How many tires does insurance cover


How many tires does insurance cover?

Things to Remember

  • Whether your tires are covered or not will depend on your insurance coverage
  • You’ll need to have the correct coverage, usually comprehensive or collision, for the situation
  • Filing a claim might not be worth the extra you pay in premiums

How many tires does insurance cover? How many tires and whether or not it’s covered will come down to your policy type and coverage limits.

The cause of the damaged tire may also impact what covers it, be it comprehensive or collision coverage. Due to the raised rates, even some cheap auto insurance claims close to your deductible won’t be worth filing.

If you’re curious about how many tires insurance does cover, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to see what you could pay today.

Table of Contents

Does insurance cover tire replacement?

Whether or not your insurance company will cover your tire replacement will depend on the company and your insurance coverage. If you only have liability, you may find it harder to get the insurance company to cover any damaged tires.

Only some insurance coverages will replace your tires when they get damaged. Furthermore, your insurance company will cover only some types of tire damage under individual coverage.

Some of the companies that will cover your insurance replacement include:

  • Progressive
  • Allstate
  • GEICO
  • State Farm

These insurance companies will protect against various accidents, including when your tires are damaged. However, you’ll need to make sure that you have the appropriate kind of coverage to ensure that you won’t pay entirely out-of-pocket for repairs.

According to Consumer Reports, the median cost for a tire in 2020 is around $167 each. For a complete set, this comes out to about $668. So it makes sense you would want to get your insurer to help pay, so long as the cost isn’t too close to your deductible.

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Does insurance cover tires being slashed?

When you suddenly find out that your tires are slashed, you will likely be shocked and stressed about how to get them repaired. You’ll need a specific type of auto insurance to get coverage on your vehicle’s tires after they get slashed. If you don’t have comprehensive car insurance coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repairs.

What’s important is that you document the situation as soon as you realize it’s happened. When you know that your tires have been slashed, you should:

  • Call the police and file a report
  • Take photos of the tires and any other evidence
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Share your evidence and file a claim

How much your insurance coverage will pay is dependent on the individual policy. Once you meet your deductible, your insurance company could cover up to three tires under your insurance policy.

Does insurance cover two slashed tires?

Insurance will cover multiple slashed tires as long as you have comprehensive coverage to protect against vandalism. Once you pay your deductible, the insurance company will take over and help you get new replacement tires on your vehicle.

Make sure that you file a police report and document any evidence for your insurance company before calling. The more solid a description and report you can give the company, the easier it will be to pay out your claim.

If you have three slashed tires, will insurance cover it? Once your insurance company knows the situation, you’ll receive help replacing up to three tires on your vehicle.

What insurance coverage offers tire replacement?

As previously mentioned, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage for the situation. While your insurance might cover a slashed tire under comprehensive insurance, you wouldn’t get the same protection with collision insurance.

The main types of auto insurance quotes include:

  • Liability – Protects other people and property when you damage them with your vehicle
  • Comprehensive – This insurance coverage protects your car against weather damage, vandalism, and theft
  • Collision – When you get into an accident, this coverage will help pay for damages done to your vehicle

Depending on the circumstance that your tire gets damaged, you’ll need specific coverage with your insurer to get help paying for the repairs.

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Does insurance cover a nail in the tire?

Your insurance company may cover a nail in the tire, but it also depends on how it got there. It might fall under collision insurance coverage if it happened while driving on the road. If you were in a parking lot and you realized there is suddenly a nail in the tire that might fall under comprehensive car insurance coverage.

If you have a flat tire and are unsure what will cover it, call your insurance company and discuss it with an agent. If you can get the tires covered under your current policy, the insurance company will be happy to give you that information.

Will auto insurance cover a flat tire?

Many auto insurance companies will be willing to cover a flat tire, depending on how it happened and your insurance coverage. If the flat tire results from vandalism, then any comprehensive coverage should help you. However, if it happens while driving down the road, it may fall under collision insurance.

Should you file a claim for slashed tires?

