Does anyone know if a claim that is made to a insurer that provides secondary insurance such as cosmetic or tyre cover needs to be reported to the primary vehicle insurer? I've been asked this question as someone is contemplating purchasing a product like that and I'm struggling to come up with answers that I can back up.
Some specific scenarios that I can think of off the top of my head include:
- A claim for alloy wheel refurbishment due to a manufacturing defect causing excessive corrosion of an alloy
- A claim for cosmetic paint touch up due to multiple stone chips, ostensibly wear and tear with the aim of preventing paint damage or corrosion or rust of the metalwork
- A claim for tyre repair or replacement due to piercing by a sharp object, that was not encountered during an accident
My personal feeling is that it isn't, as the insurance product that is being offered for the secondary insurance is not related to the product offered by the vehicle insurer, and the reason behind any potential claims in any of the scenarios above are not due to incidents that would be classified as accidents. But, insurance is a funny world and you never know what funniness exists.
Heck, even if that were the case, where do you stop? Do you inform the insurer of new OEM-specification shocks and other driveline parts fitted to a vehicle, to replace parts worn out through wear and tear? What about a claim on your house insurance for water damage to a ceiling after a leak in a bathroom?
What are the thoughts of the community on this confusing matter?
