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The cost of alloy wheel protection: an honest breakdown

July 25, 2026 56

What is the price of alloy wheel protectors, including fitting? Here are the exact figures, unrounded.

Many drivers only discover the cost of a scuffed alloy wheel at the point of returning a leased vehicle or receiving their first bodywork quote: between €80 and €150 per wheel for a partial repair, and more for a full treatment or replacement. At that stage, the question of alloy wheel protectors should have been asked much sooner. Here is the detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision.

The cost of an AlloyGator set by diameter

The AlloyGator set includes four extruded polymer protectors and the fitting kit. The price varies according to wheel diameter. As a guide, the price ranges observed in France:

Rim diameter Indicative price of the set (product only)
13 to 15 inches approx. €60 – €75
16 to 17 inches approx. €75 – €90
18 to 19 inches approx. €90 – €105
20 inches and above approx. €105 – €120

Fitting by an approved fitter in our network represents an additional cost of approximately €99 for all four wheels, including labour and materials. Installation time: under one hour. The total cost for the complete service therefore generally comes to between €160 and €220 depending on the diameter — equivalent to one or two single-wheel repairs at a bodywork specialist.

Direct comparison: protection versus repair

A scuff on the edge of a light alloy wheel rarely fixes itself: it requires tyre removal, reshaping, filling, painting and lacquering. The average quote in France is between €80 and €150 per wheel, and sometimes more for machined wheels with a polished lip or two-tone finish. For four damaged wheels, the bill can easily exceed €400.

  • Repair of a scuffed alloy wheel: €80 to €150 per wheel, i.e. €320 to €600 for a full set of four.
  • Replacement of a buckled alloy wheel: €200 to €800 depending on the model and brand.
  • AlloyGator set, fitted: €160 to €220 for all four wheels, just once.

Alloy wheel protection makes financial sense over time: an AlloyGator set is designed to last several years under normal use, and individual protectors can be replaced if severely damaged, without touching the wheel itself.

Service life and the factors that affect it

The profile is positioned between the tyre sidewall and the rim edge, absorbing impacts from kerbs, car park edges and potholes in urban areas. Under everyday use, the observed service life is three to five years. Several factors influence this range:

  • The frequency and severity of impacts (dense urban driving vs open roads).
  • The wheel diameter: the larger it is, the more the rim edge is exposed laterally.
  • The quality of the initial fitting — which is why it is important to entrust installation to a professional within our approved network.

A damaged protector on one wheel can be replaced individually, avoiding the need to purchase a complete set. Visit the AlloyGator shop for individual replacement options.

FAQ

Is the cost of fitting included in the set?

No. The set includes all four protectors and the fitting kit, but installation by an approved fitter is charged separately, typically around €99 for all four wheels. Some approved fitters offer combined product + fitting packages — check directly with your nearest fitting point.

Does the price vary depending on the make or model of the vehicle?

The price is based on the rim diameter, not the vehicle make. A Dacia fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels is charged at the same rate as an Audi with wheels of the same size. That said, vehicles with larger alloys — premium SUVs, sports saloons — naturally fall into the higher price bracket. For owners of BMW or models with 19–20-inch alloy wheels, the combined cost of fitting + set remains lower than the cost of a single alloy wheel refurbishment at a specialist bodyshop.

Can you fit them yourself to reduce the cost?

Self-fitting is technically possible, but it requires removing the wheels and inserting the profile with precision around the entire circumference of the rim edge. Incorrect fitting weakens the hold and reduces the lifespan of the alloy wheel protector. To guarantee the best result, fitting by an approved network fitter remains the recommended option — and the cost difference compared to self-installation is often marginal given the quality of the outcome.

To find out the exact price for your vehicle and rim diameter, contact an approved fitter near you or use the online colour simulator to prepare your order.

Further reading

Further reading

17 and 18-inch rims: the most common diameters, and no less at risk
Simulate Compatible? Approved fitters
Set of 4 AlloyGator Ready to order? Set of 4 - Alloy wheel protectors Configure your colour, delivered within 24h. Configure