Hit a Pothole and Burst Your Tyre? Standard Insurance Pays ₹0. Why You Need 'Tyre & Rim Protection' Add-on
 |
| Hit a Pothole and Burst Your Tyre? |
You are driving on a highway or a city road during the monsoon. Suddenly—THUD! You hit a massive pothole. You pull over and see the damage: your expensive alloy rim is bent, and the tyre has a deep cut on the sidewall.
You think, "Thank God I have 'Zero Depreciation' (Bumper-to-Bumper) car insurance. The company will pay for a new tyre."
WRONG.
Most Indian car owners are shocked to learn that even the most expensive comprehensive policies will reject this claim. Here is why you are at risk and the one add-on that fixes it.
The 'Standard Policy' Loophole
Under a standard Comprehensive or even a standard Zero Dep policy, tyres and tubes are covered ONLY if the vehicle is also damaged in the same accident.
- Scenario A: Your car crashes into a divider, damaging the bumper AND the tyre.
Result: ✅ Insurance pays for both (Standard policy pays 50% for tyres due to depreciation). - Scenario B: You hit a pothole or a sharp stone, and ONLY the tyre bursts or the rim bends. The rest of the car body is fine.
Result: ❌ Claim Rejected. The insurer considers this "wear and tear" or a "consequential loss."
Considering that a set of diamond-cut alloy wheels and premium tyres can cost anywhere from ₹20,000 to ₹1 Lakh, this is a massive financial risk.
The Solution: 'Tyre & Rim Protection' Cover
To plug this money leak, insurers offer a specific add-on called Tyre Protect or Tyre Secure. It costs barely ₹1,500–₹3,000 extra, but it covers:
- Tyre Replacement: Pays for the cost of a new tyre if it is cut, bulged, or bursts due to accidental damage (impact).
- Rim Repairs/Replacement: Covers bent or cracked alloy wheels.
- Labor Charges: Covers the cost of fitting and balancing.
Crucially, this add-on allows you to claim even if there is no other damage to the car.
⚠️ Read the Fine Print (Conditions Apply)
Before you rush to buy this, know the rules. Insurers are smart, and they have conditions to prevent fraud:
Know Before You Claim
- Tread Depth Rule (Depreciation): If your tyre was already bald (worn out), they won't pay. Most insurers pay based on the "Unused Tread Depth." E.g., If your tyre was 50% worn, they might only pay 50% of the cost of a new tyre.
- Exclusions: Minor punctures, manufacturing defects, and improper air pressure damage are usually NOT covered.
- Claim Limit: Most policies allow up to 4 tyre claims per year.
Essential for City & EV Drivers
If you drive an SUV, a luxury car with low-profile tyres, or an Electric Vehicle (EV) (which wears out tyres faster due to weight), this add-on is non-negotiable.
Don't wait for a rainy night and a flat tyre to realize your mistake. Paying ₹1,500 now is better than paying ₹25,000 later. Check your policy wording today!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Insurance add-on names (Tyre Secure, Tyre Protect, etc.) and coverage terms vary by insurer (HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Acko, etc.). Always read the policy document carefully to understand the specific tread depth calculations and exclusions.
0 Comments