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Buy Alloy Wheel Insurance from Total Loss Gap.

 

Why should you buy Alloy Wheel Insurance for your car, and what makes Total Loss Gap the logical choice to protect the appearance of your alloy wheels?

 

What is Alloy Wheel Insurance? 

 

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. 

 

  Your Total Loss Alloy Wheel Insurance Policy Covers vehicles with up to 22 inch wheels  You can buy up to 4 years alloy wheel insurance?

Critical Features for Alloy Wheel Insurance from Total Loss Gap

  • Choose either 2 or 4 claims per 12-month period
  • Including damage to diamond or laser-cut alloys
  • No excess when you make a claim
  • Mobile service to your home or work. 
  • Nominate your local repairer on a pay-for-claim basis.
  • Uk-Based Claims Team.
  • Uk-Based Call Centers.
  • 30-day Cooling Off periods.
  • Cash Settlements if your wheel is beyond repair.
  • Cover for up to an including 22-inch Alloy Wheels.
  • Instant cover with no waiting period.*

* No waiting period, provided you bought a Brand New car and purchased your policy before 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. 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?

 

Alloy Wheel Insurance is available for:

  • Cars less than five years old
  • Covers Diamond Cut alloy Wheels
  • Covers Laser Cut Alloy Wheels
  • Covers Painted Alloy Wheels
  • Less than 50,000 miles on the clock.
  • It was bought from a franchised main dealership within the last 30 days. 

 

Diamond and laser-cut alloy Wheels

 

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 be taken to a specialist for repair, which 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)

  • Damage that is not due to accidental or malicious incidents, such as fading of lacquer finish, chemical reaction, or corrosion.
  • Damage that occurred before you purchased the Alloy Wheel Insurance policy from Total Loss Gap
  • Aftermarket Alloys wheels that are not the original to your vehicle
  • Alloys fitted to motorbikes, scooters, three-wheeled vehicles, quad bikes, kit cars, commercial vehicles, panel vans, vehicles over 3500kgs
  • Pre-existing damage
  • Any claim that exceeds the total number of claims you chose within a 12-month. 
  • Any claim made more than 30 days from the incident that caused the damage.
  • Any repair in which the damage happened outside mainland UK, Jersey or Guernsey.
  • The cost of a replacement alloy wheel if yours is beyond economical repair

 

 

How are diamond-cut finish alloy wheels repaired?

 

When you buy an Alloy Wheel Insurance policy from Total Loss Gap, we can take several approaches to repair a diamond-cut alloy.

  1. The first option is to have a mobile repairer visit your home or place of work (whichever is suitable and safe for repair). For this purpose, the claims team may use a national franchise. 
  2. If this option is unsuitable, you can nominate your local repairer with the claims team's authorisation. In this case, you would drive in, have the repair done, pay for the claim, and then send the invoice for reimbursement.

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, 

  • The wheel is removed.
  • The damaged area is cleaned and rubbed down. 
  • Then, the wheel is primed.
  • Finally painted. 
  • The face of the alloy wheel is then 'mapped' on a computer, allowing the diamond-cutting process to remove a very thin layer of metal. 
  • This provides the two-tone finish often seen with diamond-cut wheels.
  • The alloy is lacquered and baked to a hard finish.
  • The repaired wheel is then re-fitted.

 

Alloy Wheel Insurance FAQ's

 

If my alloy wheel is cracked, can you buy me another?

No, this is because replacement alloy wheels can range in price. Some could be as little as £175, while other prestige replacement alloy wheels could cost thousands of pounds each. 

 

How many claims would this be if I claim for two alloy wheels simultaneously?

You can claim two different repairs simultaneously (for example, 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. Any exposed metal surface may see water ingress, which 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. On a 3-year policy, this allows for 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 returning the wheel to a franchised dealer to complete the 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?

You can nominate your local repairer with the claims team's authorisation if a mobile repair is inappropriate. 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 insurance 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, please contact us immediately. Although we have a formal claims procedure in the policy terms, a quick telephone call can often resolve a situation quickly. You are our customer, and we want to ensure things go smoothly.

 

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.

 

How long does it take to repair an alloy wheel?

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.

 

Pdf IconAlloy Wheel IPID After March 2023                  Pdf IconAlloy Wheel T&C After March 2023      

Pdf IconAlloy Wheel IPID Before March 2023               Pdf IconAlloy Wheel T&C Before March 2023    

 

  Choice of 2 or 4 claims per year  You do not have to pay an excess when you make a Total Loss Alloy Wheel Insurance Claim

 

What are the causes of alloy wheel damage?

 

Understanding the root cause of alloy wheel damage is crucial to maintaining aesthetics and functionality. By learning what causes the damage, you can take preventative measures and save yourself money in the long run.  So, let's investigate the causes of alloy wheel damage and ensure you can keep your alloy wheels looking and performing their best.

One of the single worst causes of damage to an alloy wheel is driving over a pothole. 

Estimated over 1 million potholes in the UK today  You can only claim for pot hole damage if the pot hole has already been reported.An estimated 63 drivers claims against the council for pot hole damage every day.  

    

So, how big of a problem is this in the UK today?

 

Unfortunately, the number of potholes in the UK today is a big problem for every local council.

Did you know?

  1. The RAC estimates that there are over 1 million potholes on council-maintained roads.
  2. There are an estimated six potholes per mile on council-maintained roads.
  3. The Liberate Democrats used a freedom of information request and stated that there are approximately 63 claims against local councils per day for damage caused by potholes.
  4. Local councils only settle approximately 24% of claims for pothole damage.
  5. You can only claim against your local council if the pothole has already been reported.

 

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. 

 

Buy Alloy Wheel Insurance online  Best Alloy Wheel insurance Quote  Protect your alloy wheels     

   

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.

 

How are alloy wheels made?

 

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 human resources to make, they can be a testament to the artistry and exclusivity of these wheels.

 

How are standard Steel Wheels made? 

 

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. 

 

What makes Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels so unique?

 

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 recognise their Appleal, these wheels are becoming a symbol of luxury and style that is now more accessible than ever before. 

 

What makes powder-coated Alloy Wheels so different?

 

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. 

 

Buy Alloy Wheel Insurance updated the 21/05/2024