Are Wheel & Tire Protection Warranties Worth It ?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 C63 AMG
Are Wheel & Tire Protection Warranties Worth It ?
Hi Everyone, new 2013 C63 AMG owner here.
I picked up my CPO (<2000 miles) C63 AMG Coupe a couple of weeks ago and during the purchase process I signed up for the "First Class Wheel and Tire Protection Plus".
60 months of coverage for $2,139.00.For Florida it's issued through Safe-Guard Warranty Corporation.
When I purchased the coverage I noticed that I have 60 days to cancel for a full refund if I change my mind. So I thought I'd get the warranty and then seek the advice of those more knowledgeable than me @ MBWorld.
Here's the T&C :
When you purchase First Class Wheel and Tire Protection your coverage includes:
All costs related to the replacement of wheels/tires (including labor mounting, balancing, valve stems, and taxes)
Prorated coverage for the usable tread life of the tire
Coverage for each wheel, and the tire that is mounted on it, for damage due to a road hazard*
Unlimited number of claims
Additionally, First Class Wheel and Tire Protection "Plus" is now available as a part of the Mercedes-Benz First Class Appearance Package.
When you purchase First Class Wheel and Tire Protection "Plus" your coverage includes**:
Cost coverage associated with replacement of wheels and tires due to road hazard*
Wheel repair for most scrapes, scratches, and other cosmetic damages
An unlimited number of service visits
* Road hazards are defined as debris on a public roadway such as nails, glass, potholes, rocks, tree limbs, or any other object or condition not normally found in the roadway. Road conditions (such as uneven lanes or metal plates) found in construction zones or construction sites are not considered a covered road hazard. Damage or accidents caused by these conditions should be reported to your automobile insurance company. Certain exclusions apply.
** Contact your Mercedes-Benz Dealer for contract details and additional questions on coverage.
CANCEL OR KEEP ?
I picked up my CPO (<2000 miles) C63 AMG Coupe a couple of weeks ago and during the purchase process I signed up for the "First Class Wheel and Tire Protection Plus".
60 months of coverage for $2,139.00.For Florida it's issued through Safe-Guard Warranty Corporation.
When I purchased the coverage I noticed that I have 60 days to cancel for a full refund if I change my mind. So I thought I'd get the warranty and then seek the advice of those more knowledgeable than me @ MBWorld.
Here's the T&C :
When you purchase First Class Wheel and Tire Protection your coverage includes:
All costs related to the replacement of wheels/tires (including labor mounting, balancing, valve stems, and taxes)
Prorated coverage for the usable tread life of the tire
Coverage for each wheel, and the tire that is mounted on it, for damage due to a road hazard*
Unlimited number of claims
Additionally, First Class Wheel and Tire Protection "Plus" is now available as a part of the Mercedes-Benz First Class Appearance Package.
When you purchase First Class Wheel and Tire Protection "Plus" your coverage includes**:
Cost coverage associated with replacement of wheels and tires due to road hazard*
Wheel repair for most scrapes, scratches, and other cosmetic damages
An unlimited number of service visits
* Road hazards are defined as debris on a public roadway such as nails, glass, potholes, rocks, tree limbs, or any other object or condition not normally found in the roadway. Road conditions (such as uneven lanes or metal plates) found in construction zones or construction sites are not considered a covered road hazard. Damage or accidents caused by these conditions should be reported to your automobile insurance company. Certain exclusions apply.
** Contact your Mercedes-Benz Dealer for contract details and additional questions on coverage.
CANCEL OR KEEP ?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 938
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From: D.c
2009 Barolo red C63 AMG (SOLD).13' P31 c63 coupe 2012 porsche panamera
Idk if that applies to aftermarket rims. But if youre sticking OEM, i'd go for it. I curb rashed my old car more than once and they did it in one day for free, so it was convenient.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 2
From: California
06 C55, 09 E350
It's worth it if you need it just like any insurance. I have dealt with these situations and AMG wheels can be anywhere from 1-2k plus the tire not to mention if you hit two it would really be worth it. I busted two wheels in the fast lane of a freeway at 1 am because of a giant pothole. I went through my insurance and they said my insurance would only go up like 10 a month. Later on they hit my driving record with a point and a collision and my insurance doubled.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
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2012 E550 Cabrio
Like Wrath said.....its worth it the moment you need it.
