Tyre Insurance
Plan For The Unexpected With Tyre Insurance From Direct Gap.
Tyre Insurance protects you against unexpected tyre repair and replacement costs caused by punctures, potholes, kerbs, road debris and malicious damage. Direct Gap Car Tyre Insurance provides up to five claims per year and up to £400 per claim, including fitting and balancing, with puncture repair and recovery cover included.
What Does Tyre Insurance Cover?
Even the safest drivers can’t avoid the unforeseen when it comes to tyres. Everyday hazards like nails and stones can quickly cause damage such as punctures, scuffs and scrapes, which could be costly to repair, not to mention dangerous.
Our Tyre Insurance is the perfect option if you're looking for total peace of mind, with up to 5 claims per year, helping you focus on enjoying your car and not worrying about the unexpected.
Why Should I Consider Tyre Insurance?
With over 40 million tyres being replaced last year in the UK alone and costs per tyre rising, in some cases to £1,200, it’s no wonder our Tyre Insurance is growing in popularity every day, as customers recognise the need to protect themselves from unexpected costs.
As well as that, driving with damaged tyres could be dangerous, with punctures and tears in particular leaving your car susceptible to blowouts. In fact, in some cases, you may actually be breaking the law if you’re driving on severely damaged tyres.
Our Tyre Insurance covers both accidental and malicious damage. With up to 5 claims per year and total peace of mind, why not get a quote today?
Why choose Direct Gap as your Tyre Insurance provider?
Here are just some of the many reasons why Direct Gap will let you DRIVE with peace-of-mind.
Trusted Since 2009
Since 2009, we’ve helped more than 160,000 customers protect vehicles worth over £4 billion.
With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from more than 14,000 reviews across Google, Feefo and Trustpilot, we’ve built a reputation for dependable cover and consistently excellent customer service.
Regulated Insurance Products
We only offer regulated insurance products, giving our customers important safeguards and peace of mind.
We’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA authorisation number is 1050283.
Eligible customers can also refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service and may benefit from Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection.
Your Interests First
Our team aren’t paid commission for selling policies, so there’s no incentive to recommend additional cover or a more expensive policy unnecessarily.
Instead, they’ll take the time to understand your circumstances, answer your questions honestly and give you the relevant information so you can choose cover that genuinely meets your needs.
Flexible Policy Options
Our policies are designed to adapt to real life rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.
From different types and levels of protection to free vehicle transfers and the option to defer selected policies for up to a year, we give you the flexibility to choose cover that works around your circumstances.
Gap Insurance Experts
Our UK-based team consists of professionally trained specialists with extensive knowledge of cars, motor finance and Gap Insurance.
Whether you need help understanding your options, choosing suitable cover or managing an existing policy, you’ll speak to someone who knows the subject without being passed around a generic call centre.
See what our customers are saying about us
We’re rated 4.9 out of 5 across Trustpilot, Feefo and Google, based on more than 14,000 reviews.
How Much Does Tyre Insurance Cost?
Our Tyre Insurance policies start from just £147. The price you pay depends on factors like tyre size and the length of cover you choose. This means you can choose a level of protection that suits both your vehicle and your budget, giving you added peace of mind against unexpected tyre repair and replacement costs.
Getting an exact Tyre Insurance quote takes seconds, with cover arranged in minutes; enter a few details about your vehicle and choose the cover that’s right for you. Before taking out a policy, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’ll pay, along with your claim limits, any applicable excess and the key terms of your cover, so you know what’s included from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tyre Insurance and what cover does it provide?
The purpose of Tyre Insurance is to contribute towards the cost of the repair or replacement of tyres that have suffered accidental or malicious damage.
This policy covers tyres, including winter tyres, fitted to the vehicle provided these are in accordance with the manufacturer's original specification and within legal limits. Tyre Insurance cover is available for passenger cars, light four-wheel commercials and motorhomes (under 3500 GVW).
The policy covers up to 5 claims per year, starting from the inception date of the policy.
Is Tyre Insurance worth it?
Whether tyre insurance is worth it depends on your vehicle, the tyres you use and how much financial protection you want against unexpected tyre damage.
Tyre insurance can be worthwhile if your vehicle has large, expensive, performance or run-flat tyres, as replacing a damaged tyre could be expensive (and unexpected). Drivers who cover higher annual mileage or regularly drive on roads affected by potholes and other hazards may also value the additional protection.
