You shouldn’t expect your car insurance company to cover tire damage that’s the result of a manufacturing defect, aging, or normal wear and tear, but that doesn’t mean a flat tire would never be covered. If your tire is damaged or flattened because your car was vandalized, comprehensive coverage would help cover the costs to repair or replace your tires, and if it’s the result of an accident, you could use collision coverage to file a claim.
Here’s more about how your car insurance can cover flat tires.
TL;DR
- Car insurance won’t cover flat tires from wear and tear, but does cover flat tires from things like vandalism or accidents
- You can use roadside assistance to cover flat tire changes (as long as you have a spare) or towing if needed
- Comprehensive or collision insurance covers the cost to repair your flat tire—like after a collision
- While not part of your insurance coverage, a tire warranty can cover the cost of repairing or replacing a tire if damage is caused by a manufacturing defect
- If you have a liability only policy you shouldn’t expect a flat tire to be covered by your policy for any reason
How does car insurance cover flat tires?
The kind of car insurance coverage that applies for a flat tire really depends on your situation. Here’s a quick look at how different types of coverage are used for a flat tire:
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance helps if you find yourself with a flat tire and unable to repair or replace it on the spot. It provides assistance, such as fitting your vehicle’s spare tire or towing your car to a nearby repair shop if you don’t have a spare on-hand. You’ll usually be capped 10 to 15 miles for towing, so it’s always smart to keep a spare tire and be prepared to pay some extra for a tow if you’re in a remote area.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage kicks in if your tires are damaged from incidents like hitting a pothole or driving over debris. You’ll get reimbursement for repairs or replacements, but you’ll need to pay your deductible before the coverage applies. (Collision deductibles are usually between $500 to $1,000.)
Comprehensive coverage
If your tires are damaged by vandalism or theft—for instance, being slashed or punctured—comprehensive coverage would cover the claim. Once you meet your deductible, usually between $100 to $1,000, this coverage handles the replacement costs.
When does car insurance cover flat tires?
Dealing with a flat tire is never fun, but knowing when your car insurance covers it can make the situation less stressful. Coverage depends on how the flat happened and your policy. Here’s a quick breakdown of scenarios where your insurance might help.
Roadside assistance and flat tires
Can roadside assistance help me change my tire?
Yes, roadside assistance can help if you get a flat tire, whether you’re driving or parked. Most plans cover tire changes, so a technician will come to you, take off the flat, and swap it out with your spare.
Can roadside assistance help me patch my tire?
Some roadside assistance services can help patch up your tire, depending on the damage. If it’s something small, like a nail or screw puncture, a technician might be able to temporarily seal the hole so you can make it to a repair shop for a permanent fix. But keep in mind, this can vary by provider, and bigger issues—like a large puncture or a sidewall tear—usually means you’ll need a tire replacement.
Can roadside assistance tow my car to get my tire replaced?
Yes, roadside assistance usually covers towing if your tire can’t be fixed or replaced on the spot. If your spare tire isn’t available, is damaged, or doesn’t work, the technician can help get your car towed to the nearest repair shop.
Imagine this: You’re on a road trip, and suddenly a tire blowout leaves you stuck. No worries—your roadside assistance can tow your car to a repair shop so you can handle the tire replacement. Just remember, most plans have limits on how far they’ll tow you, usually around 10 to 15 miles. It’s worth checking your policy to see how far they’ll go before you need to pay out-of-pocket for the additional miles.
Collision coverage and flat tires
Will insurance cover damage to my tires after a car accident?
Yes, collision coverage helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car, including the tires, rims, or wheels, gets damaged from hitting another vehicle or object—no matter who’s at fault.
Let’s say you happen to rear-end another car and the impact causes one or more of your tires to go flat or get shredded, your collision insurance can help cover the cost of replacing them—after you pay your deductible.
Will insurance cover damage to my tires after hitting a pothole?
Yes, potholes are considered a road hazard, so damage like a punctured tire or a bent rim usually falls under the definition of a collision.
Say you hit a big pothole on a poorly maintained street, and it blows out your tire. In that case, collision insurance could help cover the replacement. Just keep in mind that the repair costs need to be higher than your deductible for your policy to reimburse you.
Comprehensive coverage and flat tires
Does insurance cover slashed tires, stolen tires or stolen wheels?
Yes, comprehensive coverage takes care of losses from vandalism, theft, and other non-accident events—like if someone slashes your tires.
