I recently changed the 16-inch alloy wheels and tyres on my Honda Jazz and fitted 15-inch steel wheels with cold weather tyres (the only size of winter tyres available for the Jazz). The 15-inch replacements, both tyres and wheels, are the correct size as stated in my handbook. Prior to fitting the tyres I contacted my insurer, who told me that I needed to inform them when I changed the tyres and that there would not be any extra charge. Shortly after the change-over I rang them to tell them that I was now on cold weather tyres. I was asked if I had made any other changes and I told them that I now had steel wheels instead of the original alloys. This immediately incurred a surcharge of £48 on my premium as, according to them, steel wheels constituted a “modification”. I deemed this unnecessary and no amount of persuasion would get them to accept that my car still conformed to handbook specification.

The next day I insured with another firm who were quite satisfied with the changes as stated and I then cancelled my Churchill policy. Do steel wheels necessitate a premium increase and am I wrong to be so angry about the affair?