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Swiftcover....Trye issue. Please help, I’ve opened a can of worms!! Advice needed.
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02-22-2010, 01:44 PM | #45 |
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These are my latest emails;
Dear Swiftcover, In response to your email I would like to point out that in your initial reply you appeared to confirm you were happy for me to go ahead with change of tyre as detailed. However on spotting an apparent administrative error, I sought confirmation to ensure that my policy would be in no way be invalidated. In your follow up email you have now asked me to seek advice from BMW. I am confused by your reply; I'm sure you're aware that most manufacturers will recommend a specific component and so I am seeking clarification of the queries you wish me to put to BMW. To the best of my knowledge the tyres that I intend to fit, which are a premium brand, are in no way performance enhancing and, as previously stated, are identical in dimension. The only difference with are that they do not have run flat properties and my only reason for wishing to change them is comfort. The inconsistent responses I have received from you to date have succeeded in confusing me so I would therefore ask you to clarify exactly what you mean by "acceptable". If necessary, please could you refer this matter to your Customer Services Manager in the hope that they will be able to give me a definitive answer. Yours Faithfully, (animalfreeride) I got this reply from Shitcover; Dear (animalfreeride), Thank you for your e-mail. I can confirm that we will be happy to cover the new tyres as long as they in no way enhance the performace of the car. You would need to cheek this with BMW about the type of tyres that they are putting on the car. Kind Regards, Swift Help Team Swiftcover.com So you can guess by now i'm getting teasy. I sent Shitcover this. I am awaiting a reply. Dear Swiftcover, In response to your latest email; as previously stated, I have already advised I do not intend to fit any kind of tyre which to the best of my knowledge would be "performance enhancing". I have already provided you in my initial email as to the tyres which the vehicle was fitted with by BMW on manufacture (i.e. Bridgestone Potenza run flat tyres). I can of course write to BMW if you require me to, but am sure they will only confirm the information that I have provided you. I would suggest most motorists do not tend to keep to the original brand tyres fitted on manufacture in any event as they are regarded as a "wear and tear" item. I am merely seeking an alternative brand without the run flat properties. I am beginning to find this a very frustrating situation and find your responses both ambiguous and non committal. To reiterate, they are not performance enhancing, they are the same dimensions but without run flat properties. I simply want to know if you will provide full cover should I swap to these type tyres. Yours Faithfully, (animal freeride) Interestingly though a BMW representative, who unlike Shitcover can actually speak English replied today with this; Dear (animalfreeride), Thank you for contacting BMW Customer Information. BMW aims to provide our customers with a premium product that provides ultimate safety with optimum performance and it is always a concern to receive feedback of this nature. We chose to include Run-flat technology on our vehicles for the following reasons: It is dangerous to stop on any road to change a tyre, especially on a motorway or at night. There is no need to have to wait for a breakdown service to arrive. Safety and security of the driver and passenger(s) is maintained. Alloy wheels are difficult to detach from steel hubs. On most cars the spare is under the contents of the boot, and uses boot space. It can be tricky to line up the wheel bolt holes with the hub screw holes and match the thread. The dirty punctured tyre needs to be removed and stored in the boot. Another puncture before the punctured tyre is mended means one is stranded. A driver can continue for 150 miles at 50mph with a punctured Run-flat tyre. All of our vehicles that use Run-flat technology have their suspension and braking components set up to accommodate Run-flat tyres. Should you decide to change to non Run-flats, it may alter the driving and handling characteristics of your vehicle. It is for this reason that this modification is not recommended by BMW as a manufacturer. However, it is possible to have standard tyres fitted. You will additionally need to purchase either a spare wheel with jack and brace set or a mobility kit which can be ordered from the Parts Department of your nearest BMW Approved Dealership. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries. Yours sincerely, BMW Group UK Lewis Jeffreys Customer Information Advisor Ellesfield Avenue Bracknell RG12 8TA It's no surprise that BMW are defending the RFT technology. They are hardly going to admit that it is complete sh*te. You will note though that the BMW representative refers to the change as a "modification" and suggests the car handles differently. I think if I were to disclose this, Shitcover would get twitchy especially when the the word "mod" is mentioned. However he does mention it is possible. I am toying whether to ask him in separate correspondance whether he could just confirm in writing that it is "possible" in the hope Shitcover will finally give me a straight answer.
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02-22-2010, 01:54 PM | #46 |
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OMFG do I have to tell them I painted my standard OE wheels black?????
This thread is crazy, what i can't understand is that you would think Motor Insurers would employ someone who actually understands vehicle technology....... Last edited by Tunna_uk; 02-22-2010 at 02:00 PM.. |
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02-22-2010, 02:03 PM | #47 |
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....and English!! Lol. Yes agree. I'm at a loss. I suppose they employ monkeys so I guess it's no surprise.
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Last edited by Animalfreeride; 02-22-2010 at 02:10 PM.. |
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02-22-2010, 02:15 PM | #48 |
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They 'plugged' RFT's didn't they ha, ha..............best you don't ask if they can be repaired after a puncture. Just buy a new one and get tyre insurance eh.
At least you're getting replies but jeez......keep at 'em. |
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02-22-2010, 02:21 PM | #49 |
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Ok, I'm really f**ked off with all this sh*t. I'm seriously thinking of cancelling my policy and going elsewhere. Anyone used a company and had NO PROBLEMS when declaring non RFT's.
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02-22-2010, 02:25 PM | #50 |
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watching this thread with interest, only 4 mm left on my Michelin Run Flat rears....was going to buy some Vreds......