Picture this: you head to your car after work and discover someone deliberately punctured your tires in the parking lot. With a comprehensive policy, you’d likely be covered for the repair or replacement costs after paying your deductible. It’s important to note, when it comes to filing a claim you’ll probably need to document the damage and file a police report as proof.
Will insurance cover damage to my tires after a natural disaster?
Yep, comprehensive coverage generally covers tire damage caused by natural events such as hailstorms, flooding, or wildfires.
If you leave your car parked outside during a nasty hailstorm and the hail damages your tire sidewalls, your comprehensive insurance could cover the replacement. Same goes for situations like flash flooding—if debris pops one of your tires, it’s usually covered too. You’d just need to pay your deductible first, and your insurer takes care of the rest.
When is a flat tire not covered by car insurance?
Car insurance can be helpful in many situations, but it doesn’t always cover flat tire damage. Since insurance is designed for unexpected things, routine wear and tear or preventable damage usually aren’t included. Let’s take a look at some common scenarios where car insurance won’t cover the cost of a flat tire:
- Normal wear and tear: Tires wear out naturally with regular use, and if you get a flat because the tread is worn down or the rubber has aged, insurance won’t cover it.
- Aging tires: tires have a lifespan, even if they aren’t used extensively. Over time, they may crack, dry out, or lose integrity because of age. If your flat tire is the result of aging materials, it won’t be covered.
- Poor maintenance: Not taking proper care of your tires can lead to flats that won’t be covered. This includes issues from underinflation, overinflation, or ignoring warning signs like bulges or low-pressure alerts.
- Manufacturing defects: If your flat tire is caused by a defect in its design or materials, your car insurance won’t cover it. In these cases, it’s up to the tire manufacturer, and the issue might be covered under the tire’s warranty. For instance, if a new tire ends up with a sidewall bulge because of a defect, you’d need to make a claim with the manufacturer, not your insurance company.
What should I do if I have a flat tire?
In the best-case scenario, your tire pressure light activating may just mean a quick stop at the gas station to refill your tires. However, if you’re dealing with a flat tire, you don’t want to mess around.
Follow these simple tips to address a flat tire safely and efficiently while you’re driving:
- Pull over safely: Move to a safe location away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
- Assess the situation: Check your tires for any visible damage, nails, or other causes of the flat to better understand your next steps.
- Call for help if needed: If your car is undrivable or you need help to change your tire, contact your insurer to request roadside assistance. If you’ve got a spare tire, a roadside assistance tech can help you swap it out, or if you don’t have a spare handy, tow your car to a repair shop to get it replaced.
At Lemonade, we’ve made it easy for you to contact us and get help. Just make sure you have an active Lemonade Car policy that includes roadside assistance on your car, and have our app downloaded on your phone.
If you find yourself stranded with a flat–or any other maintenance issue requiring towing– head over to the Car tab on the Lemonade app and tap the ‘Roadside Assistance’ button. Our chatbot, AI Jim, will help you quickly navigate the process from there. Once you submit your request, we’ll send the cavalry.
Before we go…
Flat tires are a hassle, but understanding what your car insurance covers can help you stay prepared. Whether it’s adding collision or comprehensive coverage, or leveraging roadside assistance through Lemonade, you have options to manage tire damage without breaking the bank.
Ready to upgrade your car insurance? Get a quote with Lemonade and customize your policy today.
FAQs
Should I get a tire warranty in addition to insurance?
If you’re worried about flat tires from wear, tear, or defects, a tire warranty can be a good idea. It covers issues car insurance won’t, like manufacturing flaws or early wear.
Are flat tires caused by weather covered by insurance?
Flat tires from weather issues like extreme heat, cold, or snow are generally not covered. These are considered maintenance issues, so you’re responsible for replacing or fixing the tire yourself.
Does roadside assistance include the cost of a new tire?
Roadside assistance typically doesn’t pay for a new tire, but it will help with services like putting on your spare or towing your car to a repair shop. You’re responsible for purchasing the replacement tire yourself. Lemonade’s roadside assistance offers support when you need it most, whether it’s towing your car to a repair shop or changing a flat tire—provided you have a spare on hand.
How much does it cost to repair a flat tire?
Fixing a flat tire usually costs between $20 and $50, depending on things like how bad the damage is and whether you’re patching or plugging it. Other factors, like the type of tire, where you are, and who’s doing the repair, can also impact the price. If the damage is more serious—like a big puncture or a tear in the sidewall—you might need a full replacement, which can cost a lot more.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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