Wheel change - effect on insurance?

[bertJ]

I'm thinking of changing the wheels on my Mk.3 Octavia from 17" to 16". I understand that I would have to inform my insurers about the change. I'm reluctant to ask the insurers at this stage about the effect on my premium etc.

I assume the reaction to a wheel change will vary between insurers but has anyone experience of changing their car wheels and the consequences for the insurance? 

Thanks for any comments.

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,

Unfortunately I couldn't comment on your existing insurer however on the majority of our scheme a change of alloy wheels wouldn't cause too many problems. If you do need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

[jgcsteve13]

cost me about £20 increase in premium despite putting cheaper wheels on . better strength alloys though

[bertJ]

I've got round at last to asking my insurers about a change of wheels. They point blank refused to allow any wheel type change whatsoever, even to standard Octavia 16" alloys and stated that my insurance would be void if I changed the wheels. Fortunately I haven't yet bought any replacements.

Obviously I will check with other insurers at renewal time (November) but I'm certainly not paying my existing insurers £40 for cancelling their policy.

It does beg the question of what other changes to a car will affect or even void a policy - for instance I've had my windows tinted; is that going to cause a problem?

Also, how many people have changed wheels and not told their insurers? It seems to me that there could be major problems in the event of a claim.

[fatzy]

I've got round at last to asking my insurers about a change of wheels. They point blank refused to allow any wheel type change whatsoever, even to standard Octavia 16" alloys and stated that my insurance would be void if I changed the wheels. Fortunately I haven't yet bought any replacements.

Obviously I will check with other insurers at renewal time (November) but I'm certainly not paying my existing insurers £40 for cancelling their policy.

It does beg the question of what other changes to a car will affect or even void a policy - for instance I've had my windows tinted; is that going to cause a problem?

Also, how many people have changed wheels and not told their insurers? It seems to me that there could be major problems in the event of a claim.

By doing so, they shut down the complete alloy manufacturer industry. Skoda delivers a complete range of 16", 17", 18" and 19" wheels on their Octavias, and what you prefer to have on your car is your decision (as long as the technical datas are within ERTRO and Skoda spec's). There are no reason why they should dictate what you can or can't do. They obviously haven't got a clue and is only interested in earning money. It is not a consumer friedly practice and it is only one way of telling them what you think of it:

Leave them!

[bertJ]

I've now found out that my insurers will not allow any form of modification (including window tinting). It seems that certain insurers (i.e. a well known supermarket chain) use various brokers to provide the best quote for a customer. Unfortunately the broker the insurer selected for me will only quote for completely unmodified vehicles. The only choice I now have is to cancel my insurance and renew with a company that does allow modifications or to remove the window tinting. The first option will involve cancellation fees and probably an increased premium so I may have no choice about removing the tinting.

 

(Moderator - perhaps this thread should be moved elsewhere so that members can be warned of this problem?) 

[fatzy]

I've now found out that my insurers will not allow any form of modification (including window tinting). It seems that certain insurers (i.e. a well known supermarket chain) use various brokers to provide the best quote for a customer. Unfortunately the broker the insurer selected for me will only quote for completely unmodified vehicles. The only choice I now have is to cancel my insurance and renew with a company that does allow modifications or to remove the window tinting. The first option will involve cancellation fees and probably an increased premium so I may have no choice about removing the tinting.

 

(Moderator - perhaps this thread should be moved elsewhere so that members can be warned of this problem?)

Well, it is extremely important to compare the terms, conditions, coverage and limitations in relation to the premium you are going to pay before accepting any insurance. If not, surprices may appear. If the insurance company has specifically informed about these special terms and coverage on beforehand (prior to signing the contract) I guess it should be OK. Then this is the simplest, cheapest, most basic insurance coverage in exchange for extreme low premium, and mutually accepted.

If this is sold as an "normal" insurance, in competition with other companies with a different terms and better coverage, then it is necessary to blow the whistle and warn about foul play.

[brad1.8T]

I've got round at last to asking my insurers about a change of wheels. They point blank refused to allow any wheel type change whatsoever, even to standard Octavia 16" alloys and stated that my insurance would be void if I changed the wheels. Fortunately I haven't yet bought any replacements.

Obviously I will check with other insurers at renewal time (November) but I'm certainly not paying my existing insurers £40 for cancelling their policy.

It does beg the question of what other changes to a car will affect or even void a policy - for instance I've had my windows tinted; is that going to cause a problem?

Also, how many people have changed wheels and not told their insurers? It seems to me that there could be major problems in the event of a claim.

You're insurer hasn't a clue.  If it's a genuine wheel and approved for your vehicle there isn't an issue.  The approved wheel sizes and tyre sizes (dimensions, speed rating, load rating) are listed on the fuel flap, aren't they?

 

What happens when you fit winter wheels/tyres?  It's fairly common to drop a size in the wheel.

 

Obviously that insurance compant doesn't want the business.

[Auric Goldfinger]

Stick some Skoda Alloy wheels on your motor, keep stum and if anyone asks " They came with the car "

 

 

Sorted

[Rooted]

The Insurance Broker or Underwriter often do not want your business, so just do not give it if they like Policies that cover Standard Cars.

 

As to Wheel changes, it is not the fact you have changed for Wheels / Tyres of the correct Speed / Load rating and EU Type Approved that they say is the issue, 

they claim your car / wheels might be more of a draw to Toe Rag thieves.

 

Even when you replace Alloys for Steels.  More expensive for cheaper.

 

If you want a Insurance Company that does not Load your Policy for Changes, Tints, Suspension, Wheels, 

then use the Specialist Brokers & Insurers because there are plent that understand modifications or enhancements or even improved safety measures like change of Tyres / Sizes.

 

Some Sponsor this Forum.

Your Insurance comes up for renewal at least every 365 days anyway.

(edit, at most every 365 days except leap years.)

Edited 24 April, 2016 by GoneOffSKi

[DGW]

LV made no additional charge when I changed the standard 15" Pyxis alloys on my 2010 Octavia II 1.8TSI 4X4 Estate to 17" Cepeus alloys as fitted to the L&K, nor when I had cruise control fitted followed by a full Seat Surgeons leather retrim. Nor do they charge extra for a similar full leather retrim on my wife's 2007 Fabia vRS and retrofitted OEM parking sensors.

Edited 24 April, 2016 by DGW

[jellybeard999]

I'm with AXA currently and they don't charge for changing to wheels worth less than £1000