The catch 22 with tire insurance - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

radix · 05-05-2008, 10:35 PM

I'm just posting this as a warning, as I went through a hassle today at the dealer regarding my mytire tire insurance contract. I purchased the top tier tire insurance from mytire through my dealer when I purchased my car.

Due to all the construction in my area I've had to take roads I don't usually take and I usually just let the Navi figure out the fastest way to my destination (the RTTI actually works well for me). Due to this, I've managed to hit some potholes and as a result both my front tires have bulges in them, and one has had a TPM event.

So I go to the dealer to get the tires replaced under the insurance policy I took out and after inspecting the car they tell me that mytire has told them that they need to dissect the tires to see if they have been damaged. Herein lies the hook. If they dissect the tires and there is no damage, then they've ruined the tires anyhow, and I'll have to pay $800.00 or so out of pocket. If there is damage then they will replace them under the policy. I wasn't willing to take an $800.00 roll of the dice without further consideration.

It's always been my understanding that bulges indicate tire damage (damaged belt), and the traditional advice is to replace them ASAP. The mytire contract specifies that the tire must fail due to the damage. I thought a leak that caused a TPM event constituted failure, apparently they think otherwise. Anyhow, buyer beware.

smellthebeans · 05-05-2008, 10:39 PM

Thats the craziest thing i have ever heard

BK · 05-05-2008, 10:40 PM

I'd say a bulge in the sidewall = failure. If it is unsafe to drive on, what's the difference between that and a total blowout? None. I'd push a little harder with the insurance company and your dealer who sold you the policy.

radix · 05-05-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

I'd say a bulge in the sidewall = failure. If it is unsafe to drive on, what's the difference between that and a total blowout? None. I'd push a little harder with the insurance company and your dealer who sold you the policy.

I agree, even my CA thought it was BS. The problem is the roads are so bad around my area right now that apparently there have been too many claims. I'm freakin pissed about it and considering my options.

Nikos335i · 05-05-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anmcguire

I agree, even my CA thought it was BS. The problem is the roads are so bad around my area right now that apparently there have been too many claims. I'm freakin pissed about it and considering my options.

I would be upset as well!! I would suggest asking them a letter stating that a bulge doesn't represent a risk (depending on where it's located it could be more of a risk). See if they are willing to live with the liability in the event of a failure!!!

Sorry for not being able to give you any additional insight.

Good luck!

radix · 05-05-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikos335i

I would be upset as well!! I would suggest asking them a letter stating that a bulge doesn't represent a risk (depending on where it's located it could be more of a risk). See if they are willing to live with the liability in the event of a failure!!!

Sorry for not being able to give you any additional insight.

Good luck!

Thanks... the last thing I said to the SA was "So what? You expect me to drive this thing until the f$#kin wheel falls off?" The answer I got was, "They're run flats, if the tire blows you can still drive on it for 100 miles." Unfreakinbelievable.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, the leaking tire has a snake bite as well.

MikeMidd · 05-05-2008, 10:58 PM

Newbie question on tire bulges like this. I've never had RFTs until the 335i that is on its way right now. Can anyone post a photo of what it looks like? I'm curious, and while it sounds intuitive, I'd like to see how obvious this is (or isn't)...

radix · 05-05-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMidd

Newbie question on tire bulges like this. I've never had RFTs until the 335i that is on its way right now. Can anyone post a photo of what it looks like? I'm curious, and while it sounds intuitive, I'd like to see how obvious this is (or isn't)...

This is not my tire or my photo, but they look like this:

Nikos335i · 05-05-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMidd

Newbie question on tire bulges like this. I've never had RFTs until the 335i that is on its way right now. Can anyone post a photo of what it looks like? I'm curious, and while it sounds intuitive, I'd like to see how obvious this is (or isn't)...

I'm at work right will post some pics tomorrow if nobody else posts any by then!

Daya · 05-05-2008, 11:02 PM

damn, which dealer is this? have you considered calling other dealers in the area?

Nikos335i · 05-05-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anmcguire

This is not my tire or my photo, but they look like this:

You were too fast!

Actually mine looks different! I'll post it up tomorrow!

radix · 05-05-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daya

damn, which dealer is this? have you considered calling other dealers in the area?

