policy.
- Get an Assessment: Your insurance provider might require an assessment of the damage. They may direct you to an authorised repair shop or send an assessor to inspect the damage.
- Follow Up: Stay in contact with the claims team throughout the process to ensure all steps are completed and your claim is processed in a timely manner.
What are the Claim Criteria?
To ensure your tyre insurance claim is valid, you must meet certain criteria:
- The damage must be either accidental or malicious.
- Your tyre must have a minimum tread depth of 2.0mm.
- You must not have exceeded the permitted number of claims as outlined in your policy.
Can Tyre Insurance Save Me Money in the Long Run?
Yes, tyre insurance can save you money in the long run, especially if you need to replace more than one tyre during the policy's term. The cost savings come from not having to buy new tyres at full price. However, the actual savings depend on the payout you receive.
Tyre insurance is particularly valuable if you have expensive tyres, such as those on big SUVs or run-flat tyres, as the replacement costs for these are higher. Additionally, if you have diamond cut alloy wheels, a tyre and alloy insurance policy can cover structural damage, providing further financial protection. Given the high cost and potential for unexpected damage, having insurance can be a cost-effective way to manage the expenses of maintaining your tyres.
Are There Any Exclusions in Tyre Insurance Policies?
Yes, tyre insurance policies have specific exclusions that should be carefully considered before purchasing:
- General Wear and Tear: Normal deterioration of tyres over time is typically not covered.
- Road Traffic Accidents: Damage resulting from a collision or road accident may not be covered.
- Incorrect Tyre Pressure: Damage caused by using tyres at incorrect pressures is excluded.
- Theft of Alloy Wheels: Theft of alloy wheels is generally not covered.
- Manufacturing Defects: Issues arising from manufacturing defects in tyres or wheels are excluded.
- Special Wheel Types: Certain wheel types like chrome wheels or split rim constructions may have specific exclusions.
- Third-Party Maintenance: Damage caused by third parties during general maintenance is not covered.
- Time Limit on Claims: Damage occurring more than 30 days before a claim is reported may not be covered.
- Excluded Vehicle Types: Certain vehicle types such as emergency vehicles, driving school cars, and vehicles used for competitive events like road racing or rallying are excluded.
- Commercial Vehicles: Typically, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, buses, vans, and motorcycles are excluded from standard tyre insurance policies.
Reviewing these exclusions will help you determine if tyre insurance is suitable for your needs and vehicle type, ensuring you understand what risks and damages are covered under the policy.
FAQs
Does tyre insurance cover cosmetic damage?
No, tyre insurance generally covers functional damage that affects tyre performance and safety, not cosmetic issues.
Can I transfer my tyre insurance if I sell my car?
It depends on the insurer. Some policies are transferable to the new owner, while others are not.
How much does tyre insurance cost?
Costs vary based on factors like vehicle type, tyre size, and coverage limits, but it's typically a fraction of the cost of new tyres.
What happens if my tyre is damaged beyond repair?
Tyre insurance covers replacement costs if the tyre cannot be repaired due to damage.
Are there exclusions in tyre insurance policies?
Yes, common exclusions include damage from accidents, improper maintenance, and pre-existing conditions.
Last reviewed: 1 October 2024
Next review: 1 November 2024