Does Car Insurance Cover Tire Damage?

Unless otherwise stated, your auto insurance policy only covers tire damage if part of a covered event or claim. That claim can stem from an accident or a covered peril if you have comprehensive and collision coverage. However, tire replacement from normal wear and tear typically doesn’t fall under standard coverage on a traditional car insurance policy. 

Most policies don’t pay for a new tire, even if you have roadside assistance coverage. However, if you’re worried about damaged tires or ending up on the side of the road changing a flat, roadside assistance can still be a good investment. Most roadside assistance policies cover towing expenses and offer tire repair.

One of the reasons most car insurance companies don’t cover tire replacement stems from the logistics involved in various policy elements. For example, your comprehensive car insurance and collision coverage typically have a deductible associated with them, ranging from $500 to $1,500 on average. While the cost of a full set of tires can match those rates, it’s generally cheaper to simply pay for a replacement out of pocket rather than pay your deductible and risk an insurance rate increase the next time you go to renew your coverage. If you’re unsure or want to verify these conditions, speak with your insurance agent for clarification. 

Tire damage covered by an auto policy takes some digging to understand, especially with intricate policy terms that offer coverage under certain circumstances but not in others. Similar to car depreciation, once you know how tire damage and car insurance coverage interact, it’s easier to identify coverage offered under your existing insurance policy. It’s also a good idea to clarify your coverage limits so you can act accordingly if and when your car’s tire sustains damage. 

Does car insurance cover a nail in the tire?

Car insurance coverage for a nail in your car’s tire varies depending on your carrier and policy specifics. Most insurance carriers won’t cover a nail in the tire. However, some comprehensive and collision policies may cover nails in your tires. Specific coverage limits and restrictions vary based on your insurance carrier and policy coverage. 

Most drivers exercise their ability to obtain a brand-new tire after picking up a nail via the road hazard warranty they purchased with their new tires. Tire shops offer these warranties so customers can get peace of mind when driving down the road. If you find yourself staring down at a flat tire due to a nail and have road hazard warranty coverage, it’s often well worth the investment. 

Does car insurance cover tire blowouts?

Car insurance companies handle tire blowouts differently based on the circumstances surrounding the blowout and the fallout after the fact. Some insurance companies define a blowout as a driver error based on worn or underinflated tires. However, damage from the tire blowing out typically falls under your collision or comprehensive policy. 

Stolen tires

Destruction or theft of your car’s tires falls under comprehensive insurance. Most car insurance companies require a police report detailing the theft, which also applies to slashed tires or other vandalism. It’s also a good idea to keep your tire receipts in case the tires are stolen or slashed so you can more accurately represent their value in addressing appropriate compensation. 

Loose wheels

Car insurance companies typically handle loose wheels under the collision section of coverage. If your car’s wheel or wheels come loose because of an error on your part, the claim is handled under collision as an at-fault claim. If you can prove that someone didn’t install your wheels correctly and they came off, you may be reimbursed for your deductible. 

Are tires covered by insurance in an accident?

Insurance typically kicks in if your tires were damaged in a car accident. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault driver’s policy or your policy may pay for the damage. If the accident falls under the umbrella of comprehensive or collision (full coverage), the appropriate coverage and deductibles apply. 

Does insurance cover tire damage from potholes? 

Auto insurance companies don’t always cover tire damage from potholes. If your policy did include coverage, it would likely be housed under the collision segment. However, most collision policies require that the vehicle’s frame also be damaged from the pothole. Road hazard warranty coverage or tire and wheel protection may cover tire damage due to potholes, but these policies are optional and come with specific terms and exclusions. 

Car insurance doesn’t cover tire damage unless a specific clause includes tire damage coverage. Insurance companies often repair tire damage under the right circumstances if the proper terms apply. Otherwise, it’s a good rule of thumb to assume your car insurance policy won’t cover repairs and that you’ll have to pay out of pocket to replace your tires.

It’s critical to note that even if your car insurance policy does cover tire damage, it may not cover related services or concerns. For example, if your car’s suspension and alignment were negatively affected, replacing the tire fixes only one part of the problem. You would need to get an alignment and inspect your suspension to repair the issue fully. 

The process of obtaining coverage for your tires looks similar to that of finding warranty coverage for your car’s mechanical components. For example, you might look for a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle to take advantage of the included warranty coverage. The following offer tire damage protection:

• Tire manufacturer’s warranty: Most new tires have a built-in warranty covering any defects based on workmanship. Although these types of warranties don’t include punctures, they can be helpful in case of manufacturer defects. 
• Road hazard warranty: If you’ve bought new tires before, the sales representative probably offered you a road hazard warranty, which costs 10% to 12% of the total tire cost. This warranty lasts a specific amount of time or miles and offers free replacement for damage such as nails or punctures. 
• Tire and wheel protection: Dealerships offer tire and wheel protection on new and used cars, typically when you’re signing paperwork. These protection products often cover various types of road debris, including glass, metal (such as nails), and potholes. Terms and conditions vary. 
• Vehicle protection program: Also known as mechanical breakdown insurance, a vehicle protection program appears with additional coverage you can purchase when buying a new car. Dealerships offer varying amounts of coverage that may or may not cover tire damage.

Regardless of which coverage you choose, read the fine print. Pay particular attention to the exclusions, as you can reasonably assume that unlisted parts typically aren’t covered. If you have any questions, speak to a representative to clarify tire damage coverage. 

Car insurance policies cover tire damage if applicable under a covered repair. You must purchase additional insurance or coverage through a third party to address tire damage, but you still may have to pay a small fee or deductible to exercise those policies. Whether covered by your car insurance or a third-party warranty or protection plan, tire damage doesn’t always include additional concerns, such as poor alignment or suspension damage.