Insurance and winter wheels/tyres
 

My insurer (Direct Line) has always insisted that I phone them to let them know when I put winter wheels/tyres on and take them off. They then send me paperwork, admittedly at no charge, to show the "modification" as they call it. :-(

Today I was renewing the insurance on "other" car (Focus) and asked about this. The agent (sorry "Sales Consultant" :ROFL: ) said he could just put down as a permanent modification that I had a spare set of winter wheels/tyres for "seasonal" use and there would then be no need to tell them when I switched. +++

He also did the same thing for the Audi which is insured by them but nowhere near renewal. I await the paperwork for both with interest!

He said that obviously they would want to know if I stopped doing this on either car, which seems entirely reasonable. :cool:

So, something that maybe the insurers are beginning to get a handle on and is worth asking them about. ;)

Is it normal practice in the UK that you have to inform about this and even renew your insurance from time to time?:eek:


Seems so stressing :p

its interesting that Audi are really getting into the whole Winter tyre thing now - just had this email . . .

As the weather begins to turn, you'll find the roads can become more challenging and your tyres may need increased grip. By fitting your car with Audi winter tyres, you'll experience better handling and shorter stopping distances – and not just in the snow. We offer two different tyre options for Audi drivers during the colder months: winter tyres to fit over your current alloy wheels from only £540, or a full set of winter tyres and alloy wheels from £875.*

And, whichever set of tyres you choose, you can benefit from even more protection for the winter ahead with a year's complimentary Audi Roadside Assistance.**

You can also take advantage of our Tyre Hotel: a safe and convenient way to store your tyres when they're not in use. Whether you're storing your summer or winter tyres, the Audi Tyre Hotel is designed to keep them in top condition and within easy reach, from just £120 for 12 months.

Driving through the winter months can be difficult, so we've created a guide to help you keep your car running smoothly. Just click below to read it:


If you'd like to know more about safe driving in winter conditions, please contact a member of our team. :rolleyes:

I have never come across this before but given that the last few winters has brought a greater demand for using winter tyres (particularly from the "softies" darn sarf who get petrified in a snow flurry :p) the insurance companies have obviously taken an interest. This means that they discern a difference in the risk profile for people who do/do not use them. What's not clear is whether this reduces the risk profile (and, therefore, the premium) for those fitting them. It would be worth asking.

Perhaps such tyre swapping is just expected in Norway?

I am very pro this subject :p
I normally run a winter set (7c or lower) and a summer set (+7c) :D Although the inital out lay is high it soon is is recuperated as both sets of tires last twice as long.

http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/wintertyres.asp

Exactly what I do. +++
(In the picture below both cars have winter wheels and tyres.)

Insurers do not give lower premiums, though I did ask! :ROFL:
In the past some insurers have even charged extra, but I think this practice was firmly squashed some time ago. :tuttut:

I cannot understand why they wont give lower premiums as the car is safer in winter with them on :-(

Car with winter wheels on :Confused:...................looks like a bloody tdi!!!!!

http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps8f62342f.jpg



Car with summer tires on.

http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t...4250A71335.jpg

Here in Norway we use wintertyres since most places (99%) will experience at least snow/ice on the roads for at least a week or more.

The rule here is that you should always use tires for the weathercondition you drive in. If you crash on summertires on snow your insurance wont cover your car and most likely not the damage on whatever you hit.

:)

Which has duly arrived and merely shows under Modifications:
Wheels - Winter Set To Replace Standard For Season
(and yes they have capitalised every word! :Confused: )