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Why Alloy Wheel Insurance for your car, and what makes Total Loss Gap the logical choice to protect your alloys?
What is Alloy Wheel Insurance? Alloy Wheel Insurance from Total Loss Gap can cover the cost of cosmetic repairs to car alloys.
We all know how easy it is to scuff an alloy wheel accidentally and how frustrating that can be.
Scuffs can be annoying and have a detrimental effect on the resale value of your vehicle. Further damage to untreated scrapes can occur where water ingress leads to corrosion and could even damage the integrity of your wheel, making it unsafe to use. Repair bills can be expensive and unexpected. The great news is that you can buy alloy wheel insurance to cover the cost of cosmetic repairs.
* No waiting period, provided you have bought a Brand New car and purchased your policy before taking delivery.
Every policy we offer has terms and conditions, and we have tried wherever possible to make them as simple and easy to understand as possible. So before you buy alloy wheel insurance from your dealership, why not compare our policy benefits and prices and see how quick, easy, and affordable it can be to protect your alloy wheels with a policy?
Our Alloy Wheel repair insurance is the market leader for many reasons. Here, we will explain why. Alloy Wheel Insurance can be purchased from many sources. Your motor dealer will often have a product they can provide you and usually find alternatives online.
What is a Diamond or Laser Cut Alloy Wheel?
A diamond or laser-cut alloy repair can be more complicated than a repair on a standard construction alloy. Often, the alloy may need to go to a specialist for repair. It could mean a higher repair cost. This can be why most alloy wheel insurance excludes these wheels from cover.
When you compare Alloy Insurance products in the market, you find few that cover diamond/laser cut.
What Alloy Wheel Insurance from Total Loss Gap will not cover.
Significant exclusions (these are examples and not exhaustive. For full terms and conditions, please click the policy terms links at the bottom of the page)
With the Alloy Wheel Insurance from Total Loss Gap, there are several approaches that we can take to the process of repairing a diamond-cut alloy.
It may not be surprising to learn that refurbishing a diamond-cut alloy wheel is hardly a DIY job for the unskilled hand. As the term' diamond cut' may indicate, these style of alloys get their name through the diamond-tipped tool used to machine finish the surface of the alloy.
To refurbish the damaged wheel,
How many claims would this be if I claim for two alloy wheels simultaneously?
You can claim two different repairs simultaneously (you may have caught both the front and rear alloy on a kerb at the same time). This will count as two claims on your policy.
Can I save up all my claims until the end of my policy and claim all at once?
No. You must report any damage as soon as you see it. This is because any exposed metal surface may see water ingress. This can further damage the alloy and make any repair impossible. We ask that you contact the claims team as soon as you can, up to 30 days from the incident that caused the damage. If the damage is reported outside this timescale, we cannot guarantee a claim can be processed.
Do claims carry over if I do not make 4 in a year?
No. The maximum number of claims we allow is 4 in 12 months. This allows for, on a 3-year policy, 4 in year one, 4 in year two, and 4 in year three.
I have ordered an upgrade on the standard alloys. Will these be covered?
If they are manufacturers' standard alloys, then this would be fine. Many models offer a primary alloy and upgrades for higher-spec alloys fitted at the factory. Our Alloy Wheel cover can accommodate this.
I am considering buying 'aftermarket' alloys. Can these be covered?
No. We cannot cover alloys that were not the original manufacturer-supplied alloys with the vehicle.
A specialist tool is required to remove my wheel; can you cover this?
Some manufacturers require a unique tool to remove the vehicle. This may involve the wheel returning to a franchised dealer to complete this process. We are unable to cover a car that requires this process.
I live on the main road. Will the mobile technician be able to complete a repair?
Any mobile repair must be done in a safe environment. A mobile repairer cannot do this on the side of a road. Ideally, they will need a driveway or works car park. They may also need access to a power source.
What happens if a mobile repairer can't repair the wheel?
If a mobile repair is inappropriate, you can nominate your local repairer with the claims team's authorisation. Drive in and have the repair done on a pay-for-claim basis.
Do I have to take other products from Total Loss Gap to buy Alloy Wheel protection?
No. Some providers require you to buy Gap Insurance to qualify for Alloy Wheel Insurance. We do not. Total Loss Gap does offer a range of products, and you can buy them all individually.
How much does it cost to repair an alloy wheel?
Costs can vary depending on the type of repair (mobile or unit repair), the wheel size, and whether they are standard or diamond-cut wheels. We expect a typical standard wheel repair to start at £110 & VAT to £200 & VAT.
Are alloy wheel sizes covered with a Total Loss Gap Alloy Wheel policy?
We can cover alloy wheels up to and including 22 inches in diameter.
Is the price I get for an alloy wheel quote a one-off premium for the entire term or an annual premium charge?
The price you are quoted is for the entire term you have in the quote. For example, if you are quoted £199 for three years, that covers the full 3-year term.
