Updated: October 3, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Your collision or comprehensive car insurance typically covers tire damage resulting from accidents, theft, vandalism or even potholes. But it won't cover regular wear and tear or maintenance issues.
Some insurers offer premium roadside assistance plans that reimburse you for tire and wheel repairs in addition to towing you to safety after a tire blowout. You can also consider insurance alternatives if you want additional protection for your tires.
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Your collision or comprehensive car insurance typically covers tire damage from accidents, theft, vandalism or even potholes — regardless of how many tires were damaged. But don't expect your insurance to cover worn-out tires or those punctured by everyday road debris – these are considered maintenance issues.
Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver if you get a flat tire. It will tow you to a shop or help change your tire on the spot if you have a spare. Note that you usually need collision or comprehensive coverage to add this option to your policy.
Scenario | Collision Insurance | Comprehensive Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Wear and Tear | ✘ | ✘ |
Hitting a Pothole | ✔ | ✘ |
Single-Car Accident (e.g., hitting a curb) | ✔ | ✘ |
Hitting a Stationary Object (e.g., fence, guardrail) | ✔ | ✘ |
Vandalism (e.g., tires slashed) | ✘ | ✔ |
Theft (e.g., wheels stolen) | ✘ | ✔ |
Natural Disaster (e.g., flood, tornado) | ✘ | ✔ |
Fire Damage | ✘ | ✔ |
Animal Collision (e.g., hitting a deer) | ✘ | ✔ |
Acts of God (e.g., falling tree) | ✘ | ✔ |
If you drive over debris and damage your tire, some car insurance companies might not cover it unless other parts of your car are also damaged. However, some insurers offer premium roadside assistance plans that cover tire repairs no matter the cause.
For example, Allstate offers two Roadside Assistance plans: Roadside Assist and Roadside Advantage. While both will tow your car up to 10 miles from where you break down, Roadside Advantage goes a step further by paying for repairs, even if it's just a flat tire caused by driving over debris.
Remember that you'll need to pay your car insurance deductible before your insurer pays out. This is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of the cost.
For example, with a $500 deductible, you'd pay the first $500 for a $1,000 tire repair, and your insurance would cover the remaining $500.
While collision or comprehensive insurance can cover tire damage from specific incidents like accidents, theft or vandalism, there are situations where your insurance will not cover tire damage:
Wear and Tear
Tires, like any other car part, wear down over time. This is a normal part of driving, so your insurance won't cover replacing tires that are simply old or worn out.
Punctures From Everyday Road Debris
Nails, glass and other road hazards can lead to annoying flat tires, but standard car insurance doesn't usually cover these repairs. Think of it like changing your oil — a regular maintenance task that falls on you.
Mechanical Failures
If your tires wear out unevenly due to alignment or suspension problems, your car insurance won't cover the replacement cost. These issues are best handled with regular car maintenance.
Cosmetic Damage
Minor scratches or scuffs on your tires might not look great, but they don't affect how your car drives. Insurance isn't designed to cover cosmetic fixes like these.
Damage Below Your Deductible
If repairing or replacing your tire costs less than your deductible, it's usually not worth filing a claim. You'll end up paying for the repairs out-of-pocket anyway.
Car insurance is meant to protect you from the unexpected, not the everyday. Think of it as a safety net for bigger problems, not your go-to solution for regular wear and tear.
To file a claim for tire damage, you need to contact your insurance company and provide details about the incident. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Document the Damage
Take clear photos of the damaged tire and the surrounding area. Note the date, time and location of the incident. If you can, get a copy of the police report.
Review Your Policy
Double-check your car insurance policy to confirm that the type of tire damage you have is covered.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurer to initiate the claim process.
Provide Details
Be prepared to share specifics about the incident, such as how and when the damage occurred.
Submit Documentation
Send your insurer the photos of the damage, the police report (if applicable) and any other requested documents.
Get an Estimate
Obtain a written estimate for the tire repair or replacement from an approved repair shop.
Pay Your Deductible
You'll need to pay the amount of your deductible before insurance coverage kicks in.
Follow Up
Stay in touch with your insurance adjuster and provide any additional information they request. Keep track of the claim’s progress.
When you file a car insurance claim, a car insurance adjuster determines your insurer's payout. If you disagree with their offer, negotiate. You don't have to accept an offer if you feel it’s unfair.
Car insurance isn't your only option for covering tire damage. These alternatives can be a great choice if you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage or if you want more extensive tire protection.
Tire and Wheel Protection Plans
You can purchase these plans directly from tire retailers or dealerships. They typically cover repairs or replacements for damage caused by road hazards like potholes, nails or glass.
Extended Warranties
Some extended car warranties include tire and wheel protection as part of their coverage. If you're already considering an extended warranty, this might be a cost-effective way to add tire protection.
Credit Card Benefits
Some credit cards include roadside assistance and tire protection as perks. Check your card's benefits to see if you're already covered.
Automobile Clubs
Membership in organizations like AAA often includes tire repair and replacement services alongside other roadside assistance benefits.
Manufacturer’s Road Hazard Warranty
Some tire manufacturers offer warranties that cover damage from road hazards for a specified period. If you recently purchased new tires, check if they came with this protection.
Regular tire maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected damage and save you money in the long run. But for unavoidable incidents, make sure your insurance policy includes comprehensive or collision coverage to help manage unexpected tire damage expenses.
Wondering if your car insurance will cover those slashed tires? We've got the answers to your most pressing questions about tire damage and insurance coverage.
Yes, comprehensive car insurance typically covers slashed tires, as it's considered vandalism. However, you'll need to pay your deductible first.
If vandalism is the cause, your comprehensive insurance will typically cover all damaged tires, not just one or two.
Rim damage caused by vandalism or a covered accident is typically included under comprehensive coverage after paying your deductible.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
