Michelin has refunded fleet operators for 1,391 tyres since launching its accidental tyre damage guarantee.

Having supplied almost 250,000 tyres in the two-year period, this represents a claim rate of 0.59%.

The tyre company says the low level of claims demonstrates its “unrivalled quality”.

The guarantee promises to refund bus, coach and truck operators for accidental damage suffered before a tyre is 50% worn, provided it has been registered on the Michelin MyAccount web portal within one month of purchase.

Chris Smith, sales director B2B for Michelin Tyre, said: “The guarantee is free of charge and offers customers the ultimate protection against the financial costs of accidental damage. It also reinforces the benefits of investing in a premium Michelin product.

“Some fleets choosing budget tyres do so because they believe accidental tyre damage occurs regardless of tyre choice – but this is a false economy. Every Michelin tyre is designed to be durable, and offer superior on-road performance, fuel efficiency and safety over a long service life.

“We’re the only commercial vehicle tyre manufacturer with an accidental damage guarantee, and it demonstrates the confidence we have in our tyres. What’s more, the tiny percentage of claims shows that our confidence is well-founded.”

Accidental damage is defined by Michelin as an impact occurring to a registered tyre which makes it unusable. The policies exclude damage suffered through road accidents, acts of vandalism, fire and natural disasters.

Michelin says the total number of claims made against the guarantee totalled 1,606, but 215 claims were not eligible for the guarantee after inspection by Michelin technicians. Reasons for being declined included the tread being more than 50% worn, claims for tyres not covered by the guarantee or brake flat spotting damage due to brake locking.

The Michelin X Multi guarantee for regional tread patterns covers 51 bus, coach and truck tyre sizes, including all X Multi and X MultiWay regional tyres, in all available sizes. An X Works and X Works HD guarantee is also available for truck tyres used in on/off-road applications, covering 24 sizes, plus three sizes of Michelin Remix retread tyres.