Tyre insurance could be worth considering if:
- Your tyres are expensive to repair or replace.
- Your vehicle uses run-flat or performance tyres.
- You drive a high number of miles each year.
- You regularly encounter potholes, kerbs or poor road surfaces.
- You would prefer a predictable insurance premium rather than an unexpected tyre repair or replacement bill.
However, tyre insurance won't necessarily be the right choice for every driver. If you drive relatively few miles, your tyres are inexpensive to replace, or you're comfortable paying for unexpected tyre repairs yourself, you may decide that self-funding these costs makes more sense.
Before buying tyre insurance, consider the cost of replacing the tyres fitted to your vehicle against the price of a policy and the level of cover provided.
Ultimately, tyre insurance is designed to provide peace of mind and financial protection against certain unexpected tyre repair and replacement costs. Whether that protection represents good value for you will depend on your vehicle, driving habits and personal circumstances.
For more information, take a look at our guide: Tyre Insurance Vs Alloy Wheel Cover | Which Is Best?
Are tyres covered under car insurance?
The likes of punctures, cuts or bursts and any damage caused by braking will not be covered by most motor insurance policies. That’s why Tyre Insurance with Direct Gap can prove a sensible solution. It offers you added peace of mind that, should anything go wrong with your tyres, you won’t have to fork out a fortune for their repair or replacement.
Are tyres covered under Gap Insurance?
No, Gap and Tyre Insurance are separate products. A Gap Insurance policy covers the difference between your vehicle’s initial purchase price and its value at the point where it is declared a total loss. Tyre Insurance is a specific form of cover that will contribute towards the cost of replacement or repairs should your tyres suffer accidental or malicious damage.
Can I purchase Tyre Insurance on its own?
Yes, this policy can be purchased standalone or in conjunction with Gap Insurance.
Is Tyre Insurance only for new cars?
No, we have Tyre Insurance for older cars up to ten years in age. However, please note that the maximum permitted mileage at the date of the policy purchase is 100,000 miles.
Can I get Tyre Insurance if I bought my car on finance?
Yes. Whether you purchased your car outright or via a finance agreement, our Tyre Insurance cover is available to you.
Will my Tyre Insurance cover me if I'm at fault?
Yes, your policy will cover you even if the incident that caused your tyres to become damaged was your fault. However, please note that you will not be covered if the driver of the car is under the influence of alcohol, non-prescription drugs, is involved in illegal activity, fraud or an act of wilful negligence. We recommend that you carefully read through your policy documents for full terms and conditions.
Are other drivers covered by my Tyre Insurance?
Yes, others are covered by your car’s Tyre Insurance as long as they are a named driver on your comprehensive motor insurance.
Does Tyre Insurance cover pothole damage?
Yes. Tyre Insurance typically covers most accidental damage, including pothole damage such as punctures, tyre bulging (or misshaping), or blowouts. However, as this is a Tyre Insurance policy only, it won't cover any wheel damage, which may also occur. If you're interested in covering both, consider our Tyre & Alloy Wheel Insurance.
Does Tyre Insurance cover punctures?
Yes. Direct Gap Tyre Insurance includes cover for accidental punctures, subject to the policy terms.
Where a puncture can safely be repaired, your policy can contribute towards the repair; where covered damage means the tyre needs replacing, it can also contribute towards replacement costs (up to the claim limit).
Are run flat tyres covered?
Yes, run flat tyres are included under the Tyre Insurance policy, provided this is noted on your policy schedule.
Are there any wear and tear deductions?
No, there is no charge for betterment but the tyres must comply with the legal requirements.
Am I covered for malicious damage?
Yes, your Tyre Insurance policy will cover malicious damage to tyres provided that a police report is available.
Where do I need to buy my tyres from?
When making a claim your claim handler will be able to share with you our approved retailers.
When can I purchase the cover?
Tyre Insurance can be purchased at any time, however may be required to submit photos evidencing the current condition of your tyres.
Whose name should the policy be in?
The policy should always be in the name of the owner / hirer or registered keeper of the vehicle.
How do I take out a Tyre Insurance policy?
Here at Direct Gap, we believe in making life as easy as possible for our customers, and taking out a Tyre Insurance policy is certainly no different. You can calculate your quote online – all you need to do is fill in the desired length of policy and your tyre size, and we’ll provide you with a quote in seconds – it’s that simple.
