Wheel & Tire Insurance questions
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 45
From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
Wheel & Tire Insurance questions
I am picking up my 2015 E350 4matic on Saturday. Sport package, AMG wheels, etc.
I know I will be asked to consider buying the wheel and tire insurance during signing of the lease documents, etc.
Some questions.
1. Views on whether buying the wheel and tire insurance makes sense?
2. Pricing that you are paying?
3. Are there other MB dealers F&I folks that are discounting this insurance?
Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated.
I have not purchased the insurance in the past and so far it worked out. But maybe it makes sense.
Thanks.
I know I will be asked to consider buying the wheel and tire insurance during signing of the lease documents, etc.
Some questions.
1. Views on whether buying the wheel and tire insurance makes sense?
2. Pricing that you are paying?
3. Are there other MB dealers F&I folks that are discounting this insurance?
Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated.
I have not purchased the insurance in the past and so far it worked out. But maybe it makes sense.
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I am picking up my 2015 E350 4matic on Saturday. Sport package, AMG wheels, etc.
I know I will be asked to consider buying the wheel and tire insurance during signing of the lease documents, etc.
Some questions.
1. Views on whether buying the wheel and tire insurance makes sense?
2. Pricing that you are paying?
3. Are there other MB dealers F&I folks that are discounting this insurance?
Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated.
I have not purchased the insurance in the past and so far it worked out. But maybe it makes sense.
Thanks.
I know I will be asked to consider buying the wheel and tire insurance during signing of the lease documents, etc.
Some questions.
1. Views on whether buying the wheel and tire insurance makes sense?
2. Pricing that you are paying?
3. Are there other MB dealers F&I folks that are discounting this insurance?
Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated.
I have not purchased the insurance in the past and so far it worked out. But maybe it makes sense.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
2012 E350 sedan
Some answers
If you do a search on "extended warranty" on this site their are a few dealer agents that sell it at a considerable discount. I expect they could offer a better deal on the wheel & tire warranty too.
I chose not to buy it at all because:
1. I can go to my local tire dealer (Discount a.k.a. America's) and buy a tire warranty for about 10% of the price of the tire, per tire. They do this even on tires they did not sell.
2. My car insurance already pays for fixing/replacing a bent rim.
I chose not to buy it at all because:
1. I can go to my local tire dealer (Discount a.k.a. America's) and buy a tire warranty for about 10% of the price of the tire, per tire. They do this even on tires they did not sell.
2. My car insurance already pays for fixing/replacing a bent rim.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
For me it was worth it!
I paid $940 for 60 months coverage.
On Feb '14 during the last Winter storm, I hit a pot hole and had to replace a damaged OEM rim + Winter tire (over $700.00 + costs of tow to dealership).
Then in July I noticed a bubble on the side wall of one tire and had that replaced ($300.00+).
This week I hit another pot hole and had to replace another Winter tire ($400.00).
So within one and a half year, the M-B First Class Tire and Rim Protection has more than paid for itself and I still have 3.5 years coverage left!
If you intend to keep the car for five years it might be worth considering as our OEM rims and tires can be quite expensive to replace.
Also it depends on the road conditions in your area.
I paid $940 for 60 months coverage.
On Feb '14 during the last Winter storm, I hit a pot hole and had to replace a damaged OEM rim + Winter tire (over $700.00 + costs of tow to dealership).
Then in July I noticed a bubble on the side wall of one tire and had that replaced ($300.00+).
This week I hit another pot hole and had to replace another Winter tire ($400.00).
So within one and a half year, the M-B First Class Tire and Rim Protection has more than paid for itself and I still have 3.5 years coverage left!
If you intend to keep the car for five years it might be worth considering as our OEM rims and tires can be quite expensive to replace.
Also it depends on the road conditions in your area.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
I am picking up my 2015 E350 4matic on Saturday. Sport package, AMG wheels, etc.
I know I will be asked to consider buying the wheel and tire insurance during signing of the lease documents, etc.
Some questions.
1. Views on whether buying the wheel and tire insurance makes sense?
Thanks.
I know I will be asked to consider buying the wheel and tire insurance during signing of the lease documents, etc.
Some questions.
1. Views on whether buying the wheel and tire insurance makes sense?
Thanks.
I chose not to go with the MB tire/wheel insurance because the price was high ($1300+ taxes) and the fact that my car has conventional radials which can be easily patched if I get a flat (providing that the offending nail is within the tread area).
In the final analysis, remember this is a 'profit' opportunity for both the dealer and the insurance company who are betting against you. They usually WIN !!!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
As DC-IT stated, it partly depends on the road conditions in your area. IF you drive on a lot of rough roads with deep potholes, then maybe insurance is worth considering. It might also be a good idea IF your car has RFTs (unlikely for 2015-E350 4M), which are considerably more expensive to replace and not repairable.
I chose not to go with the MB tire/wheel insurance because the price was high ($1300+ taxes) and the fact that my car has conventional radials which can be easily patched if I get a flat (providing that the offending nail is within the tread area).
