Imagine this: you walk up to your vehicle and see a tire is slashed. Your stomach drops; you have somewhere to be and this is the last thing you need right now.
As you process the tire damage, your next thought is: does my auto insurance cover slashed tires?
While none of us ever wish for damage to our vehicles, it’s a reality. And it’s exactly why you have affordable auto insurance.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What does a slashed tire look like?
- Two factors that matter for slashed tire coverage
- How were your tires slashed? (and what insurance might and will not cover)
- What is your auto insurance coverage? (and why it matters)
- How to file an auto insurance claim for slashed tires
- Two final auto insurance tips to consider
WHAT DOES A SLASHED TIRE LOOK LIKE?
Unsure what a slashed tire even looks like? It’s important to understand this first, so you can accurately describe the tire damage later.
A slashed tire will often be flat (as the air has left the tire), and you’ll likely see a gash or cut somewhere along the tire. While straight, cleaner cuts are likely malicious in nature (like vandalism), rougher cuts are typically from a hazard (like a pothole or road debris).
TWO FACTORS THAT MATTER FOR SLASHED TIRE COVERAGE
When it comes to insurance coverage for slashed tires, there are two important factors that matter:
- How the tires were slashed, and
- Level of coverage in your insurance policy.
HOW WERE YOUR TIRES SLASHED?
Since there can be a number of causes for slashed tires, it’s most important to start here. While some situations may be covered by your insurance carrier, others will not.
What insurance will not cover
If a slashed tire is due to one of the following reasons, it will not be covered by any auto insurance carrier.
- Maintenance
- Wear and tear
- You intentionally slashed them
What insurance might cover
If the cause behind your slashed tire is one of the following, you may be covered by your insurance:
- Damaged in an accident
- Potholes and other hazards depending on which state you live
- Vandalism
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive auto insurance coverage takes care of things outside a collision. Things like flood, theft and vandalism are known as losses claimed under the comprehensive section of your policy. In general, comprehensive coverage will cover slashed tires when the vehicle is parked.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage is the form of insurance you’ll need for slashed tires as a result of an accident. Just as the name suggests, collision insurance is used when the vehicle collides with something else.
Roadside assistance
In general, roadside assistance coverage does not cover slashed tires. While it might cover flat tires, you’ll need either comprehensive or collision coverage to be insured for slashed tires.
DOES AUTO INSURANCE COVER SLASHED TIRES?
Typically yes, your car insurance will cover slashed tires if you have comprehensive coverage.
HOW TO FILE AN AUTO INSURANCE CLAIM FOR SLASHED TIRES
If you choose to submit a car insurance claim for slashed tires, follow these steps.
- If you walk up to your vehicle and find a slashed tire, your first step is to call your insurance carrier. They will determine whether a claim can be filed, then start that process for you.
- Write down the details of what you see and/or what happened. Also, take plenty of pictures of the tire damage.
- If necessary, file a police report. If your tires were slashed as a result of vandalism, theft, or an accident, most insurance companies will require a formal policy report before processing your claim.
- Your insurance company will review and appraise your claim, then determine whether you are covered under your unique policy.
FINAL AUTO INSURANCE TIP TO CONSIDER
Check your coverage carefully
As with any coverage questions or concerns, read your policy carefully for the causes that will (and will not) be covered for a slashed tire. Every policy is different, so it’s best not to assume you’re covered, even when you have both comprehensive and collision insurance.
Your best option is to run the numbers and choose the solution that works best for you and your budget.
So while the answer to “does my auto insurance cover slashed tires?” is a resounding “it depends,” you've seen that it boils down to just two key factors.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right auto insurance for you and your family, and the potential for slashed tires is just one of them.
If you need help finding the best auto insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.
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