Yes, car insurance can cover a flat tire-but it depends on how it got flat and the coverages you have
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?
Can roadside assistance help me patch my tire?
Can roadside assistance tow my car to get my tire replaced?
Collision coverage and flat tires
Will insurance cover damage to my tires after a car accident?
Will insurance cover damage to my tires after hitting a pothole?
Comprehensive coverage and flat tires
Does insurance cover slashed tires, stolen tires or stolen wheels?
Will insurance cover damage to my tires after a natural disaster?
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.