In the final analysis, remember this is a 'profit' opportunity for both the dealer and the insurance company who are betting against you. They usually WIN !!!
I chose not to go with the MB tire/wheel insurance because the price was high ($1300+ taxes) and the fact that my car has conventional radials which can be easily patched if I get a flat (providing that the offending nail is within the tread area).
In the final analysis, remember this is a 'profit' opportunity for both the dealer and the insurance company who are betting against you. They usually WIN !!!
And OEM rims are not cheap either!
Surprisingly my old BMW 335D with RFT did not suffer any damage in 105,000 KM and I had tire and rim protection!
My ML350BT had one claim for a bubble on the side wall and that was almost $500.00 for a 20" truck tire.
Based on my previous two cars history I almost didn't get the protection when I got my 2013 E350BT. But decided to buy it as it's a company cars and I can write of the expense anyway.
It has paid off this time and I still have 42 months coverage left.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 45
From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
I live in the NY Metro area and pot holed roads are common.
Many dealers try to get up to $2,000 for a policy and reading that a 5 year policy was purchased for $960 is very reasonable.
Does anyone have names of dealers who discount these policies?
Thanks
Mark
Many dealers try to get up to $2,000 for a policy and reading that a 5 year policy was purchased for $960 is very reasonable.
Does anyone have names of dealers who discount these policies?
Thanks
Mark
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I don't recall the details of the MB policy but it would be wise to check things like:
Does it cover:
- replacement tires after the originals wear out?
- Winter tires, if you switch over?
If the two case above would be covered, are there any requirements such as, do they need to be "MB-approved" tires and/or purchased from a MB dealer to get coverage?
In other words, make sure the fine print is understood before purchasing?
Does it cover:
- replacement tires after the originals wear out?
- Winter tires, if you switch over?
If the two case above would be covered, are there any requirements such as, do they need to be "MB-approved" tires and/or purchased from a MB dealer to get coverage?
In other words, make sure the fine print is understood before purchasing?
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
I don't recall the details of the MB policy but it would be wise to check things like:
Does it cover:
- replacement tires after the originals wear out?
- Winter tires, if you switch over?
If the two case above would be covered, are there any requirements such as, do they need to be "MB-approved" tires and/or purchased from a MB dealer to get coverage?
In other words, make sure the fine print is understood before purchasing?
Does it cover:
- replacement tires after the originals wear out?
- Winter tires, if you switch over?
If the two case above would be covered, are there any requirements such as, do they need to be "MB-approved" tires and/or purchased from a MB dealer to get coverage?
In other words, make sure the fine print is understood before purchasing?
Thus I was able to claim 2# replacement Winter Tires and one All Seasons Tire so far.
If the OEM tires are worn out it's not covered for wear and tear.
But if your worn tire has a blow out or bubble then the policy will replace it with a new tire. No questions asked.
Also so long as you replace your worn tires with the same make and model the replacement tires will now be covered by the policy.
You don't have to buy the replacement tires from M-B dealer but the tires have to be the same as the OEM tires.
And if you decide to replace all four tires with a different brand tires they will also be covered as long as they are of the same size and speed rating.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
I just checked my policy and note that the price I paid ($940.00) only covers standard OEM rims. There is an option for "Premium" coverage that covers all AMGs and aftermarket rims.
But there is no mention of the tire brands. I assume that when one buys an M-B the rims and tires that are fitted will be covered. So if you have AMG rims the dealer will then sell you the premium coverage which costs more.
But there is no mention of the tire brands. I assume that when one buys an M-B the rims and tires that are fitted will be covered. So if you have AMG rims the dealer will then sell you the premium coverage which costs more.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
2012 E350 sedan
Check here for MB agents offering a discount on warranties
https://mbworld.org/forums/extended-...-warranty.html
Although the site is for the extended warranty they should also offer discounts on the tire/rim policy too. I'd send an email to each and see who gives the best deal.
As others have said, it depends on your driving and the area. Over the past 20 years, I would have used a tire warranty twice and replaced a rim once. I can get a warranty for all 4 tires that covers all road hazards, sidewall bubbles, etc for my E350 from my local tire store for about $100 even though they did not sell me the tires but my experience is that it is not worth the investment. The bent rim was covered by my regular car insurance.
On the other hand, my son pays no attention to tire pressure and has used his tire warranty about every 2 years. His car does not have a tire pressure alert system though.
One note about any tire warranty. They only cover the damaged tire. Most tire stores will always try to sell you tires in pairs, at least, and often all 4. So you will still have to pay for the other one, or three. My family used to be in the tire business. About the only time you can get by only replacing the damaged tire is if it is on a non-drive axle, like the front tires on a RWD car, AND there is not much wear on the non-damaged tire. I almost never replace all 4 tires at the same time and have never had a driveability issue replacing only pairs on any FWD or RWD car.
Although the site is for the extended warranty they should also offer discounts on the tire/rim policy too. I'd send an email to each and see who gives the best deal.
