Drivers who fit winter tyres to their vehicle to cope with snow are being charged higher car insurance premiums, it has been reported.
According to AA Insurance Services, some people have been told to pay up to 20 per cent more. Winter tyres should be much safer in the snow, however some insurers regard them as a modification to the manufacturer’s specifications. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that is a mistake and premiums should not be raised.
Ian Crowder, from the AA, said in some cases insurers were even refusing to provide cover if winter tyres were fitted. The mistake is being attributed to insurance company call centres, where not all staff may be aware of the safety implications.
During the last few weeks of wintry weather, winter, or snow tyres, have turned out to be more popular than ever before. One supplier, Kwik Fit, says it has already sold 50,000 of them this year, compared with 2,000 last year. It warns that many retailers have now sold out of the standard sizes.