Is Damage From a Tire Blowout Covered by Car Insurance?

Getting a sudden tire blowout on the road can be a scary and dangerous experience. If the blowout causes you to get in an accident or damages your vehicle, you probably are wondering if your car insurance policy covers such events.

This comprehensive guide will explain what exactly a tire blowout is, what causes them, if the resulting damage is covered by insurance, and how to prevent blowouts in the first place.

What is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout refers to when a tire rapidly deflates or ruptures suddenly while driving. This leads to a loss of control and increases the risk of a crash. Some of the most common causes of blowouts include:

• Worn tread
• Underinflated tires
• Damage from curbs or potholes
• Manufacturing defects
• Excessive speed and heat

When a tire blows, it can make a loud popping noise and cause your vehicle to violently swerve. This often leads to collisions or vehicles leaving the roadway if the driver cannot regain control.

What Kinds of Damage Can a Tire Blowout Cause?

A tire blowout can potentially lead to three major types of vehicle damage:

1. Body Damage

If the blowout results in a collision with another vehicle, object, or barrier, extensive body damage can occur. This includes damage to panels, bumpers, lights, mirrors, the frame and more.

2. Suspension and Undercarriage Damage

Blowouts frequently cause drivers to lose control and leave the road. This often results in impacts underneath the vehicle as it travels over curbs, rough terrain, or collides with ditches. This leads to damage to suspension components like control arms, struts, CV axles, and the oil pan.

3. Wheel and Tire Damage

The blowout itself will destroy the tire that ruptures. Hitting potholes or curbs can bend, crack, or warp the wheel rim. In severe crashes, wheels can be completely broken or sheared off the vehicle.

Is Tire Blowout Damage Covered by Car Insurance?

Whether or not the damage from a tire blowout is covered depends on your specific auto insurance policy and coverages. Here are some general guidelines:

• Liability Insurance – Bodily injury or property damage you cause to others will be covered, but not damage to your own vehicle.

• Collision Insurance – This will cover damage to your car resulting from an accident caused by the blowout. Collision has a deductible you pay.

• Comprehensive Coverage – Damage directly to your car from the blown tire should be covered under comprehensive if you have this coverage. This is subject to your deductible.

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – If an uninsured driver hits you after your blowout, UIM pays for injury and damage to your car.

• Roadside Assistance – Some policies include towing to a repair shop after a tire blowout. Others only cover labor for a tire change at the scene.

Key Notes:

• The blown tire itself is generally not covered under any standard policy.

• You have to pay your deductible amount before coverage kicks in for damage repairs.

• If you caused the blowout through negligence like driving on severely worn tires, coverage may be limited or denied.

• Custom aftermarket wheels and tires may have limits on coverage or not be covered at all.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Tire Blowout Damage

If you experience a tire blowout and resulting vehicle damage, follow these steps to file your insurance claim:

1. Move to a safe location if possible and call for roadside assistance or a tow truck.

2. Contact the police to file an accident report if there are injuries or a collision was involved.

3. Take photos of your damaged vehicle and the blown tire to document the incident.

4. Call your insurance provider at the number on your insurance card as soon as possible to start your claim.

5. Provide details of what happened, the damage incurred, police report case numbers, and answer any questions.

6. Take your vehicle to an approved repair shop and get a damage estimate. Submit this to your insurance adjuster.

7. Pay your deductible amount after your claim is approved and repairs will be covered per your policy terms.

8. If your insurer denies your claim, you may have to provide proof the blowout was not negligence on your part like seriously worn tires.

Can I Claim Against the Tire Manufacturer?

In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation from the tire company if you can prove the blowout was caused by a tire defect. You would need evidence like:

• Tire was under the mileage treadwear warranty when it failed

• Independent expert assessment finds manufacturing defect

• Pattern of similar defects in this tire model from other complaints

• Tire was properly maintained and damage was not from road hazards

• Tire was purchased recently and product warranty should apply

Claims against manufacturers for blowouts are complex and you need strong evidence. Consult an attorney to assess if you have grounds for a defective tire liability case.

Tips to Prevent Tire Blowouts

You can reduce the risk of suffering a dangerous tire blowout by:

• Checking tire pressure and tread depth at least monthly

• Rotating tires every 6,000-8,000 miles

• Aligning your wheels when needed

• Avoiding potholes and curbs that can damage tires

• Not overloading your vehicle beyond tire weight limits

• Purchasing quality tires from reputable brands

• Replacing tires before they reach the minimum tread depth

• Checking tires frequently on long road trips

No one wants to experience the dangerous situation of having a tire catastrophically fail while driving. Understanding the insurance implications, prevention measures, and your coverage options can give you peace of mind. Stay safe out there!