Toysoldier

Ok, when I picked up my car I was offered Wheel-Tire Insurance to in case of rim damage, etc.

Question is - is it worth it and what is a reasonable price for it? I have till the end of this week to let the dealer know if I want it. So what are the opinions with this?

scottacus

I paid $500 for the insurance and have found it well worth it.

I have 19" wheels, and due to all the potholes here in NJ, I have had 2 blowouts and replaced 2 rims with the wheel/tire insurance. So my $500 expense has covered about $1400 in costs.

In the ned it's up to you, but keep in mind tires for the 19" wheels cost $250-300. If you drive a lot and you'll keep the car for several years, it may well be worth it.

Rick Pardo

Without question, especially since my wife views curbs as parking assists rather than something to avoid. $800 for 5 years of coverage is a bargain. She regularly takes turns like a NASCAR driver and blows through low profile sidewalls more often than you can imagine.

Jeremiah_S

I was told by the tire and wheel "insurance" people, that my curb rash on my A4 would not be covered. They said they'll only replace a rim if it can no longer function or hold air, that is not my opinion, that is what they told me over the phone when I curbed my A4 at Dairy Queen the first week I had it. Audi was still giving out full size spares so I just had it switched out, no big whoop.

Toysoldier

So you don't deal directly with Audi for this? My dealer said that curb rash is covered. You got me thinking this may not be worth it as curb rash is more probable than bent/cracked rims.

Huey52

LOL (sic). Mine too!!

jpinwdc

I was offered it for around $800. I declined. I damaged a rim once (hit a brick laying on the highway) on my previous car and it was repaired for $200. I may regret it but I thought $800 was kinda high.

scottacus

You should ask to see a copy of the actual insurance policy and read it carefully before purchasing.

My policy covers cosmetic damage caused by road hazards such as potholes, but not curb rash from curbing a wheel. I suspect most other policies would be the same.

Davidrf59

The insurance available from Audi was available 2 ways when it was offered to me....one for just Tire and Rims that are damaged, and if you want the coverage for curb rash, you needed the full package that also covers lost key fobs, damage to the leather seats, door dings and windshield chips, not cracks. The basic tire and rim coverage ( total loss of tire and or rim ) costs about $850.00 in Canada, and the entire enchilada is about $1600. Both will pay you back unless you keep your car in a glass room like the father of the guy from Ferris Buellers day off.
My car is 1 month old, and I just scraped 1 rim and tire in a pothole. The 19" Tire sell price at the dealer was close to $400 and I am sure the rim is at least $750.
Well worth the purchase especially when it nails you. Also as an FYI, you have at least 120 days to buy it after purchase of the car, or possibly up to the end of the first year. Check with your dealer.

Toysoldier

Ok, after much debate and a quick scare with a pot hole yesterday that could have swallowed the car...man did I feel that! I got the 4yr plan for 8 bills.

In the future, if rash isn't actually covered, I'm sure I can pay yesterdays pot hole another visit and make sure I get a new rim & tire...lol. Thx for the input guys!