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6 Oct

Alloy wheel insurance is often offered by the dealer when you buy a car. Whether it is worth it depends on your wheels, your car and how you drive. This guide explains what alloy wheel insurance usually covers, what to check before you buy, and what a repair costs if you decide to pay as you go.

It is general information, not financial advice. Policies vary, so always read the terms of the one you are offered.

What is alloy wheel insurance?

Alloy wheel insurance is a standalone policy that pays to repair cosmetic damage to your wheels: the kerbing, scuffs and scratches that happen when parking. It is often sold together with tyre insurance.

Most policies cover a set number of repairs a year, with a small excess for each claim. Some will also put money towards a new wheel if the damage is beyond repair. Because it is a separate policy, claiming usually doesn't affect the no-claims discount on your car insurance.

Doesn't my car insurance cover my wheels?

Your car insurance may cover wheel damage, but claiming for a kerbed or scuffed alloy is often not worth it: the excess can be more than the repair costs, and a claim can affect your no-claims discount and your premium. That gap is what alloy wheel insurance is designed to fill.

Who is alloy wheel insurance worth it for?

It tends to be worth considering if:

Your car is on PCP or lease. You may be charged for wheel damage beyond fair wear and tear when the car goes back, so keeping your wheels in good condition matters.
You have large, diamond-cut or two-tone wheels. They cost more to repair.
You park in town a lot, on narrow streets or in tight car parks where kerbing is hard to avoid.
You want your car to keep looking right without paying for each repair as it happens.

It may be less worth it if your wheels are small and simple to repair, you rarely park on the street, or you are happy to pay for a repair if and when you need one.

What to check before you buy

The excess you pay on each claim.
How many claims you can make each year, and whether each wheel counts as a separate claim.
What counts as cosmetic damage. Cracked or buckled wheels are often treated differently from scuffs and scratches.
Exclusions. Damage that was already there when you took out the policy is usually excluded, and some policies exclude non-original wheels or more complex finishes.
Replacement cover, if any, and how much it pays towards a new wheel.
How claims are handled, and who carries out the repair.

If you claim: who repairs your wheels?

Insurers often send wheel repairs to specialist repairers. The Wheel Specialist is the preferred alloy wheel refurbishment partner for some of the UK's largest insurers. Your policy decides who carries out the repair, so check it if that matters to you.

If you don't have it: what does a repair cost?

If you would rather pay for repairs as you need them, our guide to alloy wheel refurbishment costs has typical prices. As a guide, a full refurbishment with a painted or powder-coated finish on a standard 17 to 19-inch wheel typically costs between £80 and £110 per wheel, and a diamond cut refurbishment between £120 and £150. Prices vary by branch, so ask yours for a quote. Minor kerb damage can sometimes be dealt with by a smaller cosmetic repair: see our kerbed alloy repair guide.

Compare that with the price of a policy and its excess, and how often you expect to need a repair, and you have your answer.

Insured or not, we can help

We have 20+ branches across the UK. Every branch is a fixed workshop, not a mobile van. We have refurbished over 1.5 million wheels and have over 25,000 five-star reviews, and refurbished wheels are covered by our guarantee: 24 months on powder-coat wheels and 12 months on diamond-cut, subject to our guarantee terms.

We do nothing but wheels. Find your nearest branch for a quote.

Alloy wheel insurance FAQs

Is alloy wheel damage covered by car insurance?

It can be, but claiming for cosmetic wheel damage is often not worth it, because the excess is often more than the repair and a claim can affect your no-claims discount.

How much is alloy wheel insurance?

Prices vary by provider, by the type of wheels you have and by how much cover you choose. Compare a few quotes, and look at the excess and claim limits as well as the price.