How Tyre and Alloy Insurance Works: What You Need to Know

Owning a car can be expensive enough without the added frustration of dealing with damaged tyres or scuffed alloy wheels. Everyday hazards like potholes, uneven roads, or parking against a high kerb can leave your wheels looking worn and repairing or replacing them isn’t cheap. Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance covers the costs of accidental and even malicious damage; this type of policy can save you from unexpected repair bills while keeping your car looking its best.

In this guide, we’ll break down how tyre and alloy insurance works, what’s included, common exclusions to watch out for, and whether it’s worth the investment for your vehicle. You’ll learn exactly what to expect from this specialist cover and how it can give you peace of mind on the road.

The Benefits of Tyre & Alloy Wheel Insurance

Insurance products like Tyre and Alloy Wheel cover can offer peace of mind about costly repairs. Accidental damage can happen during everyday driving, such as from potholes, a puncture or high kerbs. However, even malicious damage like tyre slashing can be covered. Explore the main benefits of ALA Tyre & Alloy Wheel Insurance.

• Repair of cosmetic damage to the alloys.
• Repair of minor structural damage to alloys or valves (SMART repairs).
• Contribution towards replacement alloys or tyres if there is significant damage that can’t be repaired.
• Accidental and malicious damage is covered as long as it’s within the policy guidelines.
• Benefit from an established national repair network and at-home repairs.
• Nationwide repairs in the UK, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
• Zero excess

Understanding Tyre and Alloy Insurance: Requirements, Coverage and Limits

Knowing the limits of your policy before you buy is essential to getting effective financial protection. This section explores who can get tyre and alloy wheel insurance, what it covers and the common exclusions. Familiarise yourself with the IPID and the policy wordin or explore the breakdown below:

General Eligibility and Requirements

• Your car must be less than 7 years old.
• Your car must have been purchased or leased within the last 30 days of your policy start date.
• You will need to submit photos of your wheels prior to your policy starting.

What’s Included in Tyre and Alloy Insurance Policies

• Accidental Damage: sudden and unforeseen damage to the tyre itself, valve and alloy wheel.
• Malicious Damage: malicious damage to the tyre itself, valve and/or alloy wheel.
• SMART repairs (small to medium area repair technique) to the tyre, alloy wheel or valve.
• Up to £250 towards replacing a damaged alloy.
• Up to £300 towards replacing damaged tyres (per tyre).
• Up to 2 or 4 claims per year (depending on which limit you choose).

Common Exclusions to Watch Out For

• Prior claims: you can’t claim for anything that already happened or that you knew would happen before your insurance started.
• Deliberate damage: any claim for damage caused deliberately by you or due to something you failed to do.
• Dishonesty, violence and fraud: any claim which involves actual or alleged dishonesty or violence by you or a statement which is overstated, false or fraudulent.
• Other insurance: any costs, which can be recovered by you under any other insurance.
• Loss in value: any reduction in the value of the vehicle caused by repairs or work carried out under this policy.
• Manufacturer fault: any claim arising from manufacturing defects or recalls concerning your vehicle.

Are there any restrictions that could affect your cover?

• Non-standard, aftermarket alloy wheels are not covered.
• Alloy wheels with split rim construction or with a chrome effect are not covered.
• You’re not covered for wheel or tyre repairs or replacements exceeding the policy limits per wheel.
• We can’t cover wear and tear, or any damage not caused by accident or vandalism.
• A worn tyre that is below 2mm tread depth across any part of the tread pattern should be replaced, so it is not covered on our policy.

The Cost of Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance?

The cost of Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance with ALA depends on factors such as your vehicle’s age, the level of cover chosen, the number of years of cover and the number of claims allowed each year. Policies are typically much more affordable when compared with the expense of repairing or replacing damaged alloys or tyres out of pocket. With flexible claims options, you can protect against unexpected damage and repair bills while suiting your specific budget.

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Is Tyre and Alloy Insurance Worth It?

Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance can be worthwhile for drivers who want to protect themselves from the high costs of cosmetic repairs and tyre replacements. Everyday hazards such as kerbs, potholes, or vandalism can lead to damage that is both unsightly and expensive. This cover adds extra peace of mind to your existing car insurance, Extended Warranty or GAP insurance policies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is tyre damage covered under insurance?

Tyre insurance is sometimes included in comprehensive cover if the damage is caused by accident or vandalism, but most don’t include cosmetic repairs like scratches, dents or scuffs. Specialist policies from third parties like ALA can give you some peace of mind about cosmetic, structural, accidental and malicious damage.

Read more about whether the car’s tyres are covered under your car insurance policy

Does tyre and alloy insurance cover both cosmetic and structural damage?

The insurance covers cosmetic alloy wheel damage, such as kerb scuffs, using SMART repair techniques. If the car’s wheels cannot be repaired, the policy contributes towards a replacement (up to a set limit). Tyres are covered for accidental or malicious damage, but not for wear and tear or manufacturing defects.

Is tyre and alloy insurance suitable for used cars or only for new vehicles?

The cover is available for both a used or new car. The key eligibility rule is that the vehicle must be under 7 years old at the start of the policy and has been purchased from a used car dealership within 30 days.

How does the claims process work if I need to use my insurance?

If damage occurs, you should report it promptly (usually within 14–30 days) to ALA. You may need to provide photos and, for malicious damage, a crime reference number. ALA will arrange a SMART repair using a mobile repairer or contribute towards replacement if repair isn’t possible. Claims are subject to annual limits on the number of repairs or replacements