But think of it this way - if you buy a tire warranty.......
The dealer makes money
MB makes money
and somewhere back up the line some company probably underwrites it and they make money
all after paying out the claims they have. Clearly, they take in more money than they pay or they wouldn't offer it. So mathematically it doesnt make sense, but neither does house insurance. With your house though, if it burns to the ground you could be devastated so its better to peel off a little and get the insurance just in case. Its the lesser of the two evils.
So if it would really wicked hurt you if you trash a rim or two get the insurance. If its just a hiccup in the road of life then skip it. Thats why I paid for an extended warranty - the worst case scenario could cause some real difficulty for me and so I paid a couple of k for the warranty. If all it buys me is peace of mind Im ok with that.
But think of it this way - if you buy a tire warranty.......
The dealer makes money
MB makes money
and somewhere back up the line some company probably underwrites it and they make money
all after paying out the claims they have. Clearly, they take in more money than they pay or they wouldn't offer it. So mathematically it doesnt make sense, but neither does house insurance. With your house though, if it burns to the ground you could be devastated so its better to peel off a little and get the insurance just in case. Its the lesser of the two evils.
So if it would really wicked hurt you if you trash a rim or two get the insurance. If its just a hiccup in the road of life then skip it. Thats why I paid for an extended warranty - the worst case scenario could cause some real difficulty for me and so I paid a couple of k for the warranty. If all it buys me is peace of mind Im ok with that.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
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From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
If u keep ur oem wheels & tires, u could go for it depending on ur road conditions where u live.
If u go aftermarket, skip it as I'm pretty sure MB will not cover it. I was told u can't even change tire size or else it will void ur coverage. (I.e go from 255 to 275 in the rear)
If u go aftermarket, skip it as I'm pretty sure MB will not cover it. I was told u can't even change tire size or else it will void ur coverage. (I.e go from 255 to 275 in the rear)
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 9
SL55
Wheel and Tire is the one thing that we offer that a lot of clients opt to purchase. The ones who don't always regret it. I think you overpaid for the policy (although Florida dealers are heavily regulated). Send me a pm.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 9
SL55
Like Wrath said.....its worth it the moment you need it.
But think of it this way - if you buy a tire warranty.......
The dealer makes money
MB makes money
and somewhere back up the line some company probably underwrites it and they make money
all after paying out the claims they have. Clearly, they take in more money than they pay or they wouldn't offer it. So mathematically it doesnt make sense, but neither does house insurance. With your house though, if it burns to the ground you could be devastated so its better to peel off a little and get the insurance just in case. Its the lesser of the two evils.
So if it would really wicked hurt you if you trash a rim or two get the insurance. If its just a hiccup in the road of life then skip it. Thats why I paid for an extended warranty - the worst case scenario could cause some real difficulty for me and so I paid a couple of k for the warranty. If all it buys me is peace of mind Im ok with that.
But think of it this way - if you buy a tire warranty.......
The dealer makes money
MB makes money
and somewhere back up the line some company probably underwrites it and they make money
all after paying out the claims they have. Clearly, they take in more money than they pay or they wouldn't offer it. So mathematically it doesnt make sense, but neither does house insurance. With your house though, if it burns to the ground you could be devastated so its better to peel off a little and get the insurance just in case. Its the lesser of the two evils.
