Hi All

Got my 16x6J steel wheels today so my wife called the insurance company to enquire about putting them on the car for the winter.

The insurance company (Tesco) want to charge £15 administration charge which I thought was a bit expensive considering they will have to change the insurance again in the spring and charge another £15.

That is not my main problem. They also want to charge a percentage of the cost of "the modification" every month until the winter wheels and tyres are taken off again.

It doesn't seem to matter that you are going to the bother of getting and fitting smaller cheaper steel wheels with winter tyres on them to help stop your wife sliding off the road that the council will no doubt not grit properly, so that your wife and child are as safe in the winter as you can make it and also that you minimise the chance of claiming against your insurance company.

They seem to be penalising sensible, safety consious people.

Let us not forget the complete chaos that was caused by the councils not having enough salt for the roads last winter.

I am unimpressed with Tesco Insurance for classing changing to winter wheels as a modification and also wanting a percentage of the cost..

Cheers

Dave

since when does changing a tyre constitute to a modification???? id just put them on and plead ignorance, you would win in a court of law, in the event of an insurance claim, on the basis that your tyres are fit for purpose, and designed specifically for such weather conditions.

since when does changing a tyre constitute to a modification????

+1

They be able claim the steel wheel was a modification, but as to what type of tyre you fit ( as long as its a road-legal type ) is irrelevant.

Maybe next year you should get yourself a 2nd set of vRS alloys to put the winters on, or get a better insurance company

Edited 24 November, 201015 yr by snow_muncher

+1

They be able claim the steel wheel was a modification, but as to what type of tyre you fit ( as long as its a road-legal type ) is irrelevant.

Maybe next year you should get yourself a 2nd set of vRS alloys to put the winters on, or get a better insurance company

exactly, when you change tyres due to the tread being worn away your not required to inform the insurance, and there is no such rule to say that you have to stick with the manufacturers choice of tyres, you have wjhole market to choose from.

i do agree they could construe the fitment of new rims as a modification, but not tyres

i do agree they could construe the fitment of new rims as a modification, but not tyres

Since when???

If I get a flat and have to run on the steel spare for a few days until I get replacement rubber on the alloy do I have to tell Tesco (who I'm also with) that I've modified the car?

Don't bl**dy well think so...

I am not mentioning the change of tyres on my car as they are of exactly the same size/spec/speed rating as the OE ones. The only difference is the name on the sidewalls.

I am not mentioning the change of tyres on my car as they are of exactly the same size/spec/speed rating as the OE ones. The only difference is the name on the sidewalls.

This seems fine since the specs match. However since the OP has gone to 16" steelies the tyres will be a different size and so are not the same spec as the original tyres.

That is not my main problem. They also want to charge a percentage of the cost of "the modification" every month until the winter wheels and tyres are taken off again.

They may be trying to charge you as they think the value of the car has increased - it might be worth pointing out that the modification is effectively reducing the insured value of the car by ~£400!

Edited 24 November, 201015 yr by testme27

FWIW, I had a lengthy discussion at renewal with Aviva, who agreed that fitting steel wheels with winter tyres did not constitute a modification to the vehicle, and neither did I have to inform them that the wheels have been chaged over. For that, I was happy to go with them rather than save a few quid on my premiums and find myself ultimately losing out on 'admin charges' or 'policy amendments' later on.

Since when???

If I get a flat and have to run on the steel spare for a few days until I get replacement rubber on the alloy do I have to tell Tesco (who I'm also with) that I've modified the car?

Don't bl**dy well think so...

Just a thought, is it not illegal to run 2 different tyre sizes on the same axel as would be the case of these space saver wheels?

Just taken delivery of my Dunlop winter sport 3d's and steels for my VRS today. Was all chuffed with myself until I read this, guess who I'm insured with????

If TESCO try and pull this stunt with me I'll be less than impressed and looking for a new insurer!!

Thanks for the heads up!!

Just a thought, is it not illegal to run 2 different tyre sizes on the same axel as would be the case of these space saver wheels?

No its not, thats why the space saver wheels have a speed limit sticker on them of 55mph.

