Winter Tyres and Chris Knott
 

Winter Tyres and Chris Knott

Hi, I'm often asked on club forums (and Facebook groups) about switching to winter wheels/tyres and whether an insurer will charge extra if you do.

As it's getting to that time of year again I thought I'd just reassure any Chris Knott clients that the insurers we use don't usually charge for this. However, if you are thinking of swapping your wheels we do have to log when you make the switch and then again when you go back to normal - so please let us know on 0800 023 4374.

Thanks,
Nick


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Is this exclusive to the UK ? In other Northern European countries where the practice of swapping to winter tyres is routine, I'm pretty certain that its no business of the insurers. I mean, I don't inform my Ins. Co whenever I fit new tyres. The brand and the model, bought new or used.
Seems odd that it would ever be an issue, provided that they are road legal surely ?

I'm suprised too. But then again, I'm not. It's part of the insurance company's business model to wriggle out of any payment whatsoever - blaming someone for "the wrong tyres, void insurance" is just about as petty as we could expect from this disgustingly filthy and uncontrolled industry.

How such a magnanimous concept as insurance could be turned into such a vile and stinking business is really quite remarkable.

I know in the past when I have fitted them the insurers did not need to know.

There is a width, aspect ratio and speed rating. If you meet those then it would seem a waste of time having to phone someone up and tell them....

legal
 

surley.
if you just change the tyres ,not alloys as long as there mot/road legal same size etc why would you have to inform the insurance company ???

Yes, so long as the load rating is correct and the size is a factory fitted size, the tyres are legal. Speed ratings are a grey area, in a rudimentary sense so long as they meet or exceed the claimed top speed of the vehicle they are in no way unsuitable, thus are fully legal, thus are no issue. However you may use a lower speed rating so long as you do not exceed that speed, which, in the uk is illegal anyway even for a P rated remould!
There was a big hoo-haa back in the winter of 2010 when we got hit by big snow, with some insurers trying to claim unsuitability of lower speed ratings, the governing body had to step-in and make it clear that these tyres comply with uk law, thus must be premitted, but if the speed rating is lower than the vehicle capability that the insurer must be informed as that constitutes a modification.
So, if size/load/speed rating are correct for the vehicle, it does not make a jot of difference. If the speed rating is lower than the cars top speed, then the insurer needs to log the 'modification". I believe this second instance is where the broker and possibly some of the underwriters are getting their smocks in a raffle, since they are desk workers with no specialist knowledge.

This post stinks of getting a free advert. There should be no need to inform your insurance company if they are any good and there should be no charge even if they insist you tell them but check here to be sure. Only 3 on the list say you need to inform them. https://www.abi.org.uk/globalassets/...commitment.pdf

If the size load and speed index are correct, I'd love to see those companies try and prove in court why a suitable legal tyre is in contravention with the vehicle specs and law and how it constitutes reason to void a policy.

If that were the case then surely fitting any none oem tyre would require the same?

Ah I see you changed from Continental to Michelin sir that will be a £400 premium increase......

Only 2 tbh, as southern rock underwrite eCar insurance...