So if it would really wicked hurt you if you trash a rim or two get the insurance. If its just a hiccup in the road of life then skip it. Thats why I paid for an extended warranty - the worst case scenario could cause some real difficulty for me and so I paid a couple of k for the warranty. If all it buys me is peace of mind Im ok with that.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
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2012 E550 Cabrio
Sorry but I don't believe it. If you work at a dealership they may tell you that but I think they are snowing you. Whenever an actor has a profit sharing deal on a movie, the studio always claims it lost money.
From personal experience, on both sides of the coin, I can say that the insurance and warranty business is not an altruistic one. It is 100% for profit.
Fair enough. But if there isn't a profit there, they either raise the rate or they don't insure the product anymore.
I don't mean to offend, nor do I question your honesty - only the accuracy of the information that you have been given.
From personal experience, on both sides of the coin, I can say that the insurance and warranty business is not an altruistic one. It is 100% for profit.
Fair enough. But if there isn't a profit there, they either raise the rate or they don't insure the product anymore.
I don't mean to offend, nor do I question your honesty - only the accuracy of the information that you have been given.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,811
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C63 AMG
Basically no or they wouldn't be selling them
In the last 20 years I've spent a small fraction on damaged rims and tires compared to what a warranty would cost
They are like paint protection and undercoating
Of little benefit and high profit margin
All this changes if you damage wheels frequently
they pro-rate the tires and don't cover curbing
Roads are probably good in FL
not a lot of potholes due to freeze/thaw etc.
In the last 20 years I've spent a small fraction on damaged rims and tires compared to what a warranty would cost
They are like paint protection and undercoating
Of little benefit and high profit margin
All this changes if you damage wheels frequently
they pro-rate the tires and don't cover curbing
Roads are probably good in FL
not a lot of potholes due to freeze/thaw etc.
Last edited by Ingenieur; Feb 16, 2014 at 05:41 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
scooter
This is accurate. I have been in plenty of meetings with the data.
Every wheel and tire plan that I have ever seen in my 25 years in the biz has limits on claims, or looks for ways to not cover cosmetic damage.
The MBUSA plan has no limits on claims, and will cover cosmetic damage as well. Considering one AMG wheel/tire combo can be well north of $1500, it is a very good plan for some.
Every wheel and tire plan that I have ever seen in my 25 years in the biz has limits on claims, or looks for ways to not cover cosmetic damage.
The MBUSA plan has no limits on claims, and will cover cosmetic damage as well. Considering one AMG wheel/tire combo can be well north of $1500, it is a very good plan for some.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 190
Likes: 14
From: Montreal, Qc
Past:2010 ML63 AMG, 2011 C63 AMG, 2011 E63 AMG, 2015 C400 4matic & 2014 CLS550 4matic. Now: 2017 C43
This is accurate. I have been in plenty of meetings with the data.
Every wheel and tire plan that I have ever seen in my 25 years in the biz has limits on claims, or looks for ways to not cover cosmetic damage.
The MBUSA plan has no limits on claims, and will cover cosmetic damage as well. Considering one AMG wheel/tire combo can be well north of $1500, it is a very good plan for some.
Every wheel and tire plan that I have ever seen in my 25 years in the biz has limits on claims, or looks for ways to not cover cosmetic damage.
The MBUSA plan has no limits on claims, and will cover cosmetic damage as well. Considering one AMG wheel/tire combo can be well north of $1500, it is a very good plan for some.
In less than 2 years, I replaced 3 summer tires (and repaired a mag wheel) and 2 winter tires (which were 20 inch on aftermarket replica ML63 mags). So basically more than paid for itself! There are no limits to the coverage.
The F&I manager at the store uses me as an example! Lol!
I remember 2 stipulations of the policy off the top of my head;
1: tires need to be at 4/32nds or better to be covered and
2: they need to be a brand name, basically no made in China tires (which makes sense as you can get 4 China brand tires for the price of 1 regular tire).
Grant it, I do live up in Canada where we have a "pot hole season", but these were all road debris (metal, nails, etc).
