How many tires does auto insurance cover? (2024)
Auto insurance does cover all four tires on your vehicle if damages result from an accident, theft, or vandalism. However, you'll need full coverage, which costs around $119/mo. Regardless of your situation, we'll help you find cheap insurance to cover new tires, a nail in your tire, or four flat tires below.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 26, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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.
UPDATED: Jul 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Auto insurance covers all four tires, but it depends on the policies you have and your 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.
- Whether your tires are covered or not depends on your insurance coverage
- You must have the correct coverage, usually comprehensive or collision
- Filing a claim might not be worth the extra you pay in premiums
Understanding How Many Tires Auto Insurance Covers
How many tires does insurance cover? Auto insurance covers all four tires, but it depends on the situation and your insurance coverage. If you only have liability, your vehicle doesn’t have protection against damaged tires. You’ll need a specific type of auto insurance to get coverage on your vehicle’s tires.
If your tires get slashed, comprehensive insurance will pay out since it's considered vandalism. However, you'll need collision insurance to cover flat tires resulting from an accident. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repairs.Justin Wright Licensed Insurance Agent
Ensure you have the appropriate kind of coverage so 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 auto insurance deductible.
How much your insurance coverage will pay is dependent on the individual policy.
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Auto Insurance Coverage for 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.
It’s also important 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
The more solid a description you can give the company and police, the easier it will be to pay out your claim.
Read More: Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?
If you have three slashed tires, will insurance cover it? The three-tire insurance rule says auto insurance won’t cover replacement if you only slash three tires, but this is false. You’ll get help replacing your three tires if you carry comprehensive coverage.
Deciding Whether to 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.
How Auto Insurance Covers a Nail in Your 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.
Check out the table below to compare average rates for comprehensive coverage:
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State
| State | Rates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $12 |
| Alaska | $12 |
| Arizona | $15 |
| Arkansas | $15 |
| California | $8 |
| Colorado | $13 |
| Connecticut | $11 |
| Delaware | $9 |
| Florida | $9 |
| Georgia | $13 |
| Hawaii | $8 |
| Idaho | $9 |
| Illinois | $10 |
| Indiana | $10 |
| Iowa | $14 |
| Kansas | $19 |
| Kentucky | $11 |
| Louisiana | $17 |
| Maine | $8 |
| Maryland | $12 |
| Massachusetts | $11 |
| Michigan | $12 |
| Minnesota | $14 |
| Mississippi | $16 |
| Missouri | $14 |
| Montana | $17 |
| Nebraska | $17 |
| Nevada | $10 |
| New Hampshire | $9 |
| New Jersey | $10 |
| New Mexico | $14 |
| New York | $13 |
| North Carolina | $10 |
| North Dakota | $19 |
| Ohio | $9 |
| Oklahoma | $17 |
| Oregon | $7 |
| Pennsylvania | $11 |
| Rhode Island | $10 |
| South Carolina | $14 |
| South Dakota | $19 |
| Tennessee | $11 |
| Texas | $16 |
| Utah | $9 |
| Vermont | $10 |
| Virginia | $11 |
| Washington | $9 |
| Washington, D.C. | $19 |
| West Virginia | $16 |
| Wisconsin | $11 |
| Wyoming | $19 |
| U.S. Average | $12 |
If you’ve popped a tire and aren’t sure 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.
How Auto Insurance Covers a Flat Tire
So, does insurance cover four flat tires, or any? The best auto insurance companies will cover a flat tire depending on the circumstances and your coverage.
For example, if your flat tire results from vandalism, you’re covered under comprehensive insurance. However, if it happens while driving down the road, it may fall under collision insurance, or it could be covered under roadside assistance.
Unfortunately, insurance won’t cover tire damage resulting from normal wear and tear, so consider getting coverage from the best auto insurance companies for regular maintenance.
Read More: Does auto insurance cover flat tires?
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Ways to 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.
Finding Cheap Car Insurance Coverage for Tire Damage
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 car insurance claim.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does full coverage insurance cover a flat tire?
Full coverage auto insurance will pay to repair or replace your flat tires if they get damaged in a car accident or by vandalism.
Does car insurance cover tire damage?
Car insurance may cover tire damage resulting from an accident or vandalism, but not normal wear and tear.
How many tires are covered by insurance?
All four tires are protected against accident or non-collision damage with a full coverage policy.
What types of incidents may be covered by auto insurance for tire damage?
Auto insurance may cover tire damage if it is caused by a covered incident, such as a collision with another vehicle, theft, vandalism, or a natural disaster. However, it’s important to review your specific insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage for tire damage.
What coverage options may provide coverage for tire damage?
The following coverage options may provide coverage for tire damage:
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage option typically includes protection against damage caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or severe weather conditions. If your tires are damaged as a result of a covered incident under comprehensive coverage, they may be eligible for reimbursement or replacement.
- Roadside assistance coverage: Some insurance policies offer optional roadside assistance coverage, which may include services like tire repair or replacement due to a flat tire. However, this coverage is usually limited to specific situations, such as a flat tire occurring while driving on a public road.
Are there any limitations or exclusions to tire coverage under auto insurance?
Yes, there may be limitations or exclusions to tire coverage under auto insurance. It’s important to review your policy carefully to understand any specific terms, conditions, or exclusions related to tire coverage. Common limitations may include coverage limits, deductibles, and restrictions on pre-existing tire damage or wear and tear.
Can I add additional coverage for tires to my auto insurance policy?
Some insurance companies may offer optional add-ons or endorsements that provide additional coverage specifically for tires. These add-ons may include tire and wheel protection or tire replacement coverage. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about any available options for enhancing tire coverage.
What can I do to protect my tires?
While standard auto insurance may not typically cover tire damage from normal wear and tear or punctures, there are steps you can take to protect your tires:
- Practice safe driving: Avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as sudden braking or rapid acceleration, which can increase the risk of tire damage or blowouts.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure to prevent underinflation or overinflation, which can contribute to tire damage.
- Rotate and balance tires: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire rotation and balancing to ensure even wear and prolong the life of your tires.
- Avoid road hazards: Be cautious when driving over potholes, curbs, or other road hazards that could potentially damage your tires.
Does insurance cover a nail in your tire?
Car insurance should cover a nail in your tire, but it depends on the circumstances and your coverage. For example, if you’re in a parking lot and drive over a nail, your comprehensive coverage may pay out. On the other hand, if you drove over a nail while driving, your collision or roadside assistance coverage could help.
Does comprehensive insurance cover flat tires?
Comprehensive coverage will pay for tire replacement or repair if caused by theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, or animal collisions. However, normal wear and tear or maintenance issues aren’t covered.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
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.