Scirocco Register

If you use winter tyres are you supposed to inform your insurance company?

No.

cheers ed,

given the weather forecast i really want to get them on asap!

What's happening in Birmingham, then? Next few days it looks like continuing to be wet and mild round here.

the weather forcast was supposedly very cold and icy next week with the possibilty of some snow.
to be fair the winter tyes have been a good luck charm as i bought them 2 years ago and we havent had snow the last 2 winters.
but they do make quite a big difference handling wise in the wet/icy cold weather.

I think there is a couple of companies which need to know you have fitted winter tyres, there's a list on this thread.
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php ... s&kfs71=60

A few years back there were reports of insurers not paying out as they viewed the tyres as a non standard part. It's not always possible to get winter tyres with a high enough speed rating, which isn't considered an issue - it is assumed you will be driving slower in the snow.

If in doubt, tell them.

Yes if you use in summer

Currently only Swiftcover, eCar and Southern Rock say they require notification of winter tyres. For the up to date information see:

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-iss ... nter-tyres

In practice, I doubt any insurer would be allowed by the ombudsman or any court to deny cover for failure to notify them, provided they are standard size, as there is no detriment to risk. Non-standard wheels are a different matter.

if you've declared non standard wheels anyway I can't seem them having an issue ever surely? I've never known it be a thing in the past.