Tyre Insurance: Is It Worth It for UK Drivers?

Your car’s tyres are vital for performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Yet they’re also highly vulnerable to damage — from potholes, kerbs, road debris, or vandalism. Replacing them can be costly, especially for premium or run-flat tyres. That’s where Tyre Insurance comes in.

In this guide, we’ll explain what tyre insurance is, what it covers, who might benefit from it, and whether it’s a smart investment for UK drivers.

What Is Tyre Insurance?

Tyre insurance, sometimes referred to as tyre damage protection, is a specialist policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged tyres. Most policies allow for multiple claims over a set period, often with limits on the number of tyres or total value covered.

Depending on the provider, it may be offered as:

• Standalone tyre insurance
• Combined with alloy wheel insurance
• Part of a wider car protection package

What Does Tyre Insurance Cover?

Tyre insurance generally includes:

• Accidental damage (e.g. from potholes, kerbs, or road debris)
• Malicious damage (e.g. tyre slashing or vandalism)
• Labour and fitting costs
• Puncture repairs or full tyre replacement (depending on severity)

What’s Not Covered?

There are exclusions to be aware of. Tyre insurance typically doesn’t cover:

• Wear and tear from normal use
• Damage from illegal use (e.g. racing)
• Tyres not meeting the insurer's tread depth requirements
• Cosmetic marks that don't affect function

Some policies also exclude tyres on commercial vehicles or those over a certain age or mileage.

Who Should Consider Tyre Insurance?

Tyre insurance can be particularly useful for:

• Drivers with low-profile or expensive tyres
• Urban drivers where kerb or pothole damage is more common
• High-mileage motorists who rely on their tyres daily
• Lease or PCP drivers who may face penalties for tyre damage

If you live in a city, frequently travel on poorly maintained roads, or drive a high-end vehicle with pricey tyres, the cover may offer peace of mind.

Is Tyre Insurance Worth It?

Tyres can cost anywhere from £80 to £300 each, and unexpected damage can be frustrating and expensive. If your tyre insurance policy costs under £100 per year and covers multiple claims, it could easily pay for itself with just one incident.

Before buying, check:

• Claim limits and exclusions
• Whether you can choose your own garage
• Excess fees (if any)

Need to check your car’s MOT, find local tyre service providers or explore more insurance options? Visit Checkmot.com today.