Tyre Insurance

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 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.

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.

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.

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.