Alloy wheel damage surging after record rainfall
New research has revealed a sharp rise in alloy wheel damage caused by a combination of heavy rainfall and poor road surfaces.
Analysis of alloy wheel claims data carried out by Intelligent Motoring has found that average claim values have risen by 18% in five years, with 10% increases recorded in 2025 alone.
Claims consistently peaked in March due to the cumulative impact of winter weather and weakened road surfaces.
The data also found that vehicles fitted with larger, more intricate alloy wheels are disproportionately affected, with BMW, Mercedes and Audi most frequently associated with alloy wheel claims.
Deteriorating road conditions
Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring, said, “While we wait for the £7.3bn in road repair funding announced in last Autumn’s Budget to filter through, motorists are continuing to shoulder the cost of deteriorating road conditions. Persistent wet weather seeps into already weakened surfaces, and temporary pothole repairs often don’t withstand repeated rainfall and traffic.
“Many EVs and premium vehicles are fitted with larger wheels and lower-profile tyres, which provide less cushioning against potholes. That combination of heavier vehicles, bigger wheels and poorer road surfaces is driving up both the frequency and cost of damage. This is not good news for people approaching the end of a lease contract, where financial penalties can apply for damage.
“As repair costs continue to climb, understanding the risks and taking preventative steps has never been more important.”
