Does Car Insurance Cover Tire Damage? Detailed Guide

By Randy Luton | Last Updated: 02/07/2023

Every vehicle owner has experienced an emergency situation where they walk out to their car only to discover one of their tires is flat. You might be wondering if your vehicle insurance would cover their replacement or repair if you have it.

The answer is yes in certain circumstances and no in others. In this post, we’ll explore auto insurance-related subjects to assist you in making knowledgeable choices, such as when tire damage may be covered by car insurance and when it won’t.

This detailed blog will help you to understand everything you need to know about damage caused to tires and how you can file a claim for that.

When does car insurance cover tire damage?

Only under specified conditions and only if your auto insurance policy includes collision or comprehensive coverage does a typical auto insurance policy pay for the expense of replacing tires.

You won’t be compensated by auto insurance if your tires go flat as a result of tire wear and tear. Most car insurance policies provide coverage for unforeseen, uncontrollable incidents.

You won’t be compensated by auto insurance if your tires go flat as a result of tire wear and tear.

Additionally, if you merely have liability coverage, insurance companies often won’t pay for tire damage. Only vehicle damage to another driver’s car is covered by liability insurance in collisions that you cause.

If you have liability coverage only, then your insurer won’t pay for tire damage.

What is included in tire damage car insurance?

  • The cost of replacing a damaged tire: You must be wondering, does car insurance cover tire replacement? The tire on your automobile might be damaged for a variety of causes, including cracks, punctures, cuts, and bulges. In these circumstances, a replacement can be the best option. As a result, the level of coverage you choose should be the same as the cost of replacing the damaged tire.
  • Labor expenses: For the purpose of removing the damaged tire and installing the new one, labor costs will be incurred. The insurance provider will pay your labor expenses for refitting, removing, rebalancing the wheel, etc. if you have automobile tire insurance coverage.
  • Accidental tire damage & loss: Accident-related tire damage might involve cutting, crushing, bursting, or bulging. Therefore, it makes sense to get both comprehensive coverage and tire damage insurance protection.

Does car insurance cover tire damage from potholes?

Absolutely, but only if you have collision insurance. Although this coverage is optional, insurance may protect you in the event that you run into something like a guard rail, telephone pole, or pothole. Although potholes normally only result in minor tire or wheel damage, striking one might create alignment or suspension issues for your car.

Generally speaking, it only makes sense to file a claim for pothole damage if the repair expenses exceed your deductible.

Does car insurance cover tires being slashed?

Your comprehensive insurance will pay to fix or replace your tires if they are slashed (you’ll likely need to submit a police complaint in order to lodge the claim). Other types of vandalism, such as damaged windows and car theft or graffiti, are also covered by comprehensive insurance.

Depending on the type of automobile you drive, a tire replacement might cost between $130 and $190, according to Consumer Reports. You may avoid making a claim and possibly seeing your insurance premiums go up if the cost of replacing your tires is less than your deductible.

Does comprehensive insurance covers flat tires?

Flat tires may be covered by auto insurance, although it might vary by insurer. The majority of auto insurance providers view flat tires as a wear-and-tear issue, and automobile insurance doesn’t cover basic maintenance or wear-and-tear. However, your insurance could pay for tire damage if you unintentionally run over some broken glass on the highway.

If you’re stranded on the side of the road, roadside assistance can pay for someone to come and replace your flat tire with a new one, regardless of what caused it; you’ll likely only need to pay for the tire itself.

Does car insurance cover nail in tire?

No, and Yes. Really, the answer is, it depends. Your insurance will not pay out if you run over the nail as part of normal wear and tear on your car. However, your auto insurance might be able to pay for the damage if hitting the nail in any way led to the collision that damaged your automobile. You would need to make sure your car is covered completely.

Does car insurance cover tire blowouts?

Comprehensive insurance is the name for insurance that covers incidents involving tire blowouts. This insurance is utilized when your car sustains damage that wasn’t caused by an accident or collision, which is covered by collision insurance.

If you are unclear about the type of insurance coverage you have, you should speak with your insurance agent or a representative of your insurance provider.

The tire itself may have been a contributing factor in the tire blowout. A manufacturer’s warranty could cover the damage if the tire was faulty.

The tire manufacturer may be responsible for the damage if a manufacturing flaw resulted in the tire blowout.

Does car insurance cover loose wheels on cars?

No, tire rotation is not normally covered by auto insurance because it is seen as routine maintenance. While the matter of rotating tires is sometimes contentious, NHTSA experts advise doing it every 5,000 to 8,000 miles since doing so prevents uneven tire wear (since your front tires tend to do more of the work with braking). A tire rotation often costs less than $60, which is wonderful news.

Does auto insurance cover stolen tires?

Comprehensive insurance would also cover stolen tires, but just like with a vandalism claim, you’ll likely need a police record to submit a claim. Comprehensive coverage will replace stolen auto components and will pay for your automobile if it is stolen, but it won’t pay for other goods like a phone or backpack that are taken from your car.

How to file insurance claim for damaged or slashed car tires?

You will need to file the claim online, via call, or visit the office of your insurer.

Prior to file a claim please have these things on hand:

  • When and where the event occurred?
  • What part of the harm is where?
  • where you parked your car?
  • Police file number
  • Contact information
  • Information on how to reach your lender or, if appropriate, the car leasing firm
  1. After that, an allocated claims associate will get in touch with you.
  2. Your insurer will assemble all necessary data, and schedule a car inspection.
  3. You will have to describe the coverage and any potential impact of your deductible.
  4. Your claim process will be explained to you.
  5. Respond to any inquiries about your claim.
  6. To find out if you qualify for reimbursement for a rental car or public transit while your automobile is being fixed, check your insurance.
  7. Once the verification is completed you will get your claim money.
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Editorial Guidelines: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of auto insurance. This information does not refer to any specific auto insurance policy. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. References to costs of coverages/repair, average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, etc., are indicative and may not apply to your situation. We encourage you to speak to our insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.

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Randy Luton is the Founder and CEO of RateForce. He is passionate about InsurTech services and has in-depth knowledge about the auto insurance sector of the USA.