Needles to say, I bought the tire and rim coverage for my C63 also!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
If you play the odds.... they win. chances are you don't need it. I regret it.
As a benchmark, in the pot-holed northeast, I paid $2000 for 5 yrs.
* Tire and Rim (cracks, not scuffs)
* 24 Hour Roadside
* Windshield Repair
* Paintless Dent Repair
* Key/Remote Replacement
..as I type all this, it sounds good, but I've never needed any of it on any car I've owned before in 20+ years.
As a benchmark, in the pot-holed northeast, I paid $2000 for 5 yrs.
* Tire and Rim (cracks, not scuffs)
* 24 Hour Roadside
* Windshield Repair
* Paintless Dent Repair
* Key/Remote Replacement
..as I type all this, it sounds good, but I've never needed any of it on any car I've owned before in 20+ years.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 190
Likes: 14
From: Montreal, Qc
Past:2010 ML63 AMG, 2011 C63 AMG, 2011 E63 AMG, 2015 C400 4matic & 2014 CLS550 4matic. Now: 2017 C43
It's always a gamble, just like life or disability insurance.
In my case, 5 tires on an AMG vehicle in less than 2 years... More than worth it... At $600 or more per tire...
Would I take the insurance if I lived in Florida though... Not so sure..
In my case, 5 tires on an AMG vehicle in less than 2 years... More than worth it... At $600 or more per tire...
Would I take the insurance if I lived in Florida though... Not so sure..
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2013 C63 AMG
Thanks for all the valuable input guys, it was a great help. I just spoke with the underwriting company and they confirmed; curb rash is covered, I can change tire widths without affecting the warranty and because the dealer checked the box "Aftermarket Wheels" I can swap the swap the wheels and get reimbursed up to the value of the original wheels (including chroming).
As everyone has said, one serious wheel 'episode' in the next five years and it's a break even policy. More than that and I'm ahead. And the way I look at it is if I have no issues in 5 years then that's a good thing
As everyone has said, one serious wheel 'episode' in the next five years and it's a break even policy. More than that and I'm ahead. And the way I look at it is if I have no issues in 5 years then that's a good thing
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 103
2013 S550 SOLD / 2016 S63 SOLD / 2017 GLS450 / 2017 G550 4x4 / 2019 G63 E1 SOLD / 2019 AMG S63 COUPE
Is it possible to buy the First Class Wheel and Tire Protection Plus after purchasing the vehicle or it must be at the point of sale, because I purchased CNA Care Plus but some how they declined my claim when I complaint about the paint pealing of the RIMS, but the dealer took care of it .
Thanks..
Thanks..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 0
From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
Yes you can buy wheel coverage after you purchase the vehicle. I dont remember how many days it is, but you are not able to make a claim till X amount of days after you purchase the coverage.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 352
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, QC
2013 C63 coupe P31
Does anyone know the number of days until which you can buy the protection? The dealer told me it had to be bought with the purchase of the vehicle, and I chose not to take the warranty at the time (2 months ago).
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 2
From: MA
2014 E63S Wagon, 2013 odyssey
I was told 30 days from purchase, no exception (for the warranty they will just charge an extra fee after 30 days). And I didn't buy it from my dealer, I used jjj benz on this board. Can't remember how much I paid (less than half price) but it was not the 3,000 or so they wanted for 5 years.
Edward
Edward
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 961
Likes: 16
Audi A5 6MT, C63 AMG
you have 60 days to cancel but I dont think its worth it. I bought mine for 1750$ and then I eventually cancelled it. I got a letter from the 3rd party which included a form for me to sign. It clearly mentioned that the dealer cost was 1016$. And there I was, at the dealership, at the time of buying my car, seeing the sorry face of the finance manager, with a tear in hils eye, telling me that their margin was only 50$.
Save ur money. if you are a baller, donate it to charity.
Save ur money. if you are a baller, donate it to charity.
