Yahoo Autos Does Insurance Cover a Flat Tire: Everything You Need to Know
Does Auto Insurance Cover a Flat Tire?
Typically, auto insurance companies don't include coverage for flat tires because that's considered wear and tear on your vehicle. However, if you blow a tire, your policy might pay for part of the repairs to your vehicle's rims or body. A roadside assistance program, which might be included with your coverage, can help you if you have a flat tire.
The purpose of car insurance is to give you coverage in case of unexpected events. For instance, if you get into an unexpected accident, the insurance will cover the associated repairs. Wear and tear on your vehicle is considered an expected event and part of vehicle ownership.
Your vehicle's tires need replacement periodically when the tread wears down. You might also accidentally overinflate or underinflate the tire. When these instances occur, your insurer will not cover the cost of replacing the tire.
On the other hand, your insurer might cover any damage caused by the flat tire. For instance, if your tires were slashed or stolen, the insurance might cover the costs to repair or replace those tires.
You must have comprehensive coverage for that to happen, and it might not be worth it to file a claim with your insurer. According to Motor1.com, insurance deductibles usually range between $500 to $1000, so you should compare the value of your tire against your deductible.
What Is Roadside Assistance?
If experiencing a flat tire is a concern of yours, you might want to purchase roadside assistance through your insurer or a third-party issuer, such as AAA. According to 4AutoInsurance.com, roadside assistance programs usually cost between $50 to $200 annually.
Keep in mind that these programs won't cover the costs that are associated with replacing your flat tire. However, they will cover the costs pertaining to sending someone to your location to tow your vehicle, help you if you run out of gas, or change the flat tire.
Does Car Insurance Cover Tire Blowouts?
Extreme temperatures, overinflation, tread wear, and road debris can cause tires to lose air or pop. When this happens, you might wonder if auto insurance will cover a tire blowout.
Insurance coverage for blowouts are similar to that of a flat tire: the tire itself isn't covered through the policy, but any damage you incur might be covered. It also depends upon the type of coverage you have.
For instance, if your tire pops on the highway and the tire flies off your vehicle causing damage, comprehensive coverage will likely pay for the vehicle's body damage. If the popped tire causes you to lose control and swerve off the road where you hit a tree, collision coverage covers the body damage.
In either situation, only the damages are covered. It's your responsibility to replace the tire, however, and that cost doesn't count toward the deductible if you choose to file a claim.
