Does car insurance cover tire damage?
Car insurance may help cover tire damage if it's caused by a covered event, such as an accident, vandalism, theft, or severe weather, and you have comprehensive or collision coverage. However, tire damage from normal wear and tear, nails, or flats without a covered cause typically isn't covered, though a manufacturer's warranty or a tire protection plan may offer additional protection in some cases.
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How comprehensive and collision may cover your tires
Auto insurance doesn't include tire warranties, specialized tire insurance, or tire protection plans that cover normal wear and tear. Depending on which state you live in, however, your tires and wheels may be covered under optional coverages like comprehensive and collision coverage. These coverages are often required by lenders if you're leasing or financing a vehicle and, along with any state-mandated coverages, are commonly referred to as "full coverage" car insurance.
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage may cover damage to your vehicle caused by circumstances other than a collision. This can include weather, theft, vandalism, or animal-related accidents. For example, if a strong storm causes a tree to puncture a tire, or a vandal slashes your tires, comprehensive car insurance coverage may help pay to repair or replace your tires.
- Collision coverage: This coverage may help pay for vehicle damage caused by an accident, including certain single-vehicle accidents. If your tires are damaged after hitting another car, striking a curb, or driving into a pothole, collision coverage may help pay to repair or replace them.
Will car insurance cover slashed tires?
Yes, your car insurance will cover slashed tires if you have comprehensive coverage. Slashed tires are considered a form of vandalism, which falls under comprehensive insurance. If someone intentionally damages your tires, you can typically file a comprehensive claim to help pay for repairs or replacement, minus your deductible.
Did you know?
There's a long-standing myth that insurance won't cover three slashed tires but will cover four. But the number of slashed tires doesn't matter. If that damage was caused by vandalism and you have comprehensive coverage, your policy generally applies to any number of slashed tires.
Does car insurance cover custom wheels and rims?
Car insurance may cover custom wheels and rims if you have custom parts and equipment coverage (CPE) coverage. This optional coverage may help pay to repair or replace these parts if they're damaged in a covered loss, such as an accident or vandalism.
Custom wheels or rims may not be fully covered under a standard auto policy because they cost much more to replace. If your wheels or rims weren't installed by the original manufacturer, adding CPE coverage can help protect your investment. Progressive's CPE coverage typically insures custom equipment up to $5,000.
When are tires not covered?
There are several scenarios where tire damage may not be covered:
- Nails or small road debris: Car insurance usually doesn't cover tires damaged by nails, screws, or similar road hazards. These issues are often considered routine driving risks rather than sudden, covered events.
- Normal wear and tear: Auto insurance doesn't cover damage caused by everyday use. Bald tires, dry rot, slow leaks, or tread wear from regular driving are considered maintenance issues and aren't eligible for insurance claims.
- Flat tires without a covered cause: A flat tire itself isn't covered unless it results from a covered loss, such as a collision or vandalism. For example, a tire that goes flat due to gradual air loss or aging materials wouldn't be covered.
- Lack of coverage: If you only carry minimum liability insurance, tire damage won't be covered. Liability coverage may pay for injuries or damage you cause to others, not damage to your own vehicle. Coverage like comprehensive or collision is needed for tire-related claims.
Does car insurance cover flat tires?
Your car insurance policy typically won't pay to fix or replace a flat tire, unless it's the result of an accident. However, many insurers (including Progressive) offer roadside assistance coverage that will send a professional to change your flat and get you rolling again. With Progressive's 24/7 Roadside Assistance program, you're also covered for tows, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and more.
Consider a tire protection plan for more coverage on your tires
If you want more coverage for your tires, you may also consider a tire protection plan from a tire dealer. Retailers typically offer protection plans that cover wear and tear up to a certain number of years or miles, as well as damage caused by road hazards like nails. As with insurance, it's a good idea to shop around for a plan and weigh the additional cost against the coverage offered.
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