Tire and Rim, Glass and Anti-Theft Products Explained
In Alberta, three kinds of vehicle protection products are considered auto insurance::
- Tire and rim warranties which are not from the vehicle’s manufacturer and those which replace tires and rims
- Glass protection products which promise to pay some or all of the cost of a windshield replacement
- Anti-theft products which promise to pay if your vehicle (or a part of it) is stolen or not recovered. This includes theft-deterrent etching or tagging and catalytic converter anti-theft devices 9 promise to pay if the product fails.
Because they’re considered auto insurance, insurers who offer these products need an approved rating program from AIRB. This is set out in AIRB’s Technical Guidance, effective December 15, 2025.
What Are Vehicle Protection Products?
Vehicle protection products are add-on products which promise to pay out in certain situations, such as when a tire is damaged, a windshield needs replacing or a vehicle is stolen. You may be offered them when you buy a vehicle or at other times.
You may not think of them as insurance. But the Alberta Superintendent of Insurance’s interpretation is clear: in Alberta, the three types below are considered auto insurance.
What Are the 3 Vehicle Protection Products Considered Auto Insurance?
- Tire and Rim Warranties (Non-Manufacturer)
These are warranties which provide for tire and rim replacement. They count as auto insurance when they come from someone other than the vehicle’s manufacturer.
What’s not included: Warranties provided by the motor vehicle manufacturer for the tires and rims which came with the vehicle.
- Glass Protection Products
These products promise to pay for some or all of the cost of a windshield replacement.
- Anti-Theft Products
These include a promise to make a payment if your vehicle (or a part of it) is stolen or not recovered. According to AIRB, this includes:
- Theft-deterrent etching or tagging
- Catalytic converter anti-theft devices, when they include a promise to pay if the product fails
Why Does It Matter These Products Are Considered Auto Insurance?
It means they’re part of the auto insurance system and AIRB oversees the pricing. According to AIRB’s Technical Guidance:
- Insurers need an approved rating program. Any insurer who writes these products and doesn’t already have an approved rating program must file with AIRB to establish one.
- Future changes must follow the rules. AIRB expects all future rate changes to comply with its rules.
The guidance refers to AIRB Bulletin 01-2025 for more detail.
AIRB doesn’t sell insurance or these products. Its role is to review how rates and rating programs are set.
How are vehicle protection products different from my regular auto insurance coverage?
Your regular auto insurance coverage includes the types AIRB lists in its Technical Guidance: third party liability, direct compensation property damage, accident benefits, underinsured motorist, all perils, collision, comprehensive, specified perils and endorsements. Vehicle protection products are listed on their own, as a separate category in this guidance.
In simple terms, tire and rim, glass and anti-theft products are separate from your main policy, but they still fall under Alberta’s auto insurance pricing rules.
What Should I Ask Before Buying a Vehicle Protection Product?
The questions below are general suggestions, not requirements.
- What exactly will it pay for? Ask what’s covered and what’s not.
- Who provides it? Is it from the vehicle’s manufacturer or from someone else? (Manufacturer warranties on tires and rims which came with the vehicle aren’t in the group AIRB considers auto insurance.)
- For anti-theft products, is there a promise to pay? AIRB’s guidance covers anti-theft products which include a promise to make a payment, for example if the vehicle isn’t recovered or if a catalytic converter device fails.
- Do I already have similar coverage? Check your existing auto insurance policy before adding more.
- Can I see it in writing? Read the terms before you sign.
Summary
Tire and rim warranties from someone other than the manufacturer, glass protection which pays toward windshield replacement and anti-theft products with a promise to pay are all considered auto insurance in Alberta. This means insurers offering them must have an approved rating program. Know what you’re buying and ask questions before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vehicle protection products in Alberta? They’re products which promise to pay in certain situations. The Superintedent of Insurance considers three types to be auto insurance: non-manufacturer tire and rim warranties, glass protection products and anti-theft products.
Are tire and rim warranties considered auto insurance in Alberta? Non-manufacturer tire and rim warranties which provide for tire and rim replacement are. Warranties from the vehicle’s manufacturer for the tires and rims included in the vehicle’s assembly are not.
Is windshield glass protection considered auto insurance in Alberta? Yes, when the product promises to pay for some or all of the cost of a windshield replacement.
Are anti-theft products considered auto insurance in Alberta? Yes, when they include a promise to make a payment if the vehicle (or a part of it) is stolen or not recovered. This includes theft-deterrent etching or tagging and catalytic converter anti-theft devices with a promise to pay if the product fails.
Do insurers need AIRB approval to offer vehicle protection products? Any insurer who writes these products and doesn’t have an approved rating program must file with AIRB to establish one.
Does AIRB sell vehicle protection products? No. AIRB is Alberta’s independent auto insurance rate regulator. It reviews rates and rating programs and doesn’t sell insurance.
Where can I learn more? Visit airbfordrivers.ca or email airb@gov.ab.ca.