Tyre & Alloy Cover in Motor Insurance: Coverage, Benefits, Cost & Claims
While comprehensive motor insurance protects your vehicle against accidental damage, it typically does not cover the replacement or repair cost of tyres and alloy wheels unless the damage occurs due to an accident. To fill this gap, insurers offer a valuable add-on known as the Tyre & Alloy Cover.
This cover provides financial protection for costs incurred due to tyre burst, puncture, sidewall damage, and damage to alloy wheels caused by accidents or road hazards.
What Is Tyre & Alloy Cover in Motor Insurance?
Tyre & Alloy Cover is an optional add-on that you can purchase along with your comprehensive or standalone own-damage motor insurance policy. It covers:
- Repair or replacement of tyres
- Repair or replacement of alloy wheels
- Labour charges related to tyre removal & refitting
- Wheel balancing & alignment after repair
Why Is Tyre & Alloy Cover Important?
Modern tyres and alloy wheels are expensive. Common causes of damage include:
- Potholes on Indian roads
- Sharp objects
- Sidewall bulges
- Tyre bursts at high speed
- Damaged wheel rims due to impact
Replacing a single alloy wheel can cost ₹8,000 to ₹50,000 or more depending on the brand. Tyre replacement can range ₹4,000 to ₹25,000 per tyre.
With this cover, such costs are reimbursed by the insurer, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage Under Tyre & Alloy Cover
This add-on typically covers:
- Accidental tyre damage
- Sidewall punctures & cuts
- Tyre burst due to potholes
- Alloy bends, cracks, or dents
- Wheel balancing & alignment
- Valve & tube replacement
- Labour & service charges
What Is NOT Covered?
Exclusions may include:
- Damage due to regular wear & tear
- Damage due to racing or misuse
- Driving with over/under-inflated tyres
- Modifications not declared to insurer
- Damage due to mechanical breakdown
- Repairs done without insurer approval
Cost of Tyre & Alloy Cover
The premium depends on vehicle type, tyre size, and alloy cost. Approximate cost:
| Vehicle Category | Approx Premium / Year |
|---|---|
| Hatchback | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Sedan | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 |
| SUV | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Premium/Luxury Cars | ₹2,500 – ₹6,000+ |
Who Should Buy Tyre & Alloy Cover?
Recommended if you:
- Own a premium or luxury car
- Drive frequently on bad roads
- Use low-profile tyres
- Have expensive aftermarket alloys
- Park in unsafe or uneven areas
- Live in metro or pothole-prone regions
Claim Process
- Inform insurer immediately
- Do not move the vehicle unnecessarily
- Take vehicle to a network workshop
- Surveyor inspection & approval
- Repair/replacement conducted
- Claim settled cashless or via reimbursement
Example Scenario
You hit a pothole, causing tyre burst and alloy bend. Repair cost: ₹18,500
Without add-on → you pay ₹18,500 With Tyre & Alloy Cover → insurer pays (minus deductible)
Is Tyre & Alloy Cover Worth It?
Yes. Considering the increasing cost of tyres and alloys, especially for SUVs and premium cars, this cover provides excellent value for a relatively low premium. It offers peace of mind on bad roads and protects against sudden expenses.
Final Thoughts
Tyre & Alloy Cover acts as a financial shield for modern car owners. It covers accidental damage that regular policies exclude, reduces maintenance bills, and protects your vehicle’s tyres and alloy wheels from unforeseen road hazards.
It is especially useful for luxury cars, low-profile tyres, metro cities, and for drivers who frequently encounter potholes or rough terrain.
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