I walked out to my apartment complex parking lot to find my Integra on cinder blocks. My $4,200 set of Volk Racing TE37s was gone. I called my insurer, confident I had “Full Coverage.” The adjuster said, “We cover aftermarket wheels, up to the $1,000 sub-limit.” I got a check for $1,000 minus my $500 deductible. Net payout: $500. Loss: $3,700.
Key Takeaways
- The $1,000 Cap: Most standard auto policies (ISO form) limit coverage for any non-OEM equipment to $1,000 unless declared.
- Wheels are “CPE”: Even if they bolt on, wheels are “Custom Parts and Equipment.” They are not considered part of the base vehicle value.
- Inflation Gap: This $1,000 limit hasn’t changed in 20 years, while wheel prices have tripled.
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: If you had expensive Factory optional wheels (e.g., Porsche Weissach package), those are covered fully. Aftermarket wheels are capped.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Non-Factory Equipment Limitation
The clause reads: “Limit of Liability for electronic equipment, custom parts, and accessories not installed by the original manufacturer is $1,000.”
This is standard language in Geico, Progressive, and Allstate policies.
You assumed “Full Coverage” meant the whole car. It only means the stock car.
[IMAGE: Photo of a car on cinder blocks with a graphic overlay: “Cost: $4,000. Payout: $1,000.”]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked how to insure a set of $4,000 wheels.
1. Allstate
- Default: $1,000 limit.
- Option: Buy additional coverage for approx $15 per $1,000 of value.
- Verdict: You must be proactive and buy the rider.
2. State Farm
- Default: Often covers parts attached to the vehicle, but they depreciate them heavily.
- Verdict: Better than the hard cap, but they will claim your 2-year-old wheels are worth 50% less.
3. Hagerty
- Default: Included in Agreed Value.
- Verdict: If the wheels were on the photos when you bound the policy, they are covered 100%.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Default Wheel Limit | Additional Cost for $4k Wheels | Payout Basis |
| Geico | $1,000 | Must add endorsement | ACV (Depreciated) |
| Progressive | $1,000 | ~$50/year | ACV |
| Hagerty | Full Value | Included | Agreed Value |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Endorsements: Look at your Declarations Page. Do you see “Custom Parts/Equipment”? If not, you have the $1,000 limit.
- Add the Rider: Log in to your app right now. Add $4,000 in custom parts coverage. It will cost you the price of a latte per month.
- Save Receipts AND Photos: If they are stolen, you need to prove they were on the car. A receipt isn’t enough (you could have sold them). Keep a recent photo of the car with the wheels.
- Wheel Locks: Some insurers waive the deductible if you can prove you used wheel locks (though thieves defeat them easily, it helps the claim).
FAQ Section
Does insurance cover the tires too?
Yes, under the same limit. A $4,000 wheel set + $1,500 tires = $5,500 loss. The $1,000 cap hurts even more.
What if I have OEM wheels from a higher trim model?
If they are “Factory” parts (e.g., putting Civic Type R wheels on a Civic Si), they are easier to claim as “Replacement Parts,” but some adjusters still flag them as “Not Original to THIS VIN.”
Can I buy back the wheels if police find them?
Yes, but usually the insurance company owns them once they pay you. You have to buy them back as salvage.