Fields... I've actually considered calling BMW NA and asking them how they let their dealers get into business with companies like this. I'm not sure that's the right approach though. I might give another local dealer a shot first, but I'd guess that mytire would just tell them the same thing.

scollins · 05-05-2008, 11:06 PM

Contact Bridgestone, send them a picture, and ask them if bulge represents a safety hazard. I'm going to guess they will say that it does. Make it clear to Bridgestone that you aren't asking them to cover the damage to the tire, as you have insurance for that, but they are denying coverage because they don't feel it is a safety hazard. If the manufacturer says it is a safety hazard and presents danger to you, the occupants of your vehicle and other drivers, the insurance company will have to pay.

Another option is to contact your state's Insurance Commissioner. I'm sure they'd like to hear about an insurance company that says they will have to destroy the tire to see if it is damaged, and if it isn't, tough shit for you. Here is the link to the Insurance Division in Illinois: http://www.idfpr.com/DOI/default2.asp

ilshim · 05-05-2008, 11:07 PM

get your tire insurance at discount tire co. it will be around 200ish but they just do a visual inspection.

radix · 05-05-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scollins

Contact Bridgestone, send them a picture, and ask them if bulge represents a safety hazard. I'm going to guess they will say that it does. Make it clear to Bridgestone that you aren't asking them to cover the damage to the tire, as you have insurance for that, but they are denying coverage because they don't feel it is a safety hazard. If the manufacturer says it is a safety hazard and presents danger to you, the occupants of your vehicle and other drivers, the insurance company will have to pay.

Another option is to contact your state's Insurance Commissioner. I'm sure they'd like to hear about an insurance company that says they will have to destroy the tire to see if it is damaged, and if it isn't, tough shit for you. Here is the link to the Insurance Division in Illinois: http://www.idfpr.com/DOI/default2.asp

Wow, great advice. Thanks!

Nikos335i · 05-05-2008, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anmcguire

Wow, great advice. Thanks!

+1

MikeMidd · 05-05-2008, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikos335i

You were too fast!

Actually mine looks different! I'll post it up tomorrow!

Any way you can post a pic of more of the tire, when you do yours - if you've got that type of photo? Am curious to see how much it stands out from the rim and rest of the sidewall. I find this whole RFT thing fascinating (and rather ridiculous).

Sorry for the thread hijack...

rosh · 05-05-2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anmcguire

Wow, great advice. Thanks!

+1

attorneyscott · 05-05-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilshim

get your tire insurance at discount tire co. it will be around 200ish but they just do a visual inspection.

that's what I did. the dealership wanted 695 for tire insurance. with tax, it was about 230 out the door at Discount Tire.

sorry to hear about that. sounds like you got ripped off buying that "insurance". sounds like health insurance companies - they'll pay to keep you alive if you're dying, but won't pay for preventative medicine.

radix · 05-05-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by attorneyscott

sounds like health insurance companies - they'll pay to keep you alive if you're dying, but won't pay for preventative medicine.

Good analogy.

rosh · 05-05-2008, 11:38 PM

mine. Driver side. Dealer said its very minor and would need a change of tire eventually.. Would that happen to a regular tire in case of similar pothole that i hit?? I wonder!

radix · 05-05-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosh

mine. Driver side. Dealer said its very minor and would need a change of tire eventually.. Would that happen to a regular tire in case of similar pothole that i hit?? I wonder!

That's about what mine looks like if you add a snake bite. Mine's previously lost pressure though (7psi or so overnight).

05-05-2008, 10:35 PM	#1
radix Ʃ Drives: - Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: - Posts: 883 iTrader: (0)	The catch 22 with tire insurance I'm just posting this as a warning, as I went through a hassle today at the dealer regarding my mytire tire insurance contract. I purchased the top tier tire insurance from mytire through my dealer when I purchased my car. Due to all the construction in my area I've had to take roads I don't usually take and I usually just let the Navi figure out the fastest way to my destination (the RTTI actually works well for me). Due to this, I've managed to hit some potholes and as a result both my front tires have bulges in them, and one has had a TPM event. So I go to the dealer to get the tires replaced under the insurance policy I took out and after inspecting the car they tell me that mytire has told them that they need to dissect the tires to see if they have been damaged. Herein lies the hook. If they dissect the tires and there is no damage, then they've ruined the tires anyhow, and I'll have to pay $800.00 or so out of pocket. If there is damage then they will replace them under the policy. I wasn't willing to take an $800.00 roll of the dice without further consideration. It's always been my understanding that bulges indicate tire damage (damaged belt), and the traditional advice is to replace them ASAP. The mytire contract specifies that the tire must fail due to the damage. I thought a leak that caused a TPM event constituted failure, apparently they think otherwise. Anyhow, buyer beware. __________________ 0 -> 1
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05-05-2008, 10:39 PM	#2
smellthebeans Major Drives: LPCs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Stuttgart Posts: 1,366 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 328i Coupe [0.00] 1990 325i [0.00]	Thats the craziest thing i have ever heard __________________

