Tyre Protection Cover in Car Insurance

A car tyre protector is an add-on cover or an optional feature, which provides financial coverage when you need to replace or repair the tyres when they suffer damage. This add-on cover is an extension to your existing comprehensive or own-damage car insurance policy.

Like many others, are you also wondering does car insurance cover tyre damage? If yes, then the answer is that car insurance does not come with a tyre protection add-on by default. It has to be purchased separately as an extra feature.

Tyres are a crucial part of a car, yet they suffer the most damage. This is because tyres are subjected to the abuse of various road conditions and bear the total weight of the car and its occupants. As a result, it is a good idea to get car tyre protection insurance.

TATA AIG provides a tyre protector as an add-on to its comprehensive car insurance. This add-on covers standalone accidental loss or damage to tyres. With this tyre protector, you are offered compensation and replacement under specific circumstances.

The add-on comes at a minimal additional premium and can prove to be an asset in the long run, saving you a lot of money. If you already have an insurance policy from TATA AIG and want to add tyre protection insurance to your car insurance, you need not worry. Just opt for a car insurance renewal online, and you can successfully get this add-on feature.

TATA AIG provides financial coverage for damaged tyres, which is limited to the following:

• We will cover expenses for repair and/or replacement, as necessary and arising out of accidental loss or damage to tyres and tubes.

• The company’s liability will be limited to the following based on the unused tread depth of the tyre:

• Unused tread depth of <3 mm - Considered as normal wear and tear and is not covered.

• Unused tread depth of >- 3 to <5 mm - 50% of cost of new tyre and/or tube.

• Unused tread depth of > = 5 to < 7 mm - 75% of cost of new tyre and/or tube

• Unused tread depth of > = 7 mm - 100% of cost of new tyre and/or tube

Note: The unused tread depth is measured at the centre of the tread. Besides, a minimum of 4 measurements will be done at 4 different places to determine the mean (average) tread depth, which will be the basis of indemnity under the coverage.

TATA AIG will only provide for the replacement expenses for replacing the old tyres with new ones of the same make and similar specification. However, if the same is not available and the new tyres are superior and expensive compared to the old ones, the excess cost will not be reimbursed.

• An insured can get assistance for four replacements during the insurance period.

• Suppose damage to the tyre and tube is due to accidental damage to the insured vehicle covered under the “Own Damage” section of the policy. Our liability under this cover will be restricted to the difference in depreciation percentage applied under the “Own Damage” section and, as mentioned above, based on the unused tread depth.

Also Read: Complete Guide to Add-On Covers

The benefits of tyre protection add-on are available subject to certain conditions. Here are the instances when TATA AIG will not provide tyre insurance costs:

• If the insured repairs or replaces the tyres at an unauthorised garage.

• A loss that is reported within 15 days of the policy inception will not be reimbursed.

• If the vehicle suffers a total loss, the add-on cover will not apply.

• Loss arising as a result of natural wear and tear. It also includes unevenly worn tyres due to defective steering geometry, which is outside the manufacturer's recommended limits.

• It does not include failure of suspension, shock absorber or wheel bearing.

• Routine maintenance, including alignment, adjustment, rotation, or balancing of wheels/tyres/tubes, etc., is not covered.

• Any loss occurring as a result of inappropriate storage and transportation.

• Losses to the wheel accessories, rims and other parts.

• Damage or loss to the tyre due to modifications that the tyre manufacturer does not approve.

• Damage or loss to tyres due to racing, rally or indulging in illegal activities.

• Any loss to the tyres due to unprofessional workmanship during repair.

• The tyre or tube being stolen or theft of the entire vehicle.

• Losses and damages incurred before the policy inception

• Loss occurring due to maintenance negligence, as specified by the manufacturer.

• Minor damages that do not affect the normal functioning of the tyres.

• Manufacturing defects causing any loss or damage.

• Tyre used up to its full life or if the unused tread depth is less than 3 mm.

• If you make a fraudulent claim, which is declined as per para 10 of “What We will not cover”, coverage under this section shall cease with immediate effect.

• If, during the insurance period, any tyre is replaced for any reason for which a claim is not preferred under the coverage, coverage on the new tyre will not be available unless we are informed of the details of the new tyre.

• In case of replacement of tyre for which a claim is preferred under the coverage, the replaced tyre can be included by way of endorsement by paying a requisite premium.

• All claims must be made within 3 working days of damage.

• You must take all reasonable steps to avoid loss or damage to the tyre(s). You must not continue to drive the vehicle after any damage or incident if this could cause further damage to the tyre(s).

• If the car was driven under alcohol or other intoxicating substances, the client cannot file claims.

• If the car was operated by someone who did not have a valid driver's licence, the client cannot file claims.

• If the policyholder was guilty of contributory negligence or the damage was produced by a voluntary act, the client cannot file claims.

• People who travel by car daily must ensure that their tyres are well-protected.

• Those who reside in hilly locations should invest in car safety.

• People who love outings in mountainous locations and prefer to travel in their car must ensure that any tyre problems are addressed.

• People buying a new car must invest in this add-on.

• Those living in places where many accidents occur must also get this cover.

• Those who use their cars to travel long distances, such as travelling from one state to another.

• Navigate to the TATA AIG official website.

• Choose car insurance as your product on the home page.

• Provide the car registration number and click on “Get Price” if you are buying insurance for a four-wheeler for the first time.

• On the next page, choose comprehensive or stand-alone insurance. Also, choose the tyre-protect add-on at this stage.

• The premium details will be shown depending on your car model, make, etc.

• Proceed to make the premium payment using the methods shown.

Note: You can also include the tyre-protect add-on while renewing your existing insurance policy. However, it cannot be done if you have opted for third-party insurance.

Also Read: Comprehensive Car Insurance

Car tyre insurance is an effective add-on for your car’s tyres. This add-on cover proves beneficial when you need to replace or repair tyres due to loss or damage, saving you from incurring significant out-of-pocket expenditure.

TATA AIG provides efficient insurance for your vehicle at an affordable car insurance price. You can get comprehensive insurance with an option to choose 19 add-ons for your benefit. Some other beneficial features of TATA AIG car insurance policy include a cashless garage network, easy buying and renewal options and much more.

However, it is crucial to remember that a tyre protection add-on and all other add-ons come at an additional cost.

Similarly, one must also know about IDV in insurance as it is the maximum value/amount that your insurance provider will reimburse if your car is stolen or damaged beyond repair.