Some may wonder, does auto insurance cover a flat tire? The answer is usually no. However, the reason for a tire blowout and what happens afterward may determine your insurance coverage.

Does auto insurance cover damage caused by a blown tire? Here are different tire blowout scenarios to consider. The problem might be a maintenance issue that is not covered, such as the tire going flat because it needs replacement. Perhaps, a blown tire happens due to a manufacturing defect or a road hazard.

If you carry comprehensive insurance or a manufacturer’s warranty, you may have coverage for your tire if this happens. More seriously, a blown tire may cause an accident. If you hit something, your collision insurance may cover the damage.

Does auto insurance cover blown tires?

Underinflated tires increase the risk of a blowout. This problem is the car owner’s responsibility. Insurance would not cover a claim for damage caused by a blowout in these circumstances. There is no insurance for poorly maintained tires.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper maintenance for tires includes regularly checking for the correct air pressure in all tires, as the tire manufacturer recommends for the road conditions the vehicle experiences.

It also includes inspecting them for wear and damage. In addition, rotating and balancing the tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles is important, ensuring the wheel alignment is not causing uneven wear.

Manufacturing Defects and Road Hazards

Auto insurance does not usually cover manufacturing defects. However, damage to tires from manufacturing defects may be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty from the tire company. Manufacturing defects may include:

• Improperly bonded treads
• Inadequate curing of tread
• Over-vulcanization of rubber
• Defective sidewalls
• Varying depth of tread grooves
• Improperly aligned tire beads
• Tread separation

Typically, the warranty coverage is limited to replacing the tires.

Common road hazards that may cause a blowout include potholes, uneven road surfaces, overheated road asphalt, broken glass, nails, screws, and other debris on the road. Tire damage by road hazards is not covered by auto insurance or a standard manufacturer’s warranty.

You may get road hazard coverage for your tires by paying extra for the protection when you buy new tires. If you live in an area with cold winters and buy winter tires, there might be an opportunity for a winter tire auto insurance discount to save on insurance costs.

Do you have optional comprehensive insurance that covers blown tires?

For everyday wear and tear, insurance does not cover tires. However, if you have Progressive collision auto insurance with optional comprehensive coverage, tires are covered for damage due to an accident, theft, or vandalism.

What happens if a blown tire causes an accident?

If a tire blowout causes an accident and the owner has meticulously maintained the tires, collision insurance usually will provide coverage for damages to the vehicle. However, collision insurance may not pay for just tire damage.

An example is if you hit a curb and pop a tire. Even though it is technically a collision, you may not have insurance coverage for a popped tire.

Affordable comprehensive auto insurance coverage may pay for the tire damage in some circumstances. You must, however, pay out-of-pocket for the deductible before insurance coverage pays.

Conclusion — Auto Insurance that Covers a Blown Tire

One way to reduce the worry about — does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a blown tire — is to maintain tires properly. Auto owners should regularly check to ensure their vehicle’s tires are maintained and inflated correctly.

Even if you have auto insurance to cover damage caused by a blown tire, your claim may be denied if you did not properly maintain your tires. In addition, if your tires are old and need replacement, failure to do this might be considered contributory negligence, which blames the auto owner for whatever happens.

To avoid this problem, maintain your tires properly, replace them when needed, and keep records of your maintenance efforts. Also, consider affordable roadside assistance coverage, so help is always available if you need it.