Winter tyre time?

[Jules Winfield]

For the record, LV don't care about winter tyres.  Back in 2010, I rang up and they charged me £35 or so (I got most of that back the following March).  Come October 2011, when I called them up, they said that I didn't have to tell them and there would be no change to my premium as so many people were now putting winter tyres on their cars.

Contrast with Direct Line, who said they'd charge me £250, around 50% of my premium.  Fortunately I was within the cooling-off period and was able to cancel.

[p3asa]

Here is a list of insurance companies that either need to be told or not whether you have winter tyres.

https://www.abi.org.uk/~/media/Files/Documents/Publications/Public/Migrated/Motor/ABI%20guide%20to%20winter%20tyres%20The%20motor%20insurance%20commitment.ashx

Its worth remembering if you have the winter tyres on another set of alloys, you will probably have to tell them especially if they aren't OEM.

[corgi]

Here is a list of insurance companies that either need to be told or not whether you have winter tyres.

https://www.abi.org.uk/~/media/Files/Documents/Publications/Public/Migrated/Motor/ABI%20guide%20to%20winter%20tyres%20The%20motor%20insurance%20commitment.ashx

Its worth remembering if you have the winter tyres on another set of alloys, you will probably have to tell them especially if they aren't OEM.

...and if they are a different size to OEM...

The point here is, that most (all) will not be interested if you put winter tyres on OEM wheels but if you alter the size they may consider that a modification...

[p3asa]

Not just a different size, even the same size but a different wheel could be classed as a mod.

When I phoned my insurance company to ask about putting winter tyres on, I told them I would be putting the same size tyre on but on a different set of wheels. They were fine with that as long as they were actual Audi wheels. Any 3rd party wheel would be classed as a mod.

[JellyB]

I ordered a set of wheels from mrwinterwheels, they say their wheels are TUV approved so I have asked for a copy of the cert or declaration. (Will see if they can actually provide one).

From what I gather this proves that the wheels are as good as OEM and type approved for that vehicle.

I don't see what else an insurance company could want for.

[p3asa]

Insurance companies are a strange lot.
After market wheels may be classed as more desirable so a greater chance of being stolen hence an increase in policy.

I'd definitely let them know.

[JellyB]

True. And still no TUV certificate... I can see me cancelling if they can't produce the document.. 

Edit: Cancelled order as they couldn't provide a valid TUV certificate to me. I'll reorder if they can in the future.