Are Winter tyres considered a modification?

Shaolin_Monkey

Just a random thought (I do realise this is the middle of June!!). Would fitting winter tyres on non standard wheels (on steelies or cheap alloys) be considered a modification for insurance purposes? Lets assume that the wheels are 1" smaller than the wheels for summer tyres (as winter tyres generally aren't available in large low profile sizes). If so, do insurers generally increase the premium for fitting winter tyres in winter if they do now consider you to be driving a "modified car"?

Thanks

DUTR

Since they were not standard fit to the vehicle then, yes it could be considered a modification.

rs65

Here you go

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

gilbert_and_sullivan

Winter tyres themselves are not a modification, but changing sizes or wheel specs would be.

SG27

Yep if the are not standard to the vehicle then they are a modification. Either way you should tell your insurance company just to be on the safe side. It shouldn't increase your premiums.

AdrianC

Look in your handbook. Approved tyre sizes will be listed in there. So long as the tyre and rim sizes match those, no. Although aftermarket alloys, rather than manufacturer-supplied might.

Iceweasel

Look at the tyre sticker which is usually found on the driver's door-post, as well as in the handbook.

My car has 4 different sizes listed.

I have 17" wheels with my summer tyres and a set of narrower wheels with my winter tyres. All the sizes are listed on the door-post.

I informed my insurance company that I would be fitting them and the only question was if they were the recommended sizes for the car.

Buy them now in the summer when they are cheaper.

Shaolin_Monkey

Thanks to all who replied.

andygb

SG27 wrote: »

Yep if the are not standard to the vehicle then they are a modification. Either way you should tell your insurance company just to be on the safe side. It shouldn't increase your premiums.

Oh dear:(
So, if your car was fitted with Bridgestone tyres as standard, would you consider that changing to Pirelli/Goodyear/Continental would be classed as a modification?
As long as you stick to the sizes and ratings in the car handbook, then you have not made a modification.

AdrianC

andygb wrote: »

So, if your car was fitted with Bridgestone tyres as standard, would you consider that changing to Pirelli/Goodyear/Continental would be classed as a modification?

<considers !!!!!-stripy ditchfinders> Hmmm...

Gloomendoom

andygb wrote: »

Oh dear:(
So, if your car was fitted with Bridgestone tyres as standard, would you consider that changing to Pirelli/Goodyear/Continental would be classed as a modification?
As long as you stick to the sizes and ratings in the car handbook, then you have not made a modification.

I thought the same thing. As long as the winter tyres are the same size and load/speed rating as the originals I wouldn't bother informing anyone.