From fender benders to a nail on the road, it’s hard to own a car without dealing with tire damage at some point. That’s why many drivers wonder if their auto insurance policy will step in in these situations.
The short answer: It depends on a mix of factors, including your coverage terms and the details of the incident. In this article, we’ll go over what auto insurance covers when it comes to tires, when it’s worth it to file a claim, and alternate options to pay for tire replacement or repairs.
Note: These tips should not be considered official insurance guidance. Please consult an insurance professional or broker when making decisions regarding insurance.
Insurance Coverage for Tires
If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you’re protected against physical damage to your car– including your tires– as long as it’s the result of a covered peril. However, the types of coverage that apply will depend on the circumstance.
Collision coverage
Collision insurance pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object.
For instance, imagine you’re driving on a busy street and run over a pothole at full speed. The impact causes an immediate tire blowout, damaging your wheel rim and hitting your bumper against the side of the road. In this case, your collision coverage would typically step in to cover the tire damage as part of the overall vehicle repair.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance pays for loss or damage resulting from something other than a collision. This typically includes covered perils including vandalism, theft, natural disasters, or fire.
Consider a situation where you park your car overnight in a parking lot, and someone deliberately slashes your tires. Or perhaps a severe hailstorm pelts your vehicle, causing tire damage. In these cases, comprehensive coverage would typically cover the cost of tire replacement.
Liability coverage
When another driver is at fault for an accident, their liability insurance will pay for damage to your vehicle. For instance, imagine another driver runs a red light and crashes into your car, causing tire damage from the impact.
In this case, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage would typically step in to cover your tire replacement and other vehicle repairs, as long as you can prove they were at fault for the accident.
At the same time, it’s also important to keep in mind what situations your car insurance won’t cover. Here are some common exclusions when it comes to tire issues:
- Normal wear and tear
- Routine maintenance
- Flat tires from sharp objects (unless it results from a covered accident)
- Manufacturing defects
Debunking the slashed tire myth
There’s a persistent urban legend that auto insurance companies will only cover four slashed tires, not three. This is completely false. If your tires are damaged by vandalism– whether it’s one, three, or all four tires– your comprehensive coverage will apply, provided you have the right protection.
However, this claim may stem from the fact that insurance typically only covers the tires that were damaged. That means that if you need to replace undamaged tires due to uneven tread, you’ll likely have to do so out of your own pocket.
Is Filing a Claim Worth It?
While your full coverage policy likely insures your tires, whether you should file a claim is a different story.
The deductible dilemma
Most insurance plans require you to pay a deductible before coverage kicks in. Typically, this runs around $500, depending on your specific auto policy. When you’re looking at covering the cost of replacing tires, you can typically expect to pay $460 to $1,280 for a set of four plus up to $300 for labor.
With a $500 deductible, you’ll already be paying a significant portion of the replacement cost out of pocket. In many cases, you might end up covering most of the expense yourself.
The hidden cost of claims
Although filing an insurance claim can help you cover immediate expenses, it can substantially impact your future insurance costs. Car insurance companies often view claims as a sign of increased risk, which can trigger rate hikes.
This increase can majorly add up over time. In fact, recent findings show that one at-fault claim on your insurance can cost you an additional $2,301 over a three-year period. That might be worth it to cover $10,000 in repairs from a major car accident, but it’s unlikely to justify filing a claim over a couple of slashed tires.
Either way, it’s important to run the numbers beforehand to decide when it’s better to involve insurance or just dip into your savings.
Understanding Tire Warranties
If your tire damage is the result of a suspected manufacturing issue, it won’t qualify for insurance coverage. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to foot the bill.
Most major tire brands offer warranties that serve as a quality guarantee, ensuring their products meet performance standards. These warranties vary by manufacturer, but typically provide financial protection against specific types of tire failures.
Treadwear/Mileage Warranty
A treadwear or mileage warranty is essentially a promise from the manufacturer about your tire’s longevity. Typically covering 4-6 years from the purchase date, this warranty guarantees you’ll get a specific number of miles out of your tires before the tread wears out. If your tires wear out before reaching that mileage, you’ll often receive a prorated credit.
Limited Road Hazard Warranty
This warranty provides protection against unexpected damage from road conditions during the first year or initial miles after purchase. While it comes with limitations, it’ll often cover issues from potholes or road debris. However, this coverage typically needs to be purchased separately.
Materials and Workmanship Warranty
A materials warranty protects you against defects in the tire’s manufacturing process for a specified length of time after purchase. This warranty typically covers structural defects, manufacturing flaws, or issues with the materials.
Checking your tire warranty
Keep in mind that warranties aren’t necessarily included in every tire purchase. Oftentimes you’ll need to buy from an authorized seller, and you may even need to register your new tires to activate the warranty.
If you’re not sure whether you received a warranty, check the paperwork you received with your receipt. You can also call the manufacturer with questions or for general information.
Manufacturers may also impose maintenance requirements in order for your warranty to be eligible. This varies depending on your warranty terms, but it may include getting regular inspections and maintenance appointments. Be sure to keep proper documentation to present if needed.
Alternative Tire Protection Options
While standard insurance and manufacturer warranties provide some protection, many drivers seek additional coverage to fill potential gaps in their existing plans.
Some insurance providers, including Allstate, offer dedicated tire protection plans. These programs come with their own premiums, but they may offer fixed rates and no deductible. Because of these terms, customers are much more likely to use a protection plan compared to a typical car insurance policy.
Roadside assistance add-ons or programs like AAA may also come with tire coverage. Their towing and tire change services will also come in handy in the case of an emergency on the road.
How to Protect Your Tires
The best way to avoid tire issues, and the surprise costs that come with them, is through proper maintenance. Here are a few tips to extend the lifetime of your tires:
- Check tire pressure monthly and adjust to proper inflation levels
- Rotate tires regularly as prescribed by your vehicle manual
- Schedule regular inspections of your suspension system and wheel balance
- Avoid potholes and road hazards whenever possible
- Practice safe driving habits and avoid aggressive maneuvering
Final Thoughts
Auto insurance can help with tire damage in specific circumstances, but it’s not designed to be a comprehensive tire protection plan. Understanding your coverage options– including manufacturer warranties, protection plans, and roadside assistance– will help you make informed decisions about protecting your tires and managing unexpected repair costs.
