Surprised to get my Ertiga's alloy wheel damage covered by insurance

Turns out that Maruti Suzuki comprehensive insurance covers OEM alloys, and with a zero dep add-on, ended up paying just ₹1,064 (₹1,000 claim registration + ₹64 valve)

BHPian hemant.kamat recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Last weekend, while driving my family to dinner at Cafe Tato, Margao, in the Ertiga, I ended up brushing the front passenger wheel against a footpath step that was protruding onto the road, resulting in severe scratches on the diamond cut alloy. Drove to the nearest Maruti ASS the next morning, only to learn that diamond cut alloys cannot be repaired due to the resulting wheel imbalance from grinding away the damage. Disappointed, I instructed the SA to replace the alloy, only for him to inquire whether I wanted to claim insurance. What???

Turns out that Maruti Suzuki comprehensive insurance covers OEM alloys, and with a zero dep add-on, ended up paying just ₹1,064 (₹1,000 claim registration + ₹64 valve)

Point to note is that I don't have a tyre protect add-on. Also, according to the SA, aftermarket alloys are excluded from the insurance coverage and will result in voiding of tyre & suspension related warranty and possibly denial of insurance claim (subject to the discretion of the insurer)

Here's what BHPian saket77 had to say in this matter:

Thanks but by default I would expect all OE fitments to be covered under a 'comprehensive' insurance.
Though, you chose to get the alloys changed but the damage to the alloys in my opinion was minor and many would be ok to live with it.

Thanks!

Here's what BHPian hemant.kamat added to the conversation:

Quoting excerpts from TATA AIG

Does Car Insurance Offer Coverage for Alloy Wheels?

Yes and no. A basic comprehensive plan will not cover tyre repair and replacement – unless due to an accident where the car itself is also damaged. Hence, consider getting Tata AIG’s comprehensive four-wheeler insurance with a tyre protection add-on.

A tyre protection add-on can offer coverage for your alloy wheels in the event of an accident that results in bulges, punctures, burst tyres or cuts – to your tyres, even when your car does not sustain any damage during the crash.

Acko

Is alloy wheel damage insurance available?

Yes, since alloy wheels are non-electrical components of a car, they can be covered under an accessories add-on under car insurance. However, it is not covered under a rim cover.

Bajaj Allianz

Insurance for Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheel insurance goes beyond the standard coverage offered by traditional car insurance policies. It specifically targets the vulnerabilities of diamond-cut wheels, ensuring that any damage incurred is promptly addressed without causing financial strain. Whether it's a minor scrape or a more serious dent, alloy wheel insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement, sparing you from hefty out-of-pocket expenses.

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