Is Tire/wheel Ins really worth it...

Yes!

Just got a call from my indy shop, I was in for an alignment and found out my 2 front rims are bent!

So glad I decided to buy tire & wheel insurance when I first purchased the car a couple years ago. The 2 front rims run $500 each, not a cheap replacement expense.

The policy cost me some $349 back went first initiated and runs for 5 yrs. I remember contemplating it for a couple of days whether it was something I wanted to buy(I'm not one that gives much thought to buying extra warranties) but at present I'm sure glad I did in this case. Based on what I had read online it seemed to be and still is conventional wisdom if you live in "bad(road)land" territories.

Some lessons learned; a) run-flats are not just a crappy ride, they are also so hard that they amplify potholes explosions or any other road hazard you might come across leading to car damage, and b) 19" rims look great but are not good for most roads here in America and last but not least c) I will be going non run-flats as soon as I get through this set of OEM rubber covered rocks*!

*I am assuming non runflats are more forgiving on rim damage than runflats, am I correct? And yes, I do understand with 19" it's a bit of a losing battle over time.

Originally Posted by daytrader

I am assuming non runflats are more forgiving on rim damage than runflats, am I correct? And yes, I do understand with 19" it's a bit of a losing battle over time.

Probably go-flats are worse - the sidewall is softer and allows curb/potholes to more easily reach the wheel.

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Probably go-flats are worse - the sidewall is softer and allows curb/potholes to more easily reach the wheel.

Maybe, but I think regular tires give you more sidewall that cushions a shock. They also don't have the steel reinforcement of rft's that gives little to no impact absorption thus transferring all the impact to the rims.

It is insurance hence someone is making money so over time you would pay more with insurance, but if you have really bad luck or drive in an area with terrible roads, it may pay off a bit more. If I take the cost of all the damaged tires and wheels I have repaired over the last 20 years compared to paying the insurance for 20 years, I have spent 1/10th the money by fixing stuff as needed vs. buying the insurance.

The roads in NJ are terrible. In 1 year, I went through 11 tires. I did get the insurance, since on my last car, I didnt have it. The insurance has worked out well for me.

Originally Posted by daytrader

Maybe, but I think regular tires give you more sidewall that cushions a shock. They also don't have the steel reinforcement of rft's that gives little to no impact absorption thus transferring all the impact to the rims.

+1. Not to mention ride harshness from the RFTs.

Is curb scrape covered on the rims? I just noticed this on one of my wheels. And I bought the insurance because I was concerned about the low profile tires with the Jersey roads.

Originally Posted by whazzup

Is curb scrape covered on the rims? I just noticed this on one of my wheels. And I bought the insurance because I was concerned about the low profile tires with the Jersey roads.

Mine does not...but for curb rash, it can be repaired at fairly reasonable prices, either professionally or as a DIY.