When something happens to your vehicle, you will likely want to get repairs started as soon as possible. However, it would help to consider how it will impact your insurance before you immediately file a claim. Any claim you file with your insurance company will raise your rates, but sometimes you can’t help it.

However, if the price of the tire repair is close to your deductible, you should consider how a claim may be worth less than what you’re paying out-of-pocket.

For instance, let’s say that you have a comprehensive car insurance policy with a deductible of around $500. If you get a couple of tires slashed and the cost comes out to about $600, it might not be worth it. However, considering the insurance company will only pay for $100 worth of repairs, it’ll likely recoup that with your raised premiums shortly.

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How can you protect against tire damage?

Tires are one of the most essential parts of your vehicle, but the argument could be made that they are also one of the most fragile. Tire damage will stop your car in its tracks, literally. Until your vehicle’s tires are repaired, you won’t use your vehicle to go anywhere, which is a considerable inconvenience.

Some of the ways you can protect against tire damage are to:

  • Perform regular check-ups on your tires
  • Have your tires rotated regularly
  • Avoid hazards like debris and potholes
  • Don’t overload your tires

As long as you are careful and understand the limits of your vehicle, you can prevent a lot of tire damage. However, sometimes it’s just the wear and tear that gets to a car or just one wrong nail in the parking lot. Regardless, if you need help with repairs, you can contact your auto insurance company.

Insurance Coverage for Tires: The Bottom Line

Having something happen to your vehicle’s tires is a stressful experience that you’ll want to get fixed as soon as possible. Whether or not you’re covered may depend on how the tire got damaged in the first place. If the repair cost is close to your deductible, you may want to wait on filing a claim.

Now that you know how many tires insurance covers, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to see what you could pay for a policy today.

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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings.  Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...

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Written by Rachel Bodine
Feature Writer

Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. He reviews content, ensuring that ex...

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Reviewed by Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent

How Many Tires Does Insurance Cover?

Most of us don’t think about the number of tires a car insurance covers until we experience a blowout while driving. But, it’s not only blowouts that you might be concerned with, but also the treads on your tires. A flat tire can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re in a hurry or on a crucial trip. You may be wasting time and money on a replacement. In this case, the question of how many tires will your insurance cover might be at the forefront of your mind.

The number of tires your insurance covers comes down to various factors. Below, we’ve broken down the coverage basics if you have an accident that results in tire damage. Keep reading to learn more.

Number of Tires Covered by Tire Insurance

In the United States, only three tires are covered by car insurance for a few reasons.

  • First, tires are inexpensive. So, most people can afford to replace them without help.
  • Second, many insurance companies also cover tire wear and tear, along with windshield wipers, oil changes, and more. They don’t consider them part of the vehicle or its value.
  • Finally, liability insurance covers accidents that might damage another person’s car. But there’s no coverage in the law that requires the owner to carry insurance on their car tires.

The three tire rule is not industry-standard but a common practice. Some companies offer four tire policies and deductibles for tire replacement. Before committing to a policy, check with your agent whether your tires are covered. Also, ask what the replacement cost will be if they are damaged.

Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay

The Impact of Different Types of Tires on Your Auto Insurance

The type of tires on your vehicle can impact the insurance cost differently. One is the cost of replacement, which has been going up. It’s because the tires are durable. That means they last longer and have less tread. It makes them harder to replace when they get damaged.

Some tires (like all-seasons) are also more likely to end up on vehicles with higher replacement costs. Depending on the type of tire you drive, your car insurance company may charge you less. That’s because certain tires are safer and can save the insurance company money in case of an accident.

Also, the tire size matters. The smaller the tire, the less dangerous it’ll be in case of an accident. Larger tires protrude more from the vehicle, making them more likely to get hit in an accident. They also reduce maneuverability and braking distance, increasing your risk for accidents.

All tires come with a speed rating. The speed rating refers to the maximum speed the tire can safely travel when inflated well and mounted on its recommended rim. If you go above that rating on the highway, your insurance company may charge you more for coverage.