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02-22-2010, 02:25 PM | #51 |
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Hi
I am considering changing to non-RFT's and when I was speaking to my insurer (Esure), the guy checked with his Boss and came back saying that there was no problem as long as the tyres and wheels were as spec. I double-checked that he knew what RFT's were and he said that his Aunt recently changed her 58 reg 320 to non-RFT's. He didn't seem to think that it was a major issue. I think that we are in danger of making the issue over-complex. The point that someone made about hitting the central barrier after a blow-out is a good one, therefore, we just need to inform the company of the change and ensure that they update their records. In my business dealings, I find that an e-mail is now accepted as contractural, so I would just try to get this type of confirmation from try insurer. Jeff |
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02-22-2010, 02:58 PM | #52 | |
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Last edited by Animalfreeride; 02-22-2010 at 04:50 PM.. |
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02-22-2010, 03:18 PM | #53 | |
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Just shows up the sheer ignorance and incompetence of some of the numpty's these insurance companies employ. I'd start with LV insurance, great for all mods, although changing from a tyre that does nothing for comfort and arguably nothing to enhance roadholding abilities, to a tyre that offers both and more,is hardly a mod imo http://www.lv.com/home/ Second company to try would be: http://www.directline.com/motor/car-insurance.htm Used both, and both had no problems with non RFT's and knew what they were |
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02-22-2010, 04:29 PM | #54 | |
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BMW have also confirmed that the use of non RFT is 'possible', but not 'recommended'. I think you are good to go. |
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02-22-2010, 04:54 PM | #55 | |
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Thank you for your e-mail. I can confirm that we will be happy to cover the new tyres as long as they in no way enhance the performace of the car. You would need to cheek this with BMW about the type of tyres that they are putting on the car. Kind Regards, Swift Help Team Swiftcover.com Lol. Well apparently I need to show my cheeks to BMW! The emails I have attached are carbon copies and only confirms the level of incompetence by them. I'm looking forward to my reply tomorrow!
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Car Ownership History Red Ford Sierra, Blue Ford Orion Giha, Burgundy Ford Fiesta, Black Vauxhall Corsa SRI, Blue Rover 216 SI , Silver Volvo S40 T4 Saloon, Blue Renault Clio RXE, Black Renault Clio 172 Sport, Red VW Polo, Peugeot Expert & BMW 335i MSport Coupe
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02-22-2010, 04:58 PM | #56 | |
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It does not state 100% clearly that fitting a similarly specced (dimensions, load speed) normal tyre is covered in plain English. Getting a simple "Yes, we will cover you with that tyre" is all he needs .... squirming insurance brokers. D.
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02-22-2010, 05:02 PM | #57 | |
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The insured party is obliged to inform insurers of any relevant information. The OP has done this and has received a response. He does not need to do any more. If Swiftcover objected they should have said so. They have not. |
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02-22-2010, 05:11 PM | #58 | |
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Why not simply say "we will cover you with that type of tyre" ? As BMW clearly state in their e-mail that "it may alter the driving and handling characteristics of your vehicle" ... which could be construed as the "performance" of the tyre - not as in increased performance mods, but altered performance. Nitpicking .... but still wiggle room. I would rather the Insurers confirm to the postive, rather then repeatedly explain what they don't cover. D.
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02-22-2010, 06:17 PM | #59 | |
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You are in the clear. |
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02-22-2010, 06:30 PM | #60 |
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Like I said before....car insurance companies/ brokers r just a bunch of retarded call centre robots...
They sent me my cover note for the TTS and they put the car down as a "saloon"!!!!!... when did Audi make 4 doors TT ? and what the hell do they mean by performance enhancing? if the tyres tyres improve grip and stability under high speed driving, then surely they could be classed as "performance enhancing"...ohhhh they mean, power enhancing maybe???.... |
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02-22-2010, 06:33 PM | #61 |
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Funny how they always try "pass the bucket" and send you to BMW....so common these days!!!...ohh, its another department...we can't deal with this....u've told them what tyres ur fitting....clear answer....yes ur covered....or no ur not!!!....they're always, avoiding a final answer!...
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02-22-2010, 06:40 PM | #62 | |
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They clearly did notify the OP when he would not be covered by the policy. Your interpretation from their repeated (obviously scripted) reply is that he is fine. That may not be their interpretation if they are forced to look into it more carefully. Neither of us can say for certain, hence why I would like the insurance company to simply reply with a definite answer. D.
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02-23-2010, 02:01 AM | #63 |
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Whilst you can accept that the handling characteristics may change I don't think the blow-out scenario has any bearing. As I understand it, an RFT is no more or less susceptible to a blow-out than a conventional one. An RFT is designed to stay on the rim and support the car, for a limited time, with no pressure after a puncture but this is not the same as a high-speed blow-out where instant pressure loss is caused by sudden, severe damage to the tyre usually resulting in the tyre delaminating and disintergrating. I think an RFT would suffer in the same way.
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02-23-2010, 02:47 AM | #64 | |
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02-23-2010, 02:49 AM | #65 |
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We all drive on radial tyres thesedays because they are less likely to delaminate during a blow-out.
I too spoke to my insurers when I went the non run flat route. There response was providing the tyres are the same size, speed and load rating that there would be no issue. |
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02-23-2010, 02:59 AM | #66 |
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You need to deal with an insurer, or broker, that are familiar with mods and can cope with them.
These low-risk mass market firms like Esure etc are just there for the 99% of drivers who just buy / use / sell cars as objects and have no interest in them. I'll be using a BMW car club linked broker this year who specialise in covering club cars and mods. Wait and see... |
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