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Diamond and Laser Cut Alloy Wheels are often one of the key components to the styling of a modern new vehicle. These alloys can set the appearance of a new vehicle off perfectly. However many consumers have no idea what diamond or laser cut finishes are, and why they can be more difficult to repair.

We try to answer those questions for you.

What is a Diamond or Laser cut alloy wheel?

Diamond and Laser cut alloys have a different appearance to the more conventional painted alloy wheel. This is often described as a high shine finish, upon close inspection, that resembles the finish of a CD. When you look very closely you can see very fine grooves, just like a CD, and this provides a highly shiny finish to the alloy wheel.

There is little doubt they look outstanding, and can attract you to the vehicle in a new car showroom with little effort. They are a modern evolution of the traditional alloy wheel, that provide an aesthetic look that can be hard to beat.

How are diamond or laser cut alloys produced?

As part of the finishing process the alloys are machine lathe to cut a further edge into the alloy. This leaves the very faint grooved effect that gives rise to the high shine finish. This would be a machined alloy wheel repair, and obviously may cost significantly more than a standard painted alloy to refurbish.

Which manufacturers use diamond and laser cut alloys?

It can be assumed that 'prestige' manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz and BMW are the places to expect diamond/laser cut alloys on a new car, and this is certainly the case on many models. However, even the more mainstream manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Nissan also feature diamond and laser cut finished alloys these days.

Diamond and Laser cut alloy wheel

Why are the diamond and laser cut alloys different to repair?

This is simply down to the fact that the repair may require a lathe refinish, and also as these repairs cannot always be done to the same wheel a number of times, the alloy may also need to be x rayed for signs of internal damage and cracking. For these reasons not all mobile repairers will be able to attempt a repair to a diamond or laser cut alloy wheel.

Any repair may need to be sent to a specialist refinisher who has the correct equipment to ensure the alloy is returned to its original condition, and is safe to be used on the vehicle again.

Will all Alloy Wheel Insurance products cover diamond and laser cut alloys?

In our experience the answer would be no. Some manufacturers' products do provide cover, such as by Mercedes Benz, but again you would have to check the individual policy terms to be sure. The repair on a diamond and laser cut alloy can be more complicated and more costly, and this is why not all Alloy Wheel Insurance products will protect these finishes.

Why Alloy Wheel Insurance from Total Loss Gap is better than many independent products

  • Well we DO cover diamond and laser cut alloys as part of our policy terms, as well as the standard painted alloys you may see on other vehicles
  • We cover up to 4 claims per 12 month period (many others only cover 3)
  • We only have a £10 excess per claim (again others are between £15 and £45 per claim)
  • We contribute up to £150 towards a replacement alloy if the alloy is beyond repair

Remember the Alloy Wheel policy on Total Loss Gap can be as little as £151 for 2-year cover, we think the value in that policy can be very hard to beat!