Tires with higher speed ratings are more expensive and carry higher insurance premiums than those with lower ratings. Check your vehicle owner’s manual or contact your auto dealer. This way, you’ll learn what your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure is.

Benefits of Tire Insurance

Tire insurance covers tires and rims. You will buy it as a separate policy. The primary purpose of this policy is to protect against any accidental damage. It may be due to road accidents, vandalism, or natural calamities, such as hurricanes and floods.

Tire insurance protects against these types of events by covering damage and loss associated with them. Also, it includes extra coverage for things like damage caused by potholes and road hazards.

Repairing one damaged tire can cost hundreds of dollars. Buying four new tires over a year can be upwards of $1,200. Tire insurance covers these costs.

Unsafe tires can drastically affect your safety on the road. With proper maintenance, regular tire inspections, and tire replacement, you can reduce your risk of an accident due to tire issues.

Image Credit: tianya1223, Pixabay

Types of Tire Insurance Coverage

There are several types of tire insurance coverage available. You can choose the best one for your needs.

One of them is comprehensive insurance. It’s the most expensive of all tire insurance policies. It covers all damages to your car, except those caused by collisions and theft. Your insurer pays for repairs to your vehicle or replaces it with a new one if necessary. Comprehensive policies also include coverage for your tires in case of any damage.

Also, there’s Road Hazard Coverage. The policy covers damage incurred during normal driving conditions on the road. It will cover the cost to repair or replace the tire if it’s damaged due to hazards on the road.

The third insurance cover is the Tire and Rim Coverage. It covers damage caused by potholes, nails, or other road hazards. It also covers rims. Rims can be damaged if there is a collision.

Additionally, there is the New Tire Replacement Coverage. It caters to both covered and non-covered causes of loss that make the consumer replace their tires. New tire replacement policies cover only new tires. If they were installed on the automobile purchased within 30 days before an incident, up to a maximum coverage limit.

Differences between Tire Insurance and Tire Warranty

Tire insurance and tire warranty are two types of coverage that your vehicle’s tires may be eligible for. Both can cater to the cost of replacing your vehicle’s tires if they are damaged or destroyed in an accident. While both offer some protection, there are some notable differences between them.

Each has its pros and cons. Tire insurance may be cheaper than a tire warranty, but it only covers certain damages to your tires. A tire warranty may cost more than tire insurance upfront but could save you money in the long run.

Tire insurance works just as other coverage types that come with your car insurance policy. There is a deductible amount that you will have to pay out-of-pocket if you claim the policy.

But most policies do not require any monthly payments. Perhaps you were involved in an accident where your tires were damaged beyond repair. Tire insurance will pay for the total cost of replacement tires up to the limit specified by your policy.

A tire warranty is also purchased as part of your car insurance plan. But rather than paying for a full set of replacement tires, it covers only one.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tire Insurance

Does insurance cover slashed tires?

Tire slashing is a common form of vandalism. It could be done simply for fun or to prevent someone from driving or parking in a specific area. Also, it can be done as part of an extortion plot. Slashing tires can also cause property damage without directly damaging someone’s vehicle.

Whether your car insurance covers vandalism, such as tire slashing, depends on the type of policy you have. Some car insurance policies will cover property damage caused by vandalism. Others limit coverage to physical damage to the vehicle itself.

For example, your car may be vandalized while in your driveway. Someone may smash the driver’s side window. In this case, comprehensive coverage will cover any lost value of your vehicle.

Image Credit: RitaE, Pixabay

What does tire insurance cover?

Tire insurance covers any damage caused to your tires due to an accident or other covered event. Some policies will also cover damage caused by potholes or vandalism.

You should have insurance just to be prepared for any eventualities. This way, you’ll not overpay for tire repair or replacement. Remember that some policies will only cover new tires. Others will cover used tires if they can’t be repaired at a reasonable cost and time frame.

Does car insurance cover two flat tires?

It depends on the policy type and the circumstances surrounding the flat tires. Your comprehensive coverage may protect against a flat tire if you drive an older car.