I fitted 16" Golf alloys with winter tyres to my Scout last Friday and have had the misfortune of having to deal with Tesco. I've been charged £42 including the admin fee for the change, they tried to charge me £92 but honoured the quote I got when I enquired about making the change a few weeks ago. They say the £42 I was originally quoted only covered the change to winter tyres only and did not include the change of wheels. They listened back to the original phone call and honoured that price. I too will be forced to pay the £15 admin fee to put the standard alloys back on and will see if they refund any of the premium when the time comes.

The thing that has annoyed me most is the lack of any relevant intelligent questions from them regarding the change. I informed them I would be changing to a different size wheel with winter tyres and they never asked what size, load, speed or and if the wheel size met the manufacturers recommendations. The only question I was asked while they were speaking to the underwriters was if I was going to be using the car for off-roading?? They told me that just changing the tyres on the car to winter tyres would make it more desirable. On the paperwork I received comfirming the change it desribes the tyres as 'Snow/Extreme condition', they obviously didn't understand what I meant by winter/cold weather tyres regardless of the attempts I made trying to explain it to them. I will be writing a formal letter of complaint to them and see what kind of response I get.

At renewal time next year I will definately do a bit of research into the different insureres policy on winter wheels and tyres. Trying not to get too annoyed by their repsonse as it's not really a surprise as they are only set up to make money from insurance and not employ a common sense approach taking into account the views of the customer.

I wonder if this nonsense applies only to "Winter Tyres" as opposed to "All Season" tyres.

Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons are classed as an "All Season" but have M+S marking with snowflake symbol; just as good and road legal on the continent where required.

Again im in the why bother telling them court if you aren't changing the rims. You don't tell them if you go from the OE Conti's to random chinese ditch finders do you so what is the difference with Cold weather tyres.

Also don't see why putting steelies on when you are taking alloys off is classed as a modification - i mean WTF! If you detuned your car from 170bhp to 150bhp would they charge you extra for it! If you are changing to rims of the same rolling radius and the correct load rating and speed rating for the vehicle what difference does it make apart from making the car safer?

... If you detuned your car from 170bhp to 150bhp would they charge you extra for it! ...

Probably

Its' not about logic - its about making money

I am in the process of getting winter tyres. Will get 16" alloys (from 18") and different make of tyre

Checked with my insurance company, First Direct, and after checking with the underwriters they confirmed there will be no extra charge or admin fee.

They agreed with my point that it would make the car safer in snowy conditions like we had earlier this year. I will have to inform them that I have put the winter tyres on the car

In relation to Tesco insurance -- my wife's car was insured with them in 2004 when it was stolen. They were not easy to deal with, and only gave 2 weeks hire car and then we had to pay. We changed as soon as we could and will never consider them again for car insurance

I am in the process of getting winter tyres. Will get 16" alloys (from 18") and different make of tyre

Checked with my insurance company, First Direct, and after checking with the underwriters they confirmed there will be no extra charge or admin fee.

They agreed with my point that it would make the car safer in snowy conditions like we had earlier this year. I will have to inform them that I have put the winter tyres on the car

In relation to Tesco insurance -- my wife's car was insured with them in 2004 when it was stolen. They were not easy to deal with, and only gave 2 weeks hire car and then we had to pay. We changed as soon as we could and will never consider them again for car insurance

i have found out to my cost in the past that the cheapest quote can turn out to be a false economy. Especially when the insurer e.g. kwik-fit in my case is an intermediary. If anyone's interested, Admiral were happy with me putting winter tyres on and didn't even want to be notified.

I hate insurance companies as much as the next man, but putting winter tyres on means you are more likely to drive in poor conditions, and just because you can stop doesn't mean the clown behind you with normal tyres can.

Yeah, but I could go out tomorrow and get a set of "part worn" or remoulds of the summer variety that would be less safe than the summers or winters......

Madness!

I would think this is down to the insurance company, I personally would not go near Direct Line as they have withdrawn the insurance by giving 10 days notice on 2 cars we have owned in the past. First one was an old Escort Popular diesel my wife had the tailgate was rusty and I picked up a tailgate from an XR3i informed them as it had a spoiler on it and they refused to continue the insurance. My dauter had a Cavalier with the tyres getting down and we were offer genuine Vauxhall Cavalier alloys with good tyes free so being a student at the time I fitted them for her and again they refused insurance!

Found the best insurance deal is not normally the case, checked about winter tyres with my current insurer (NFU) said thanks for the info but you do not have to inform us of this and they never charge for changes to the policy, I normally run on private reg and they have never charged for changing it on the policy.

