Updated on 10-04-2025
India's roadways still require significant improvement, notwithstanding the government's sincere and concerted efforts. While driving through cities, highways, or villages, you will encounter potholes, broken speed breakers, and half-completed roads. Keeping your vehicle in good condition despite such circumstances becomes highly challenging. Tyres are components of a vehicle that suffer the most from the fury of bad roads.
Tyre replacement is expensive, especially if you have to deal with it often. For example, a new tire for a hatchback can make you poorer by some INR 4,000. This is where the tyre protection add-on cover becomes valuable, offering financial protection against unforeseen tyre damages.
What is Tyre Protector in Car Insurance?
Most insurers do not provide tyre coverage in their regular car insurance policy. However, they have introduced a rider of late termed “tyre protection cover” to deal with tyre-related problems. You can acquire this plan when renewing or purchasing a comprehensive car insurance policy. This is an add-on cover that typically includes tyre repairs and replacement. Some plans also cover the labour costs associated with repairing tyres. The compensation insurers assure for tyre protection is equal to or more than 50% of the tyre replacement or repair cost.
Tyre Protector in Car Insurance: What is Covered & Not Covered?
Here is a list of what is covered and what is not under a tyre protection add-on cover:
Covered
- If your tyre gets damaged beyond repair for any reason, such as puncture, cut, crack, or bulge, the tyre protection add-on cover will pay for replacing it with a new one.
- If you need to remove, refit, or rebalance your tyre due to any damage, the tyre protection add-on cover will pay the labour charges involved in this process.
- Suppose your tyre gets damaged in an accident or unforeseen event, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or natural calamity. In such cases, the tyre protection add-on cover will pay for the tyre's repair or replacement cost.
Not covered
- If your tyre gets punctured or needs minor repairs, the tyre protection add-on cover will not bear the cost of fixing it. You will have to bear such expenses.
- If your tyre gets damaged, but your vehicle is unaffected and remains intact, the tyre protection add-on cover will not include the cost of replacing the tyre. You will have to pay for it.
- If your tyre gets damaged while transporting goods or from overloading in your vehicle, the tyre protection add-on cover will not include the labour charges for moving or fitting the tyre. You will have to pay for it.
- If your tyre gets damaged following participation in a rally or racing event, the tyre protection add-on cover will not cover the repair cost of the tyre. You will have to bear the expenses.
Who Should Buy Tyre Protection Insurance?
A tyre protection cover can benefit anyone who owns a vehicle and wants to secure their tyres from unexpected damages. Even so, some individuals may need this cover more, and they are:
- Those who drive frequently on rough roads or terrains that can damage tyres
- Those who have expensive or high-performance tyres that are costly to replace or repair
Those who want to avoid paying out-of-pocket for tyre damages not covered by their standard car insurance policy.
What is The Claim Process for Tyre Protection Cover?
Filing a claim under the tyre protection cover generally involves the following steps:
- Immediate Notification: Inform your insurance provider about the tyre damage as soon as possible.
- Documentation: Provide necessary documents, including photographs of the damaged tyre, a detailed description of the incident, and any other required paperwork.
- Inspection: The insurer may arrange for an inspection to assess the damage.
- Repair or Replacement: Upon approval, proceed with the repair or replacement at a network garage or service centre.
- Reimbursement or Cashless Settlement: Depending on your policy terms, the insurer will either reimburse the expenses or settle the bill directly with the service provider.
Always adhere to your insurer's specific claim procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
How Can I Avail Tyre Protection Cover?
To add the Tyre Protection cover to your existing car insurance policy:
- Contact Your Insurer: Reach out to your insurance provider to inquire about the availability of the tyre protection add-on.
- Understand the Terms: Review the coverage details, exclusions, and additional premium costs associated with the add-on.
- Purchase the Add-on: If satisfied, purchase the add-on by paying the requisite additional premium.
- Policy Documentation: Ensure the add-on is reflected in your policy documents for future reference.
It's advisable to compare offerings from different insurers to select the most comprehensive and cost-effective tyre protection cover.
Conclusion
Tyres are essential components of cars but the most vulnerable to damage, given their constant contact with the road, the condition of which varies widely. Hence, they are prone to wear and tear, affecting their performance and lifespan. A tyre protection add-on cover can help protect your tyres from such damages and save you from unnecessary expenses and hassles. It can also enhance your car insurance policy coverage and provide more value for money.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.