Potholes. Pavement bumps. That sneaky screw in the parking lot. In South Africa, tyre damage is a part of life, and replacing your tyres can burn a hole in your budget just when you least expect it.
If you’ve ever thought, ‘Surely my car insurance will pay for this?’ You’re not alone.
But here’s the catch: Most standard car insurance policies don’t cover gradual tyre wear or sudden tyre damage unless it’s tied to a bigger accident. Something isolated, like a screw that rips through your tyre’s inner wall, isn’t usually covered.
That’s where King Price’s tyre and rim insurance, and even our little dings and tyre things insurance wheels on in, helping you avoid paying for these costs out of your own pocket.
Let’s talk about how it works, and why it’s a must-have in South Africa’s road reality.
What car insurance won’t cover
The king’s star attraction, our royal comprehensive car insurance does in fact cover tyre and rim damage. But only if these parts are damaged as part of an insured incident (like a crash or theft), or if the damage is accidental and sudden.
These parts are NOT covered due to wear and tear. So, if your tyre is shredded by a pothole or your rim is bent by a curb, you’re not covered. That is, unless you have added tyre and rim insurance.
Without additional cover, you’re probably footing the bill on your own.
Let’s talk tyre and rim insurance
With King Price’s tyre and rim insurance, you’re covered for:
- Accidental damage to tyres and rims caused by road hazards.
- Punctures, sidewall damage, and pothole impact.
- Alloy rim repairs or replacements, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Cover for your existing set of tyres (not just new 1s).
And if you go for the king’s little dings and tyre things insurance, you can combine our tyre and rim with scratch and dent insurance all in 1, way more affordable bundle. This way, you also get cosmetic cover for minor dents and scratches.
It’s a clever combo that keeps your car looking good and driving safe.
Back to the main point
According to the AA, nearly half of our road network is in poor to very poor condition. This only gets worse between September and November, when our roads really take a beating.
Think spring storms, end-of-year holiday traffic, and roadworks ramping up before the festive season. More people are on the move, and more cars = more debris, more potholes, and more roadside hazards.
That’s a whole lot of tyre damage waiting to happen.
The king’s got your back (and your tyres)
Tyre and rim cover (or the little dings upgrade) is an optional extra that won’t cost you a fortune, but could realistically save you thousands in repairs. When you consider that just 1 bad pothole can cost more than 3 months’ worth of cover, it’s well worth it.
If you’re ready to protect your tyres and rims from everyday trouble, WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 or click here for a commitment-free quote.
FAQs
1. Does comprehensive insurance include tyre damage?
Only if the damage is part of an insured incident, like a collision. Otherwise, no.
2. Can I claim for pothole damage to my tyre or rim?
Only if you’ve added tyre and rim insurance to your policy.
3. What’s included in little dings and tyre things?
Cover for accidental tyre and rim damage, plus minor cosmetic repairs to your car’s body.
4. Is there a waiting period?
There may be a short waiting period, especially if damage occurs soon after adding the cover.
5. Can I add this to any car insurance policy?
Yes. If you’re a King Price client with car cover, you can add tyre and rim cover at any time.