Insurance and kerbed alloy wheels: what is and isn't covered

Rim repair and alloy wheel protection: two lines of expenditure that most drivers discover too late, often after opening a claim for a simple kerb scrape.

A few centimetres of damage to the edge of an alloy wheel, and the questions come thick and fast: is this covered by my insurance? Will I lose my no-claims bonus? How much does repair cost without making a claim? This situation, extremely common, remains poorly understood by drivers — to the point where the vast majority prefer to absorb the cost quietly rather than touch their policy.

What your car insurance actually covers

In France, a wheel scraped against a kerb is an at-fault claim: you are responsible, and no third party is involved. Comprehensive cover can theoretically cover the repair, but subject to strict conditions:

• The policy must include accidental damage cover or a specific "own damage" clause.
• An excess applies, typically between 150 and 400 EUR depending on the policy.
• Making a claim results in a 12.5% penalty being applied to your no-claims bonus coefficient, in accordance with the IRSA convention.
• Some policies explicitly exclude cosmetic damage below a certain threshold (often 500 EUR).

The result: if repairing an alloy wheel costs between 80 and 180 EUR depending on the provider and the extent of the damage, making a claim often works out more expensive than paying directly — especially if the excess exceeds the quote.

Why almost no one makes a claim for a kerb scrape

The logic is straightforward arithmetic. Consider a real-world example:

A 12.5% penalty on an annual premium of 800 EUR amounts to an extra 100 EUR per year, for a minimum of two years before returning to the original coefficient. The true cost of making a claim for a scuffed alloy wheel can therefore exceed 350 to 550 EUR over three years, compared with 100 to 180 EUR paid directly.

This is the main reason why alloy wheel scuffs are almost never declared on insurance: the cost-benefit ratio simply doesn't add up.

Alloy wheel repair: limitations and real-world realities

Repairing a damaged alloy wheel is possible in two cases: a superficial scratch with no deformation, or a minor chip with no impact on geometry. Beyond that, replacement is the only option. Typical costs observed:

• Sanding and paint touch-up: 60 – 120 EUR per wheel
• Full refurbishment (powder coating or liquid paint): 150 – 250 EUR per wheel
• Replacement of an original 18–20-inch alloy wheel: 300 – 900 EUR depending on the model

A repair does not guarantee lasting results: without protection on the wheel rim edge, the same spot is exposed to the next scrape. Owners of Audi alloy wheels or for BMW alloy wheels — often in larger sizes with low-profile tyres — are particularly at risk, as the rim edges sit very close to the ground and the kerb.

Preventing the next repair: the case for protection

An AlloyGator set (4 profiles + fitting kit) forms a physical barrier between the tyre sidewall and the rim edge. Fitted in approximately 1 hour by an approved fitter in our network for around 99 EUR, it absorbs contact with kerbs without damaging the alloy. The cost is lower than a single cosmetic repair, and has absolutely no impact on your insurance policy.

For vehicles with specific alloy wheels, technical data sheets are available — for example for the Citroën alloy wheels or for Ford alloy wheels. The online configurator lets you check compatibility and choose a colour before locating your nearest approved fitter.

FAQ

Does my fully comprehensive insurance automatically cover a scuffed alloy wheel?

Not automatically. The policy must include accidental damage cover and the cost must exceed the excess. In the majority of cases, the excess (150 to 400 EUR) is higher than or close to the repair cost, making a claim financially disadvantageous — especially when the penalty surcharge is applied.

How long does the penalty last after making a claim for a scuffed alloy wheel?

The no-claims bonus coefficient deteriorates by 12.5% from the very first at-fault claim. You then need two consecutive years without an at-fault claim to return to your previous coefficient, and several additional years to regain a higher bonus level.

Are alloy wheel protectors compatible with the MOT?

Yes. The AlloyGator profile is positioned between the tyre and the alloy wheel: it does not alter the vehicle's geometry, does not interfere with the braking system, and is not an inspection point during the MOT. Its presence is completely transparent to the inspection.