Does Insurance Cover Tire Damage or Wear and Tear

Insurance coverage for tire damage or wear and tear can be a bit of a gray area. Most auto insurance policies exclude routine maintenance and wear and tear, so if your tires are worn down from normal driving, you're unlikely to get coverage.

However, some policies may cover damage from road hazards, potholes, or other external factors that cause tire damage. For example, if a pothole causes a blowout, your insurance might cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

It's essential to review your policy carefully to understand what's covered and what's not. You can also consider purchasing a separate tire protection plan, which can provide additional coverage for tire damage or wear and tear.

Damage from potholes can be a real pain, and the cost to repair a dented rim can range from $50 to upwards of $500, while misalignment can cost $80 to $100 to repair. If the total value of the damage doesn't exceed your deductible, you might even be able to skip filing a claim.

Tire damage can occur in various ways, and it's good to know what's covered by your insurance. Here are some scenarios in which tire damage is covered:

Is Damage Covered?

Car insurance will cover tire damage if you have comprehensive and collision coverage as part of your policy. Tires that are slashed or stolen in a parking lot or damaged by a pothole on the road would be covered.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car that's not caused by a collision, like fire, theft, and vandalism. Collision insurance covers damage to your car caused by colliding with something.

You'll need to pay a deductible, usually $500 or $1,000, for a covered claim. If the cost to replace your tires is close to or less than your deductible, it's not worth filing a claim.

If you're leasing or financing your vehicle, you'll probably be required to add comprehensive and collision coverage. This is because neither comp nor collision coverage is required by law.

Car insurance doesn't cover general wear-and-tear, including regular and necessary maintenance.

You won't be covered for a tire that's been wearing out over time.

Insurance coverage can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. Car insurance policies generally don't cover repairing or replacing a flat tire unless it results from an accident.

However, if your tires are damaged due to vandalism, comprehensive coverage should help pay for the repairs. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents, including theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and more.

If you live in a state that offers optional coverages, you might be able to get protection for your tires and wheels from damage caused by potholes, vandalism, and other mishaps. This could include damage from a strong storm or a vandal slashing your tires.

But, if you want more coverage for your tires, you might need to consider a tire protection plan from a tire dealer. These plans typically cover wear and tear up to a certain number of years or miles, as well as damage caused by road hazards like nails.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

Some insurance policies may not cover tires, or may have specific limitations on coverage.

For example, some comprehensive insurance policies may not cover tires that are damaged due to wear and tear, but may cover damage caused by road debris or vandalism.

If you're unsure about your specific policy, it's best to check your policy documents or contact your insurance provider.

Liability insurance typically doesn't cover tire damage, as it's meant to cover damages to other people's property, not your own vehicle.

If your tires are stolen, you're in luck - comprehensive coverage will pay to replace them. This type of coverage also pays out if your car is stolen in its entirety.

You'll need a police report to file a claim for stolen tires, just like you would for vandalism. This is a standard requirement for most insurance companies.

If you accidentally run over glass on the road and it causes a flat tire, your insurance may cover the claim. However, if the flat tire is due to wear and tear, you're out of luck - car insurance doesn't cover routine maintenance.

Roadside assistance can help if you're stranded with a flat tire, but you'll still need to pay for the replacement tire yourself.

Standard auto insurance policies don't typically cover tire damage caused by wear and tear or punctures. However, there are certain scenarios where car insurance may cover tire damage, such as if your tires are damaged due to a covered accident.

Comprehensive coverage can also include coverage for tire damage due to vandalism or theft, which is a relief for many drivers. If you're involved in a covered accident, make sure to review your policy to see if tire damage is included.