Rim Damage Cover

What is Rim Damage Cover in Car Insurance?

In case any damage or loss is caused to an insured vehicle's wheel rims, a rim damage cover will offer reimbursement in case a rim or rims get physically damaged or warped. This can be caused as a result of a blowout or due to driving over kerbs, potholes or road debris. Many insurers have started offering this add-on to ensure the safety of a vehicle’s wheel rims.

This cover offers the cost of replacing the damaged wheel rim of the insured's vehicle up to a specific number of times. Usually, an insured vehicle can utilize this feature up to four times within the entire policy term. The optional cover will extend coverage to the damaged rims and offer a replacement with new wheel rims of a similar model, make and specifications.

Does Insurance Cover Rim Damage?

Rim damage is usually not covered by most car insurance policies. Most vehicles are prone to damaged rims due to the impact of road debris or driving over potholes so it is recommended to buy insurance with rim damage cover. This cover needs to be bought as an optional cover for which the policyholder must pay an additional premium.

Depending on the insurer, there may be a few special conditions that should be kept in mind before purchasing a cover:

• Many insurers offer this coverage only in vehicles fitted with Run Flat Tyres or Tubeless Tyres
• The number of times one may avail of the cover's benefits is usually restricted to 4 wheel rims during a policy period
• In case the insured replaces the wheel rim on their own, then they must inform the insurance company about the necessary details, including the identification number of the wheel rims

Rim Damage Cover: What is Covered & Not Covered?

The type of protection offered by a rim damage cover varies from one insurer to another. Given below are some general inclusions and exclusions under this add-on cover:

What is Covered?

Following are the benefits offered by this add-on:

• The add on cover for rim damage will cover the cost of replacing the damaged wheel rims with a near equivalent make
• Several insurers also include the cost of consumables as well as service or labour charges incurred during the replacement

What is Not Covered?  

In case of the following, the insurer will not provide any indemnification:

• Any loss or damage occurring before the inception of the policy
• If the damage caused to tyres are of another type than tubeless tyres or run flat tyres
• Cost of non-damaged rims to match them
• Loss due to manufacturing defects that are covered under the manufacturer's warranty
• Damage caused due to modification or due to operating or periodic negligence
• Loss arising out of illegal activities
• Expenses incurred due to routine maintenance such as wheel balancing, tyre rotation, alignment etc.
• If the vehicle is not repaired at an authorized garage
• Damages resulting from poor workmanship during repair
• Minor damages that don't affect the functioning