As others have said, it depends on your driving and the area. Over the past 20 years, I would have used a tire warranty twice and replaced a rim once. I can get a warranty for all 4 tires that covers all road hazards, sidewall bubbles, etc for my E350 from my local tire store for about $100 even though they did not sell me the tires but my experience is that it is not worth the investment. The bent rim was covered by my regular car insurance.
On the other hand, my son pays no attention to tire pressure and has used his tire warranty about every 2 years. His car does not have a tire pressure alert system though.
One note about any tire warranty. They only cover the damaged tire. Most tire stores will always try to sell you tires in pairs, at least, and often all 4. So you will still have to pay for the other one, or three. My family used to be in the tire business. About the only time you can get by only replacing the damaged tire is if it is on a non-drive axle, like the front tires on a RWD car, AND there is not much wear on the non-damaged tire. I almost never replace all 4 tires at the same time and have never had a driveability issue replacing only pairs on any FWD or RWD car.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 45
From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
https://mbworld.org/forums/extended-...-warranty.html
Although the site is for the extended warranty they should also offer discounts on the tire/rim policy too. I'd send an email to each and see who gives the best deal.
As others have said, it depends on your driving and the area. Over the past 20 years, I would have used a tire warranty twice and replaced a rim once. I can get a warranty for all 4 tires that covers all road hazards, sidewall bubbles, etc for my E350 from my local tire store for about $100 even though they did not sell me the tires but my experience is that it is not worth the investment. The bent rim was covered by my regular car insurance.
On the other hand, my son pays no attention to tire pressure and has used his tire warranty about every 2 years. His car does not have a tire pressure alert system though.
One note about any tire warranty. They only cover the damaged tire. Most tire stores will always try to sell you tires in pairs, at least, and often all 4. So you will still have to pay for the other one, or three. My family used to be in the tire business. About the only time you can get by only replacing the damaged tire is if it is on a non-drive axle, like the front tires on a RWD car, AND there is not much wear on the non-damaged tire. I almost never replace all 4 tires at the same time and have never had a driveability issue replacing only pairs on any FWD or RWD car.
Although the site is for the extended warranty they should also offer discounts on the tire/rim policy too. I'd send an email to each and see who gives the best deal.
As others have said, it depends on your driving and the area. Over the past 20 years, I would have used a tire warranty twice and replaced a rim once. I can get a warranty for all 4 tires that covers all road hazards, sidewall bubbles, etc for my E350 from my local tire store for about $100 even though they did not sell me the tires but my experience is that it is not worth the investment. The bent rim was covered by my regular car insurance.
On the other hand, my son pays no attention to tire pressure and has used his tire warranty about every 2 years. His car does not have a tire pressure alert system though.
One note about any tire warranty. They only cover the damaged tire. Most tire stores will always try to sell you tires in pairs, at least, and often all 4. So you will still have to pay for the other one, or three. My family used to be in the tire business. About the only time you can get by only replacing the damaged tire is if it is on a non-drive axle, like the front tires on a RWD car, AND there is not much wear on the non-damaged tire. I almost never replace all 4 tires at the same time and have never had a driveability issue replacing only pairs on any FWD or RWD car.
Thank you for the link.
Back in 2008-9, a dealer would sell W&T insurance for less than $500. After years of frequent and costly claims experience, the warranty companies raised the rates and I understand why.
But when dealers are trying to sell the product for over $2k, the decision process is different. Rim repair services cost about $150 a wheel. TireRack prices (or local discount tire stores) sell the tires for less than $200 each.
For the 2012 E350 going back on Saturday, I had no issues except for a nail in a tire that Pep Boys (only place open at night) repaired for $25. In 30 months, my BMW had two bent wheels and it cost $300 to repair. Tires were fine. So far I have been lucky given I drive into NYC frequently and the winter potholes are not kind on the roads and streets. I am careful but when it is raining at night, it is all about luck since the potholes seems to hard to see.
Enough said as I do not want to give myself a bad omen.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 5
From: Greenville SC USA
2008 E320 Bluetec (until 11/14), 2001 SLK 320, 2004 Volvo V70, 1972 MGB, 2013 E350
Since moved to South Carolina 2 flats in 15 years, no damaged rims. When I was in the NY/NJ area, the potholes would regularly swallow my car.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 15
From: Boston and SWFlorida
2025 GLC300 white, 2023 Taycan RWD black
I have had T+W coverage on my last three leases and they have always paid for themselves. This has been with Boston city driving and Florida driving. Caution, although the finance department adds the price to your payment, it isn't a national insurance program. Some will want you to pay the dealer (or vendor) for the work and will send you a reimbursement check (not good). If you service at a dealer other than the one you purchased from they may want you to pay immediately. Some of the insurers are slow payers and some have a standard "pay scale" which leaves you to pay any difference. My plans have always included new tires, some will patch existing tires if feasible. They don't cover normal wear and tear and some may discount the reimbursement based upon remaining tread.
Some cover wheel blemishes, some have deductibles. So know what you are getting and try to find out whether it will be honored by other dealers.
Some cover wheel blemishes, some have deductibles. So know what you are getting and try to find out whether it will be honored by other dealers.
Last edited by boylston; Dec 27, 2014 at 09:17 PM.