Usually, comprehensive coverage is included in car insurance policies. But you may have to pay extra. Comprehensive coverage can cover repair and replacement costs for your flat tire. But if you purchased full insurance coverage as required by law, your insurance company should cover your expenses in this case. It includes roadside help if you need help changing flat tires.

Also, remember that comprehensive coverage can cost much more than basic liability insurance. So, you might want to think about whether you need it and what you’re willing to pay for it.

  • See Also: How Many People Die in Car Accidents Every Year? (2022 Update)

Conclusion: How Many Tires Does Insurance Cover

Most insurance plans will cover up to three tires on your vehicle. But sometimes, they’ll cover more depending on the type of tire your vehicle has. Understanding this can help you get what you need without making many calls to your insurance provider.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that you have a proper tire insurance policy is to ask your insurance agent if the tires on your vehicle are covered. The next time you need to buy new tires, and you’re concerned that an insurance claim will raise your premiums, talk to your agent to be sure of what to expect.

Sources

  • CAMPING HIKING
  • MOTOR VAPS
  • PROGRESSIVE
  • VALUE PENGUIN
  • CAR INSURANCE 101

 


Featured Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

Contents

  • 1 Number of Tires Covered by Tire Insurance
  • 2 The Impact of Different Types of Tires on Your Auto Insurance
  • 3 Benefits of Tire Insurance
  • 4 Types of Tire Insurance Coverage
  • 5 Differences between Tire Insurance and Tire Warranty
  • 6 Frequently Asked Questions about Tire Insurance
    • 6. 1 Does insurance cover slashed tires?
    • 6.2 What does tire insurance cover?
    • 6.3 Does car insurance cover two flat tires?
  • 7 Conclusion: How Many Tires Does Insurance Cover

CASCO rims, tires and tires insurance

The modern insurance market is mobile: many new products have appeared here recently. One of the most profitable is insurance of wheels and car tires.

Why insure wheels and tires

The theft of tires and rims from parked cars has long been commonplace. Attackers take advantage of the fact that it is quite easy to carry out such a crime, and it is difficult to find the perpetrators, so the crime detection rate is very low. Particularly affected are the owners of cars of "popular" brands, the wheels of which can be quickly sold, and luxury models. Often tuning enthusiasts who have replaced factory wheels with expensive or exclusive ones also become “victims”.

Due to the high risks, insurers do not include the theft of rims and tires even in the CASCO contract. However, the demand for such a service is high, so recently some companies offer it as an additional option. The most interesting are packages in which not only theft is recognized as an insured event, but also damage to tires and disks by third parties: when damage is caused by accident or malicious intent.

What is included in the list of insured events

The insurance coverage provides compensation for any damage caused intentionally or through negligence by third parties, whether it be theft or breakage. In this case, third parties are understood to be all, except:

  • the insured, the owner of the car, persons admitted to driving, passengers, as well as family members of all specified;
  • 90,015 persons to whom the machine was handed over for storage or repair and maintenance work.

Points to consider

Please note that tire and wheel insurance is not a separate service. It can only be an annex to the CASCO agreement. In fact, this is a special case of insurance for additional equipment.

Another important subtlety lies in the assessment of damage. According to the insurance rules, if an inspection report was drawn up at the conclusion of the contract, the sum insured is calculated on the basis of this document. Otherwise, the cost of tires and disks provided for by the standard equipment is paid: this information is checked by the VIN number. Thus, when replacing factory wheels and rubber with more expensive and high-quality ones, it is imperative to draw up an act so that in the event of an insured event, the premium fully covers the losses.

How to receive compensation in the event of an insured event

The conditions for receiving payment in case of theft or damage to rims and tires are as follows.

  • Upon learning of the incident, immediately report to the ATC. Employees must attest to the damage and issue a certified copy of the decision to initiate a criminal or administrative case.
  • Within 10 working days, submit to the insurer a self-signed application for an insured event.
  • Prepare the original insurance contract and identity document. Depending on the situation, the insurance company may also request other papers: for example, a power of attorney if the car is registered to another person.