05-05-2008, 10:40 PM	#3
BK Smiling politely Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 7,903 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [4.50]	I'd say a bulge in the sidewall = failure. If it is unsafe to drive on, what's the difference between that and a total blowout? None. I'd push a little harder with the insurance company and your dealer who sold you the policy. __________________ 330i \| Black Sapphire \| Beige + Burl \| Sport \| Premium \| Cold \| Nav \| CA \| Sat prep

05-05-2008, 11:02 PM	#10
Daya Lieutenant Colonel Drives: e92 335 space gray/coral red Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,670 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335 [4.83]	damn, which dealer is this? have you considered calling other dealers in the area? __________________ GIAC S2 \| Brembo GT BBK 355/345 \| BBS CH-R \| Michelin Pilot Super Sports \| AR Design: DP, S1 Oil Cooler, OCC \| AMS FMIC \| Bastuck Quad Exhaust \| Borla MP \| KW V1 \| Stett: CAI, CP \| Forge DV \| P3 Boost Gauge \| Arkym: Front Lip, Rear Quad Diffuser \| Vorsteiner CSL Trunk \| LUX H8 \| ModMyNav \| MFD M3 Sideskirts \| BMW M-Tech Front/Rear Bumpers, Edition Grills

05-05-2008, 11:06 PM	#13
scollins Bootleggin' 'n Gunrunnin' Drives: 2010 e70 X5 35d Join Date: May 2007 Location: Renton, WA Posts: 2,346 iTrader: (3)	Contact Bridgestone, send them a picture, and ask them if bulge represents a safety hazard. I'm going to guess they will say that it does. Make it clear to Bridgestone that you aren't asking them to cover the damage to the tire, as you have insurance for that, but they are denying coverage because they don't feel it is a safety hazard. If the manufacturer says it is a safety hazard and presents danger to you, the occupants of your vehicle and other drivers, the insurance company will have to pay. Another option is to contact your state's Insurance Commissioner. I'm sure they'd like to hear about an insurance company that says they will have to destroy the tire to see if it is damaged, and if it isn't, tough shit for you. Here is the link to the Insurance Division in Illinois: http://www.idfpr.com/DOI/default2.asp __________________ Scott 2010 E70 X5 35d Alpine White on Black with Dark Bamboo trim ZAP \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZPS \| ZRC \| ZTP \| 322 \| 328 \| 330 \| 386 \| 4AZ \| 4UB \| 655 \| 6FL \| 6NF 2008 Ducati 1098S Red naturally....

05-05-2008, 10:58 PM	#7
MikeMidd Thrillin' and billin' Drives: Three-Three-Five Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 416 iTrader: (0)	Newbie question on tire bulges like this. I've never had RFTs until the 335i that is on its way right now. Can anyone post a photo of what it looks like? I'm curious, and while it sounds intuitive, I'd like to see how obvious this is (or isn't)...

05-05-2008, 11:07 PM	#14
ilshim Private First Class Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: So. California Posts: 156 iTrader: (0)	get your tire insurance at discount tire co. it will be around 200ish but they just do a visual inspection. __________________

05-05-2008, 11:38 PM	#21
rosh Second Lieutenant Drives: 335i Stock ! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 234 iTrader: (0)	mine. Driver side. Dealer said its very minor and would need a change of tire eventually.. Would that happen to a regular tire in case of similar pothole that i hit?? I wonder! Attached Images __________________ E90 / Monaco Blue / Terra / Dark Burl / Steptronic / Sport / Premium / Nav / Cold Weather / Comfort Access

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