Tyres and Insurance Companies

[Springbok]

Hi,

Trying to change the tyres on my Cooper S from run flat to standard tyres, but am being told that I have to (i) get permission from my insurance company as they may see it as a modification and charge a premium and (ii) get it cleared with BMW Mini as it may alter the suspension set up.

Is this for real? Has anyone had this happen to them.

World gone mad.

[Chr1sch]

I have also heard this...

[RKDE]

I can't see it as a modification because when the car was new there was a standard option to have run flats or you could have normal tyres with a pump and a liquid repair. I am sure if you told your insurance they would not care though may charge you £25 to amend the policy.
If you had to tell them it would be the same if you chose budget tyres. run flats don't grip as well as normal tyres and generally not as good.

It does effect the GP which was set up with JCW shocks and springs where are meant for the run flats, the normal mini was meant for non run flats

Personally I would change them, rightly or wrongly (as I am not sure) I would not ring the insurance company and tell them. You can always ask the insurance company what their view on it is - if you do post it here

Edited by RKDE on Tuesday 30th November 11:52