Can You Claim Tires on Insurance?

When a vehicle’s tires sustain damage, a common question is whether car insurance covers repair or replacement costs. The answer depends on the specific circumstances and your auto insurance policies. Car insurance is designed for unexpected events, so routine issues like normal wear and tear are not covered. Understanding your policy is necessary to determine if tire damage qualifies for a claim.

Auto Insurance Coverages Relevant to Tires

Several types of auto insurance coverage may protect against tire damage, depending on how the incident occurred. Collision coverage helps cover repair or replacement costs if your vehicle, including its tires, is damaged from hitting another vehicle or object. This coverage applies regardless of fault in an accident. For example, if your tires are damaged after hitting a pothole or a curb, collision insurance could help cover the repair or replacement.

Comprehensive coverage addresses damage to your vehicle from non-collision events. This includes incidents such as vandalism, theft, fire, and natural disasters like hail or flooding. If tires are slashed by vandals or stolen, comprehensive coverage typically applies. This coverage also extends to situations where tires are damaged by falling objects or hitting an animal. Both collision and comprehensive coverages are optional and usually come with a deductible, the out-of-pocket amount paid before insurance benefits begin.

When Tire Damage Is Covered or Excluded

Tire damage is covered when it results from specific, unforeseen events outlined in your insurance policy. This includes damage from accidents, vandalism, theft, or natural disasters like hailstorms, floods, or vehicle fires, as covered by collision or comprehensive insurance.

Conversely, many common causes of tire damage are not covered by standard auto insurance policies. Normal wear and tear, such as bald treads or aging rubber, is considered routine maintenance and is excluded. Damage from manufacturing defects is usually addressed by a tire manufacturer’s warranty, not by car insurance. Simple road hazards like running over a nail or glass are typically not covered unless they lead to a larger incident, or if specific road hazard protection coverage has been purchased.

Submitting a Tire Damage Claim

If you believe your tire damage is covered by your auto insurance policy, initiating a claim involves several steps. First, contact your insurance provider promptly to report the incident. You will need to provide details such as the date, time, location, and a clear description of how the damage happened. Documenting the damage with photographs is important, capturing images of the affected tires, the vehicle, and the surrounding scene if relevant.

For incidents like vandalism or theft, filing a police report is often a prerequisite for your insurer. After reporting, obtain an estimate for the repair or replacement of the damaged tires from a qualified service center. An insurance adjuster will then review the documentation and estimate to determine the covered amount, minus your deductible. Following your insurer’s specific instructions and providing all requested information efficiently can help streamline the claims process.

Considerations Before Claiming

Before deciding to file an insurance claim for tire damage, policyholders should evaluate several financial implications. A primary consideration is your policy’s deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. If the cost to repair or replace the damaged tires is close to or less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be financially beneficial.

Another factor is depreciation, as insurers typically reimburse based on the actual cash value (ACV) of the tires at the time of loss, which accounts for their age and wear. This means the payout might not cover the full cost of brand new replacement tires. Additionally, filing a claim, particularly for smaller amounts or multiple claims, could potentially lead to an increase in future insurance premiums. Weighing the repair cost against your deductible and the potential impact on your rates is prudent before proceeding with a claim.