Of course, you can always get in touch with a member of our expert, friendly team – they’ll be only too happy to help you out. You can email us at [email protected] or call us on 01422 756100.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes – for the first 14 days of your car’s Tyre Insurance period, no claim will be accepted.
When and how do I receive my policy documents?
Your Tyre Insurance policy documents together with confirmation of payment are sent by email as soon as you make the payment. You may also view your policy documents by logging in to your online account.
How do I claim on my tyre insurance?
If your tyres become damaged and need repairing or replacing, you can call the administrator's claims number on 0114 321 9877.
What is the claim limit?
This policy will allow up to 5 claims per year. Please see your policy documentation for further claim limit details.
Will claiming on my car’s Tyre Insurance affect my no-claims bonus?
No, a claim on this policy will have no impact on your standard motor insurance.
Is an excess payable on my Tyre Insurance policy?
There is an excess payment of £10 for valid claims. This helps us reduce fraud and keep premiums down for our customers.
If a repair involves a call-out charge, you will have to pay the call-out charge (£10). If you pay a call-out charge, the excess for that repair will be waived.
Why would my Tyre Insurance policy not pay out?
Your policy won’t pay out for damage that isn’t classed as accidental or malicious, happened before your cover started, or is down to normal wear and tear. It also won’t cover issues caused by faulty tyre design/manufacture, a road traffic accident (including where the vehicle is written off), or problems linked to poor maintenance or incorrect setup — like wrong tyre pressure, misalignment, imbalance, or defective steering/suspension. Tyres without an “E” mark aren’t covered, and theft of tyres isn’t covered either.
Claims can be declined or reduced if you exceed the policy’s claims limit, don’t pay the £10 excess per repair (unless you’ve paid a call-out charge), or if the damage is someone else’s responsibility (for example, a third-party collision covered by their motor insurance). You must get approval before repairs are carried out, report damage within 30 days, and have repairs done within the covered territories (UK mainland, Jersey, or Guernsey).
How much does Tyre Insurance cost?
Our Tyre Insurance policies start from just £147, but the cost of your premium will depend on the length of cover and tyre size. The easiest way to work out how much your Tyre Insurance will cost is to hit the button below and get a quote in a matter of seconds.
Why is Direct Gap so much cheaper than motor dealers quote?
We are an internet-based provider and we have lower overheads than motor dealers. We sell a high volume of insurance products, so we are able to provide quality policies at the keenest prices.
You can be confident that our prices are lower than those quoted by dealers and many other websites. Paying less than you have been quoted elsewhere doesn’t mean that you are buying an inferior product, it just means that they are making more profit from your purchase!
Who is the insurer of this policy?
The insurer of this policy is Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd, UK Branch. Establishment number: BR024650. Helvetia Global Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority, Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered on the Financial Services Register under the firm reference number 454140.
The policy is administered by Spectrum Insurance Services Limited who will provide administrative services on our behalf. Spectrum Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 309230). This information can be checked by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority’s website. Spectrum Insurance Services Limited is registered in England: under company number 05129413.
What is the Geographic Area of cover?
This policy is only valid within the UK Mainland and Northern Ireland only.
Can I transfer my tyre insurance to a replacement vehicle?
If you sell your vehicle during the policy term, you may transfer the benefits of your tyre insurance to the new owner of your vehicle, provided that you sell your vehicle privately and not through a garage, motor trader, auctioneers or similar company.
The transfer will be subject to a £35 administration fee. The transfer will be subject to the administrator’s approval and the fee will be returned in the event of non-acceptance.
Additionally, if you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the remaining cover to your eligible replacement vehicle, subject to the administrator’s agreement. The first transfer is free of charge, subsequent transfers will be subject to a transfer fee of £35. Proof that the vehicle is free from damage may be required prior to acceptance of any transfer. If the new vehicle does not meet the eligibility requirements of this insurance, the transfer will be declined and any transfer fee paid will be refunded. All transfer requests must be made within 30 days of the date of sale of your vehicle.
Can I cancel my tyre insurance?
Should you no longer want your Tyre Insurance policy, you are able to cancel. We offer a 30-day grace period (more than twice the legal requirement of 14 days) within which you will be entitled to a full refund. After those 30 days, you’ll be charged a £35 cancellation fee and will be refunded on a pro rata basis, provided no claims have been made.