Why Choose Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance? | Your Guide to Various Policies

Tyre and alloy wheel insurance can be a great choice for extra peace of mind when on the road. Since tyre and alloy damage is typically not covered in comprehensive car insurance, it protects an important element of your car that is often easily damaged. Are tyre and alloy wheel insurance policies worth it, and how can they benefit you?

Our guide will explore how tyre and alloy wheel insurance works, if car insurance policies cover tyres, and how you can choose the best policy for you. We will also discuss whether or not policies are worth it for you.

How Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance Works

Tyre and alloy wheel insurance can offer peace of mind when out on the road, and can help avoid costly repairs should you suffer a puncture or significant damage. The main benefits of tyre and alloy wheel insurance policies at ALA include:

• Repair of cosmetic damage to the alloys
• Repair of minor structural damage to alloys or valves
• Contribution towards replacement alloys or tyres if there is damage that cannot be repaired
• Accidental damage, malicious damage and SMART repairs (Small to Medium Area Repair Technique)
• No excess

There are various eligibility requirements when choosing tyre and alloy insurance, such as:

• The car must be less than seven years old
• The car must have been purchased/leased within the last 30 days
• You must submit pictures of the tyres within 14 days of purchasing a policy

Below are some common exclusions to look out for:

• You cannot claim for anything that has previously happened before vehicle images have been provided and the insurance has started
• Deliberate damage is not covered
• Dishonesty, violence and fraud
• Manufacturer faults will not be dealt with

The cost of the insurance depends on factors such as the vehicle’s age, the level of cover chosen, the number of covered years and the number of claims allowed each year. 

You can find out more in our previous guide here.

Are Tyres Covered on Car Insurance?

You may be wondering why a tyre and alloy wheel policy is even relevant, as it might be covered on your car insurance. However, most standard comprehensive car insurance policies don’t cover flat or damaged tyres as they fall into the same category as windscreen wipers and brake pads – susceptible to wear over time. 

Some motor insurers may cover tyres if they are damaged in an accident, theft or vandalism, but you must refer to your policy documents. If you suffer a puncture, sidewall damage or wear and tear, your car insurance won’t cover you. Car insurance policies may cover your alloys, especially if they are damaged in an accident.

Most new cars nowadays come with a puncture repair kit, but if you don’t, tyre repair has an average cost of £25-£30 in the UK. If you need your tyre replaced entirely, this can cost you between £50 and £300, depending on the brand and specification you need. Fixing and replacing your alloys can cost even more. Tyre and alloy wheel insurance covers these hefty costs, so you don’t have to worry. Start building your quote here to see how much you could be paying.

You can read our complete guide about tyres and alloys in car insurance here.

Finding the Best Tyre and Alloy Policy

When choosing the best tyre and alloy wheel policy for you, consider the following incentives:

• Zero excess
• Protection for both accidental and malicious damage
• Option to claim multiple times a year
• Mobile repair network
• Flexible eligibility requirements
• Generous claim limit

Our tyre and alloy wheel policies at ALA boast these features, giving you more value for money.

At ALA, our tyre and alloy wheel insurance policies are affordable and include multi-year discounts and no mileage requirements. You can claim up to £250 per alloy and £300 per tyre, and can benefit from a mobile repair network to help you get on the road in no time.

You can find out more about choosing the best tyre and alloy insurance policy here.

Is Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance Worth It?

Yes, tyre and alloy insurance is definitely worth it. With so many hazards on the roads nowadays, such as potholes and debris, it is incredibly easy to encounter tyre trouble on the road. At ALA, you can purchase wheel protection for between one and four years, which could help you cover the term of your finance or lease agreement. 

Although tyre and alloy wheel insurance is great for sudden accidental or malicious damage, there are exclusions, such as pre-existing damage prior to the start of your policy, general wear and tear, and any claims that involve dishonesty.

The advantages of tyre and alloy insurance include:

• Avoiding unexpected costs associated with replacing a tyre
• Peace of mind, especially when driving a leased or financed vehicle that needs to be returned
• Like-for-like new tyres or alloys without compromising on cheaper tyres
• Multiple claims per year (like our policies at ALA)
• Maintains the car’s value for longer

There are also some small downsides, such as:

• It may not be cost effective for some, as it is an extra insurance to pay for on top of your comprehensive car insurance
• Some variations of alloy wheels may not be covered (check your policy documents)
• Age limits usually apply
• You have just 30 days to buy a policy after purchasing your car
• Within 14 days of the policy being purchased, you need to send in photos of your tyres and alloys

The cost of your policy depends on factors such as the number of years on the policy and the number of claims you want. Use our table below as a point of reference.

Read our previous guide here to see whether tyre and alloy insurance is worth it for you.