BIBA
GeoTrust
container image

[ Contact Us ]

Need Help? Calling from a mobile please call 0151 647 7556

0800 195 4926

Do you have a question? or need help?

Call Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Closed Saturday & Sunday,

0800 195 4926

Call Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Closed Saturday & Sunday

Can you buy Tyre Insurance?

 

Quick Answer:

Yes, you can buy Tyre Insurance from Total Loss GAP at any time, provided your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria at the start of cover. Some tyre insurance policies available elsewhere must be purchased within 30–90 days of buying your vehicle. If you are outside that window, your options may be more limited.

 

When can you buy Tyre Insurance?

Unlike some dealership-supplied policies that require you to buy shortly after taking delivery of your vehicle, this policy can be purchased later, as long as your vehicle qualifies at the start of cover.

That means you do not need to have arranged cover when you first bought the car.

 

Eligibility Criteria (At a Glance)

To qualify for a Total Loss GAP Tyre Insurance policy:

  1. Your vehicle must be up to 10 years old at the start of cover.
  2. Your vehicle must have no more than 100,000 miles at the start of cover.
  3. Your tyre size must be up to and including 21 inches.
  4. Electric vehicles are eligible (subject to criteria).

Full eligibility details are confirmed during the quote process and set out in the policy documents.   

 

What does the policy provide?

  • Up to £400 per replacement tyre (as shown on your policy schedule)
  • Up to 5 claims per policy year (claims do not roll over)
  • Up to £50 contribution towards puncture repairs (including VAT)
  • Up to 3 years of cover

A £10 excess applies per repair, but is waived when a call-out charge is paid for that repair.

 

When would you not be covered?

Tyre insurance is designed to cover sudden, unforeseen damage. It does not normally cover:

  • Wear and tear
  • Pre-existing damage
  • Tyres below 2mm tread depth at the time of damage
  • Cosmetic damage that does not render the tyre unsafe
  • Repairs carried out without prior authorisation (except emergency situations, subject to policy conditions)

Always review the IPID and full policy wording before purchase.

 

Why timing can matter

If you are researching tyre insurance some time after buying your vehicle, it is worth checking whether policies restrict when you can buy.

Some providers limit cover to vehicles purchased within a short timeframe (for example, 30–90 days). If you are beyond that period, flexibility becomes important.

Being able to buy cover later may suit drivers who:

  • Declined dealership cover at purchase
  • Bought the vehicle privately
  • Have owned the car for some time but now want protection  Should you buy Tyre Insurance?

 

Why Tyre Insurance from Total Loss GAP provides more flexibility

We are pleased to offer Tyre Insurance that can be arranged at any point during ownership, provided your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria at the start of cover.

Whether you have recently replaced your tyres, declined dealership cover when buying your vehicle, or your previous policy is coming to an end, this flexibility gives you another opportunity to protect against unexpected tyre damage.

The ability to arrange cover later was introduced to reflect how people actually own and maintain their vehicles.

 

Get a Tyre Insurance Quote

If your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria, you can obtain an instant quote online and review the policy documents before proceeding.

Click here for an instant Tyre Insurance quote or call us on 0800 195 4926.

 

Important Information

Underwriter: Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd (UK Branch).

Regulation: Total Loss GAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom (FRN 821163).

Cover limits, exclusions and eligibility conditions apply. Always read the IPID and policy wording before purchase.

For policies purchased prior to January 2026, please refer to your policy documents for limits, underwriters' details and claims procedures. 

 

See also: Tyre Insurance, is it worth it? 

 

Reviewed by
Mark Griffiths, Founding Director and Insurance expert
Last reviewed: 22nd February 2026