What are the wheel hub damage assessment criteria?
3 Answers
Auto damage insurance coverage does not include tires. Below is the relevant information: Auto Damage Insurance: It is a primary coverage under motor vehicle damage insurance. The definition of primary coverage refers to losses incurred by the entire vehicle in traffic accidents, which are covered under insurance liability, and the insurer compensates according to the insurance policy terms. Consumables: Since vehicle tires are consumables, they are naturally not covered under auto damage insurance. This exclusion means that when tires are damaged independently, such as a flat tire or when the outer tire wears to a certain extent; however, if tires are damaged during a traffic accident, the tire damage is within the insurance coverage.
The criteria for wheel rim damage assessment mainly depend on the type and severity of the damage. I often deal with such issues during car repairs, commonly including scratches, dents, or deformations. Typically, we start with a visual inspection of the exterior. If there are minor surface scratches, polishing might suffice; but if the rim is deformed, professional tools are needed to measure roundness and balance, ensuring the deviation is within a few millimeters. For insurance claims, the standard requirement is that repairs must not compromise safety functions—otherwise, replacement is necessary. I’ve also observed that ignoring such damage can lead to premature tire wear or even unstable driving, which is highly dangerous. Regular inspections of the rims are recommended, especially after driving on bumpy roads. Avoid cutting corners by opting for small, unlicensed repair shops—certified repair centers are far more reliable.
I personally experienced wheel rim damage before. That time I scraped the curb while driving, leaving a dent on the rim, and the steering wheel vibrated noticeably. The damage assessment criteria are straightforward: check how deep the damage is. If it's just surface scratches, it can be repaired for a few dozen yuan; but if there's a dent or crack, the entire wheel rim must be replaced. Insurance companies usually send assessors to evaluate the damage based on photos and on-site inspections to prevent fraudulent claims. I believe safety comes first, so I recommend having mechanics check the rims during every maintenance service. Severely damaged rims increase the risk of tire blowouts, and it's also important to clean the edges of the rims during car washes, as accumulated dust can accelerate corrosion.