Morning ive just fitted a set of goodgear ultragrip 7+ on steelies to my 4x4. ( got them from mytyres, delivered 3 days early so a thumbs up from me there!). This whole issue seems a tad silly to me, ive got no intention of informing my insurance company, as i do not believe that putting winters on can be classed as a modification.

I have put them on to enhance the safety of my car, so for any insurance firm to penalise me for doing this is irrational.

Also, if as a result of my insurance company telling me they would increase my premium i had decided not to fit them, and then had a related accident, i believe they could be held at least partially liable for any resulting claim and costs. after all, they would be acting against the elves and the safety people, ( and basic common sense your honour )

I agree with other posters who say that this is just a way for insurance companies to make a few extra quid.

Also, apon searching for advice on line, i checked out the aa website. they say that you should not have to inform your insurer if you do this ( look under 'tyres: winter tyres in the uk )

Im really interested to see how my 4x4 performs in the snow, last year my old mondy scored nil points from me in the 'going anywhere' catagory, but scored highly in the 'omg my life is flashing b4 my eyes' section.

laters.

Morning ive just fitted a set of goodgear ultragrip 7+ on steelies to my 4x4. ( got them from mytyres, delivered 3 days early so a thumbs up from me there!). This whole issue seems a tad silly to me, ive got no intention of informing my insurance company, as i do not believe that putting winters on can be classed as a modification.

I have put them on to enhance the safety of my car, so for any insurance firm to penalise me for doing this is irrational.

Also, if as a result of my insurance company telling me they would increase my premium i had decided not to fit them, and then had a related accident, i believe they could be held at least partially liable for any resulting claim and costs. after all, they would be acting against the elves and the safety people, ( and basic common sense your honour )

I agree with other posters who say that this is just a way for insurance companies to make a few extra quid.

Also, apon searching for advice on line, i checked out the aa website. they say that you should not have to inform your insurer if you do this ( look under 'tyres: winter tyres in the uk )

Im really interested to see how my 4x4 performs in the snow, last year my old mondy scored nil points from me in the 'going anywhere' catagory, but scored highly in the 'omg my life is flashing b4 my eyes' section.

laters.

Tend to agree, the fitting of winter tyres in conditions where they are required is in Skodas blurb so another reason why its not a modification.

Ring Tescos, ask to speak to a senior person & tell them as it is, mention the RAC article, mention Skodas opinion & tell them you at your expense are making the car safer & reducing the likelyhood of them having to pay out. IE acting responsibly in both yours & their interest.

If that fails & you have the time get a big plackard explaining what has been said, starting with the words, TESCO INSURANCE, THE BIG CON, stick it on the side of your car & park in the closest space to Tescos front door , then walk in & ask to speak to the manager, explain why you are there & say you have brought your own sandwiches & coffee & will be there for the day. Alternativly he could ring the Insurance wing on your behalf & when resolved you will leave

Just for comparison: UK vs Switzerland

In Switzerland winter tyres are not technically a legal requirement - however, if you're involved in any type of crash or accident, and you don't have winter tyres fitted, you will be held responsible for the accident.

That's how a sensible & logical country does it - its how UK insurance companies should operate

I'm quite surprised by Tescos - I thought they were sensible commercially. You don't become that by winding up your customers. I rang my insurers NFU and they had no issue whatsoever with winter (steel) wheels and tyres (but they were grateful for my call!).

As for putting on different types of wheels and tyres, I took the view that, because I was going down an inch to 15's as fitted to base spec models of my car, yet retaining the rolling diameter by going up in profile, I was merely fitting what some Octavias have as standard (albeit with Winter tyres). This is what I told NFU. They ran it past the underwriters who apparently gave it the nod.

The tyres are much quieter aren't they?

dill

Last year Tesco told me that as I had fitted 205 55 16 tyres and 16" alloy wheels which were the manufacturers recommendation (in the manual) that they did not consider it a mod as it was what the manufacturer recommended (and had therefore tested and approved).

I am sure the size of the spare was mentioned too as that is also a 205 55 16 on a steel wheel and they agreed there was no difference to me fitting the spare or the winter tyres.

This was on an L+K with 17" wheels and tyres as standard.

I havent bothered calling them this year due to the response I had last year.

Tom

Edited 26 November, 201015 yr by topcat2006