There are coloured plastic rim protectors called Alloygators that provide some limited protection and there are some tyres that have a protruding ridge to hit the kerb before the rim does. Obviously if the car is fitted with deeper profile tyres then there will be less chance of kerbing the rims. The standard size is 235/60 on 18-inch wheels and these should be okay. Bigger wheels with lower profile tyres won't be.