The Best Tire and Wheel Insurance for Peace of Mind on the Road

Having a flat tire or damaged wheel when you’re out on the open road can be a huge inconvenience, not to mention a safety hazard. That’s why tire and wheel insurance can provide great peace of mind for drivers.

Tire and wheel insurance helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if you get a flat tire, curb your wheels, or have other damage from a road hazard. This insurance protection can save you money and get you back on the road faster.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the best tire and wheel insurance options to protect your vehicle’s tires and wheels.

What is Tire and Wheel Insurance?

Tire and wheel insurance, also called road hazard protection or tire protection plans, covers the cost to repair or replace damaged tires and wheels.

This insurance protects against:

• Flat tires – from nails, screws, road debris, potholes, etc.
• Tire damage – from cuts, snags, punctures, etc.
• Wheel damage – from curbing, potholes, debris, etc.

So if you get a flat from running over a nail, slash your tire sidewall on a piece of scrap metal, bend your wheel on a pothole, or scuff up your rim on a curb, tire and wheel insurance can pay for the repair or replacement.

Tire and wheel insurance provides nationwide coverage 24/7 through a network of certified repair facilities. You’ll have access to roadside assistance to get you there.

Most plans have no deductible or very low deductibles, like $20 per service call.

What Does Tire and Wheel Insurance Cover?

Tire and wheel insurance provides protection against common road hazards that can damage your tires and wheels. Here are the main benefits covered:

• Flat tire repair – Coverage to repair tire punctures caused by nails, screws, etc.

• Tire replacement – If the tire can’t be repaired, reimbursement to replace the damaged tire.

• Wheel repair – Fixes for damage from potholes, curbs, debris, etc.

• Wheel replacement – Reimbursement if the wheel can’t be repaired.

• Tire mounting / balancing – Most plans cover the cost of mounting and balancing the repaired or new tire.

• Nationwide coverage – Repairs and replacements are covered wherever you are in the U.S.

• Roadside assistance – Towing to the nearest certified repair shop.

• Rental reimbursement – Some plans reimburse rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired.

• Trip interruption – A few plans provide reimbursement for food, lodging, and transportation costs if you’re stranded due to tire/wheel damage.

Make sure to check the details, as actual benefits can vary by insurance provider.

Do I Need Tire and Wheel Insurance?

Tire and wheel insurance provides valuable protection, but is it necessary? Here are some factors to consider:

Your risk of tire / wheel damage

If you frequently drive on poor roads, live in an area with lots of debris, or have certain vehicles that are prone to damage (low-profile tires, chrome wheels, etc.), then tire/wheel insurance can be worth it.

Frequent long road trips also increase your risk. The more miles you drive, the more exposure you have to road hazards.

Cost of tire / wheel repairs or replacement

New tires or wheels are expensive, often $100+ per tire. If you’d have a hard time affording those costs out-of-pocket, insurance can give you peace of mind.

###Availability of other coverage

Some other insurance policies and coverage options also protect against tire and wheel damage:

• Credit cards – Premium cards sometimes include rental reimbursement and roadside assistance benefits that could assist with tire/wheel trouble.

• Auto insurance – Comprehensive coverage may help pay for damage from non-collision-related hazards. But the deductible is often $500-$1,000 or more.

• AAA membership – Provides limited tire change and inflation service, but doesn’t cover repairs or replacement costs.

While those options could offset a portion of tire/wheel repair costs, specialized tire and wheel insurance offers more robust, hassle-free coverage.

Where to Get the Best Tire and Wheel Insurance

You have several options for where to get tire and wheel protection. Here are some of the top sources and what to consider about each.

Car dealerships

Many car dealerships offer tire and wheel insurance plans when you purchase or lease a new or used vehicle. This can be a convenient way to add coverage immediately.

However, dealer plans are often overpriced. Third-party providers usually offer the same, if not better, coverage for much less.

Auto service centers

Repair shops like Firestone, Pep Boys, and Goodyear sell tire protection packages. But again, their plans tend to be expensive relative to other options.

Roadside assistance providers

Companies like AAA and Good Sam have tire and wheel coverage options. This can be a good value since it bundles with other services.

Just be aware of restrictions. For example, AAA’s plan has low tire replacement limits.

Specialty tire and wheel insurers

Providers that specialize in tire and wheel insurance, like Tire Rescue, often provide the best value. They offer very affordable rates and extensive coverage.

The chart below shows estimated annual pricing for the major sources of tire/wheel protection:

As you can see, specialists tend to offer the lowest prices, in addition to excellent coverage and convenience.

Top Specialist Tire and Wheel Insurers

Here are some of the leading specialist providers of tire and wheel insurance and what they offer:

Tire Rescue

• Plans: For cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, trailers, and motorcycles
• Cost: From $69.99 per year
• Coverage highlights: Unlimited tire replacement, $250 wheel coverage, rental car reimbursement

Best for: Comprehensive coverage and low pricing

Good Sam Tire & Wheel

• Plans: For autos, towable RVs, and motorhomes
• Cost: From $59.99 per year
• Coverage highlights: Full replacement cost coverage, low $20 deductible

Best for: RV owners

Sonsio

• Plans: For cars, trucks, SUVs
• Cost: From $99.99 per year
• Coverage highlights: $500 wheel coverage, $250 food/lodging benefits

Best for: Luxury vehicles

Tiresure

• Plans: For cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles
• Cost: From $119.99 per year
• Coverage highlights: Unlimted tire replacement, $500 wheel coverage

Best for: Tire replacement limits

As you can see, coverage details and prices can vary between providers. Compare plans closely to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Key Factors in Choosing the Best Tire and Wheel Insurance

To get the right protection for you, here are some important considerations:

• Coverage limits – Look for unlimited tire replacement, and at least $500 in wheel coverage.

• Reimbursement basis – “Stated value” coverage that pays the full replacement cost is best. “Actual cash value” only pays depreciated costs.

• Deductible – $50 or less is ideal. Higher deductibles lower the premium but increase your out-of-pocket costs.

• Repairs vs. replacement – Some plans require that tires be repaired first before replacement is covered. Make sure that doesn’t leave you with a big bill if the tire can’t be fixed.

• Rental reimbursement – Having some rental coverage is nice for convenience.

• Cancellation policy – Make sure you can cancel without penalty if you sell the vehicle.

Getting quotes from 2-3 top insurers lets you find the best rate for the coverage you want.

Are Tire Protection Plans Worth It?

Tire and wheel insurance provides valuable peace of mind when you’re out on the open road. For a relatively small annual or monthly fee, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

According to Tire Rescue, the average cost for a new car tire is $500. And wheels can cost $300 or more each. Just one or two incidents could easily offset years of insurance premiums.

Plus, the insurance allows you to get back up and running promptly when trouble strikes. The convenience of 24/7 nationwide coverage with roadside assistance can be well worth the premium cost.

For frequent road trippers