Thus, in addition to the CASCO contract, which will protect against most problems on the road, it is also worth insuring rims and tires. The service will help you avoid unexpected expenses due to the actions of thieves, vandals or inattentive drivers.

What should I do if my wheels are damaged due to a hole in the road?

Auto right ,

Before changing wheels, document the damage or call the police.

In winter, it is not easy to spot potholes and damage the tire, wheel, suspension components, and even the muffler. The manager is responsible for maintaining the road in good condition, and the victim must provide evidence. The more evidence, the more chances for compensation.

1. Gather evidence

Photographs should not only be taken of the damage to the car, but also of the area where the event occurred.

If you change any damage to the wheel, call the police and ask for a report from the scene. This may take time, but will be evidence for the road manager and the insurer. By the way, do you know who is responsible for the condition of the road? If you have a camera or mobile phone with a camera, be sure to take pictures of the pit and the damaged car. Written statements by witnesses - passengers of the car or passers-by will also be useful. Such a statement must include contact details, the exact time, date and location of the incident, a brief description of the damage to the car, and the signature of the witness.

Attention! Photos should reflect not only a pit and a damaged wheel on the road. It is worth taking a picture of the surroundings of the event, marking the roadway, and inserting a camera under the car. It is best to take photos with a flash - a device devoid of this function will not do much, especially after dark. The dimensions of the hole, at least indicative, or a photograph documenting its depth, will also come in handy. For this purpose, for example, a credit card can be attached to the edge. Photos must be delivered personally, you cannot transfer them electronically, for example, on a CD.

2. Damage claim

Damage with a set of documents must be delivered to the manager, who will transfer the case for damages to the insurer or consider it independently. In some places there are also restrictions on which the manager himself pays compensation.

You can find the damage claim document template on the websites of management companies. The application contains, in particular, the data of the driver and the car, a description of the damage and the road section, the size and shape of the pit, a description of weather conditions, data of witnesses, information about the speed of the car at the time of the incident. The documents must be accompanied by a copy of the driver's license, those passports, insurance policy, as well as photographs.

Attention! To expedite the payment of compensation, it is worth sending a copy of the protocol and handing it over to the road administration or the insurer yourself. Cause? Sending a note by e-mail unreasonably increases the time of the proceedings, and it also happens that the documents disappear.

Damages can be filed within 3 years of the event.

3. Arrange with an expert

The insurer will send an expert to inspect the car and assess the damage. The term for making a decision on the payment of compensation is 30 days from the date of receipt of the documents. If you decide to repair your car yourself, you will have to submit invoices for parts and services to the road manager or insurer. For the purposes of documenting the damage, it is worth asking for a repair estimate and keeping the replaced parts (those that fell off the car during the collision). It turns out that this is especially necessary when the car has been repaired before being inspected by an expert appointed by the insurer. Attention! Remember that compensation is due not only for damaged items, but also other losses caused by a stop of the car.

In the case of minor insurance, you need to call and find out about the projected time for the case; in case of refusal to pay compensation or understatement of its value, you should not keep silent about it. Unfortunately, often their rights need to be defended even in court.

What to look out for?

A problem in getting money could be a road sign warning of bad road conditions or a speed limit. A police report will then be useful, which will dispel doubts about the conditions at the time of the damage, and filming documentation, and the testimony of witnesses. In case of failure, you can call an independent expert and try your hand at court, and add the costs of the examination to the compensation.

What to remember?

If you notice a hole in the roadway too late, don't slow down! When you apply the brake, the car is at increased risk of damage. The consequences of a violation of the structure of the tire are invisible to the naked eye and may appear later, for example, bulges, damage to bearings. It is worth remembering this when writing an application and inspecting.

It is worth noting that the driver will have to buy new wheels anyway, but not every car owner knows how to choose new tires correctly. Therefore, you can contact companies or online stores that allow you to select tires by car brand, for example, you can visit the website of the SPBKoleso store at the address - spbkoleso.ru. 9

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