A word from the king

Our blog… Blah blah blah

Hot roads, hard knocks: Why tyre and rim insurance matters this summer

South African summers can be brutal. Not just for you, but for your car, too. While we’re reaching for the sunscreen and bottled water, your tyres are taking a beating from scorching tarmac, rapid temperature shifts and road hazards that come with our fast-changing weather. And when a burst tyre or bent rim hits your holiday road trip, your pocket can take a hit too.

That’s where tyre and rim insurance steps in.

This affordable add-on to your car insurance from King Price is designed to protect you from the high cost of replacing or repairing tyres and rims that are damaged by road hazards. It’s peace of mind that rolls with you… Especially in the heat of summer.

Summer driving = higher tyre risks

When roads heat up, so do the risks to your tyres and rims. Here’s why summer conditions make cover more important than ever:

  • Heat increases tyre pressure. As air expands in the heat, overinflation can lead to uneven tread wear and in extreme cases, blowouts.
  • Thunderstorms damage road surfaces. Sudden downpours may be short-lived, but they leave behind potholes, debris and surface damage.
  • More road trips = more wear. Long-distance travel over December and January puts added pressure on tyre treads and sidewalls.

All it takes is 1 bad bump or a hidden pothole on a baking-hot day to leave you stranded with a shredded tyre or cracked alloy. Without cover, you’re on the hook for the full replacement cost.

What tyre and rim insurance covers

With the king’s wheely affordable tyre and rim insurance, you’re covered for:

  • Damage from road hazards, including potholes, debris and uneven surfaces.
  • Repair or replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.
  • 2 tyre claims and 2 rim claims per year.

The best part? There’s no need to dip into your savings for a new set of tyres if something goes wrong. You’ll pay a small excess and let us handle the rest.

Common summer tyre fails (and how cover helps)

Picture this: You’re halfway to the coast when you hit a pothole hidden under puddle-filled roadworks. Your tyre bulges, your rim bends, and now you’re dealing with a ruined weekend, or a hefty emergency spend. Or maybe you come back to your parked car to find the sidewall has split from heat and pressure build-up.

No puncture repair kit will save you now.

These aren’t rare scenarios. They’re everyday realities on South African roads… And exactly the kind of thing tyre and rim insurance is made for.

Quick tips to drive smarter in the heat

Insurance is your safety net, but these simple habits can also help prevent damage:

  • Check your tyre pressure weekly, especially during heatwaves.
  • Avoid potholes and storm-damaged areas where possible.
  • Don’t overload your car (we know you like to pack it all, but heavy bags add strain to tyres.
  • Rotate your tyres regularly to keep wear even.

Roll into summer with cover that keeps you moving

If you’re planning any long drives, weekend getaways or just want extra protection against our unpredictable roads, now’s the time to consider tyre and rim insurance from King Price. It’s low-cost, high-impact cover that could save you thousands… And a lot of roadside stress.

When the sun’s blazing and the road gets rough, the last thing you need is a tyre tantrum, so click here for a commitment-free quote.

5 FAQs

1. Why are tyres more likely to get damaged in summer?

Heat causes tyre pressure to rise, which can lead to uneven wear or blowouts. Summer storms also increase the number of potholes and road hazards that damage tyres and rims.

2. What exactly does King Price’s tyre and rim insurance cover?

This cover pays for repairs or replacements if your tyres or rims are damaged by road hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris.

3. Do I need to have comprehensive car insurance to add tyre and rim cover?

Yes. Tyre and rim insurance is an optional extra that you can add to your comprehensive car insurance policy with King Price.

4. How much does tyre and rim insurance cost?

The monthly premium is affordable and depends on your car and risk profile. It’s far less than the out-of-pocket cost of replacing a tyre or rim after damage.

5. Can I claim if I hit a pothole while driving in another province?

Yes. As long as the damage was caused by a covered road hazard in South Africa and you meet the policy requirements, you can submit a claim.

Psst… This blog provides general info only and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here. 

Our website T’s and C’s can be found here. 

King Price Insurance Company Ltd is a licensed non-life insurer and registered financial services provider. (Reg no. 2009/012496/06 | FSP no. 43862)