Can I transfer the policy to a new owner of the vehicle?
If you sell the vehicle privately, the policy can be transferred to the new owner. An administration fee of £35 is payable to do so. A nice little added extra to help you sell the vehicle!
Can I buy Alloy Wheel Insurance if I buy the vehicle privately?
No, we can only provide cover if you have bought the vehicle within the last 30 days from a franchised motor dealer (i.e. the main dealer).
How am I protected if something goes wrong?
If you are unhappy with your policy or claim, we request that you contact us immediately. We have a formal claims procedure in the policy terms, but a quick telephone call can often resolve a situation quickly. You are our customer, and we want to ensure things go smoothly.
If you have a problem with a repair that has been provided, then the repairer will have guaranteed their work. Please call our claims team to discuss and agree on a rectification route.
Am I protected if the alloy wheels are stolen?
No, alloy wheel insurance only covers cosmetic repair following accidental or malicious damage. If the alloys are stolen, then that is something you would need to discuss with your motor insurer.
Can the insurance cover an alloy wheel that is corroded?
No. A repairer cannot guarantee a repair on a corroded alloy wheel. Water or chemical ingress means that, even after a repair, corrosion can break out again on the repair site. Therefore, you must report any damage immediately after you spot it. To confirm, our Alloy Wheel Insurance WILL NOT cover any repair where the alloy wheel is corroded or discoloured.
This depends on the type of damage and how it can be repaired. If you make a claim, the claims team can give you better advice once the damage has been assessed.
Alloy Wheel IPID After March 2023 Alloy Wheel T&C After March 2023
Alloy Wheel IPID Before March 2023 Alloy Wheel T&C Before March 2023
Understanding the root cause of alloy wheel damage is crucial to maintaining their aesthetics and functionality. By learning what causes the damage, you can take preventative measures and save yourself a significant amount of money in the long run.
So, let's investigate the causes of alloy wheel damage and ensure that you can keep your wheels looking and performing their best.
So, how big of a problem is this in the UK today?
Unfortunately, the sheer amount of potholes in the UK today is a big problem every local council faces.
Did you know?
The UK government has committed over 5 billion pounds towards repairing potholes. All major political parties understand this is a big problem that will only worsen if it is not adequately managed.
Please remember that damage to your alloy wheel not only spoils the appearance but can also cause a safety issue.
If water penetrates the wheel, corrosion can occur, weakening the wheel's integrity. Your wheel is one of your car's most critical safety features, and a weak wheel can seriously affect your road handling and grip.
Our claims team tells us that the average cost of an alloy wheel repair is just below £150.00. However, some prestige and complex-designed wheels can cost more than £200.
This is precisely where an alloy wheel insurance can help protect you.
You can choose up to four years of coverage with up to four claims per year. With a four-year policy costing under £250, is it worth taking the risk of not having cover?
Alloy wheels are typically made through a process called casting. In this process, a wheel mould is created, and molten aluminium and other metals are poured into it. The wheel is then allowed to cool and harden. It is then removed from the mould. After that, the wheel is machined and finished to create the final product.
However, not all alloy wheels are made the same way. Some, particularly the prestigious ones, are crafted through a method known as forging. This intricate process involves heating and shaping a solid piece of metal, transforming it into the final wheel shape.
In some cases, taking many hours of manpower to make, they can be a testament to the artistry and exclusivity of these wheels.
Steel wheels are usually manufactured using a method called stamping. This involves feeding a flat sheet of steel into a machine. The machine applies pressure to the steel sheet, forcing it into a mould that shapes it into a wheel. Once the wheel is formed, it is trimmed, and the edges are smoothed.
After the initial stamping process, the wheel is sent for finishing, which involves painting and coating to protect it from rust and corrosion.
Diamond-cut wheels are special because they feature a unique finish that gives them a sparkling, shiny appearance. The diamond-cut finish on wheels results from a complex and thorough process. A special machine removes a thin slice of metal from the wheel's surface, creating a crosshatch pattern that reflects light, giving the wheel a distinctive, diamond-like appearance.
With their unique sparkling finish, diamond-cut wheels were once a hallmark of only the most prestigious vehicles. However, as more and more mainstream manufacturers recognize their Appleal, these wheels are becoming a symbol of luxury and style that is now more accessible than ever before.
Powder-coated alloy wheels are different from other wheels because of how they are finished. Dry powder is sprayed onto the wheel's surface using an electrostatic gun. The powder then bonds to the surface, and the wheel is baked in a kiln oven to cure the powder, creating a hard, durable finish. This results in a more rigid, tougher finish resistant to chipping, fading, and scratching.
When it comes to durability, powder-coated alloy wheels stand out. They are an excellent choice for wheels facing harsh road conditions, offering a tough, resistant finish that can withstand chipping, fading, and scratching. Powder coating also gives you the option of much wider colour choices and finishes. Depending on the desired look you want to achieve, they can be matte, satin, or glossy.