Tire damage is an unexpected yet inevitable visitor with whom no one likes to have a conversation. If you drive a car, you might happen to be in this situation at least once, sometime during your journey. Here we take a look at how to tackle the financial consequences that might arise due to flat tires or due to the wear and tear of tires.
Do companies offer exclusive insurance for tires? How much is tire insurance? What is the cost of car tire replacement? Will the normal coverage cover the damage caused to the tire as well?
Not all insurance covers tire damage. The state minimum required insurance may not cover flat, slashed, and damaged tires. If you want your tires insured, you will certainly need comprehensive insurance coverage. But even that may not always be of help. Let us look at the various instances of tire damage and how we can cover it through insurance.
What causes tire damage?
As evident as it is, tire damage is an unexpected situation a car owner encounters. There are several instances that can result in dispirited tires.
- Accidents: They are one of the common reasons for damage, but you are sure to get insurance coverage for this.
- Driving over a pothole: This can lead to extensive damage to the car, including tires.
- Slashed or stolen tires: If you live in an area with higher auto theft rates, there are chances that your tires are exposed to vandalism.
- Flat tires: Flat tires can be a result of running over sharp objects or due to wear and tear.
Is tire insurance available?
Tire insurance is neither available as exclusive insurance nor is it necessarily included in the coverage we might choose. Therefore, it is necessary to opt for coverage based on the driving conditions and the place you live in. This can save you from unexpected financial liabilities.
Comprehensive and collision coverage will cover the damage if not caused due to daily wear and tear. Comprehensive coverage provides protection against damage caused due to weather hazards, vandalism, or theft. If the damage has occurred due to an accident, the collision coverage will pay for the tire damage that has happened.
Which are the coverages that will pay for your tire damage?
However, there are certain policy options that you can opt for if you need coverage for your car tires, apart from the standard insurance policy.
Road Hazard Protection
This is offered by local service centers. It pays to repair tire damage caused due to glass, nails, or other materials on the road. Expansive road hazard protection includes tire-changing assistance as well.
However, this coverage is based on the miles covered, depending on the remaining tread. It can cost in the range of $15 and $30 or cost a percentage based on the cost of the tire.
Tire and Wheel Protection
This is similar to road hazard protection offering extra perks like repair and replacement of broken wheels and sensors too. Tire and wheel protection also covers towing expenses and alternate transportation apart from tire damage protection.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage
In case your car has custom wheels, then repairing them is going to be a costly affair. The custom part and equipment coverage will insure the wheels for up to $5000, including the repair.
Read More: When is your Tire Pressure considered to be Low?
What does tire insurance cover?
Tire safety can indirectly affect your insurance rates. There are chances for the auto insurance to spike if an accident occurs and your tire is spotted without enough tread. This can make you at fault for the accident. Here are a few things to be specifically understood about tire insurance.
Does it cover tire wear and tear?
Car insurance doesn’t cover the damage occurring due to wear and tear. This is applicable even if you have full insurance coverage. Normal damage occurring to the tire can be resolved only by replacing the tires on your own.
However, some states do allow filing claims for tire damage due to potholes or rugged roads.
Does it cover flat tires?
Mostly, flat tires fall under the category of general wear and tear. For this reason, insurance companies do not pay for flat tires. However, companies do offer roadside assistance, which includes towing and repair costs. If the flat tire is a result of an accident or running over nails or glass, then one can claim tire damage.
Read More: How to change a flat tire
Does tire insurance cover slashed tires?
Since slashed tires do not result from wear and tear, you can still file a claim for replacement under your existing coverage. But, to claim your comprehensive coverage, you must first file a police report for vandalism or theft. Therefore, to avoid any out-of-pocket expenses, it is better to replace the tires after the mandatory inspection by your insurance company.
Are all tire conditions handled as collisions?
In the case of improper replacement, there might be situations where the tire can come loose. In that case, it can be claimed under collision coverage, consequently proving the negligence that resulted in the event.
Damages arising due to potholes can also be claimed under collision coverage. However, this is not inclusive of the tire replacement costs.
Does roadside assistance cover flat tires?
Roadside assistance is an emergency service provided by insurance companies. The towing and other services provided by the companies assist during instances of accidents or flat tires. However, it doesn’t include the tire replacement cost of flat tires.
Is a tire warranty better than tire insurance?
When the total damage that has occurred to the car is more than the deductible, then it is wise to file your respective claim. If the damage is limited to the tire alone, having a tire warranty can save you from immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
One can opt for the different tire warranties available based on the driving conditions.
Treadwear Warranty
This is a mileage warranty. The claims are based on the number of miles completed. One can claim for a replacement once the tire wears down to an unsafe measurement.
Limited Road-Hazard Warranty
This is the road hazard warranty, which protects against hazards on roads like potholes, nails, glass, etc., on the road.
Uniformity Warranty
This protects the tires against rare defects like non-uniformity during driving.
Materials Warranty
Also known as a workmanship warranty, it covers the initial defects of the tire. However, making a claim for this warranty is difficult. For that, one will have to prove the tire is not worn out due to use.
Trial-period Warranty
This is offered by manufacturers who sometimes let customers test a set of tires for a period of time. One usually gets a complete refund or a credit toward a new set of tires from the same manufacturer if one return them by the end of the trial period.
Car insurance does not always cover tire damage. Getting a tire warranty will protect you against damage occurring to the tires. It is good to opt for options that come with road hazard protection. Even if you opt out of the insurance option, it is helpful if your coverage includes roadside assistance. This can aid you during situations of flat tires or other tire damage that can leave you stranded.
What is the cost of car tire replacement?
The median price is $177. This time, the average cost to put on a tire was about $24 per tire.
How do tire warranties work?
This kind of warranty promises that your tires will last a few miles before they wear out. If your tires wear out before you reach that number, the manufacturer may give you a refund for the difference between the miles promised and the miles delivered.
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