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I've read several of letters in your column recently regarding the requirement to inform your insurance company of changes to a car from standard. This has included changes to wheels and tyres. With increasing interest in winter tyres and many people offering the service to change and store, does this not constitute a change to original equipment the therefore require informing the insurance company EACH time they are changed over?

Asked on 29 August 2011 by RWS, Bath

Answered by Honest John
Yes, they need to be notified, but after I made a big fuss about this last year the ABI has ruled that a switch to winter tyres obviously puts the car at less risk and should not therefore bring about any increase in premium. If your insurer does attempt to charge for them, do your sums first, compare quotes and consider sacking your insurer.

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