Premature replacement of the tires is not covered, leasing companies always assume normal tire wear.
The Netherlands has more than 1,3 million business drivers. Research by the Association of Business Drivers (VZR) shows that 81 percent of these lease drivers have signed a car scheme. Whether you're on your way to work, to the supermarket or to your school to pick up the kids, a flat tire is something no one wants. Still, it can happen to you at the most unfortunate moment. Most leasing companies always assume normal tire wear. A broken tire is regarded as non-recoverable damage. Unfortunately, as a driver you cannot see everything on the road surface and a sharp object such as a nail can shoot into your tire.
Whether you have to pay for a flat tire on a lease car depends on the specific agreements made in the lease contract and the associated general terms and conditions. If there is a non-recoverable damage, this often leads to a charge on the deductible. The part of the broken tire (residual profile) that is not worn is charged to your employer as an excess. Most leasing companies charge the costs for replacing a broken tire. Do this on the basis of measuring the residual profile and set it off against the new price of the tyre. As an indication, you will spend around 100 euros per tire for a standard size of car tires.
irrecoverable damage
Non-recoverable damage to a car is damage for which no liable party can be designated. In other words, it is a loss that cannot be recovered from anyone else. This may be the case, for example, in the event of damage resulting from a natural disaster, such as a flood or a hailstorm. Damage resulting from vandalism or theft where the perpetrator is unknown can also be regarded as non-recoverable damage.
In some cases, non-recoverable damage may be covered by insurance, such as all-risk insurance or comprehensive insurance. However, it is always important to take a good look at the policy conditions of the insurance to see what is and what is not covered. If you are not sure whether you are responsible for the costs of a flat tire, it is best to contact the leasing company for more information.
In principle, employees are liable for damage during commuting. The employer is responsible for the lease and can pass on the personal contribution through a direct deduction from the employee's salary. In practice, such agreements are part of the agreements made in the car scheme between the employer and employee.
calculation example
You get a flat tire on your business lease car that is no longer safe to repair. The residual profile of the tire is 5,25 mm and the cost for a new tire is €150. A new tire has 8 mm tread thickness and is worn out at 2,5 mm. The flat tire is therefore 50% worn. You will now be charged 50% x €150 = €75.
