Are Tyres Covered on Car Insurance? | What You Need to Know

When on the road, tyres often take the biggest beating. They’re constantly in contact with rough roads and terrain, and often hit potholes, which can be incredibly damaging. Despite this, tyres aren’t often covered on comprehensive car insurance policies unless they are damaged in a claimable act, such as an accident. Luckily, there are additional tyre and alloy wheel insurance policies in place to save you money if you need to change your tyres.

In our guide, we will explore whether car insurance policies cover flat tyres, when flat tyres aren’t covered by car insurance, and aspects that could be covered depending on the policy. We will also explore the benefits of taking out extra coverage for your tyres, and how our policies at ALA can help.

Does Car Insurance Cover Flat Tyres?

Standard car insurance policies in the UK generally do not cover flat tyres as part of everyday wear and tear. That’s because tyres, like brake pads and windscreen wipers, are considered consumables (parts that naturally degrade over time with use).

However, there may be exceptions. Some comprehensive car insurance policies might cover tyre damage if it’s caused by:

• An accident or collision
• Vandalism
• Fire or theft

In such cases, your insurer might replace or repair the tyre, depending on the level of damage and your policy’s terms. That said, even when tyre damage is technically covered, you’ll still need to consider excess payments and how making a claim might affect your no-claims bonus.

Consider adding tyre and alloy wheel insurance to your policy from a third party provider to ensure your tyres are protected no matter what. Our tyre and alloy wheel insurance includes coverage such as the repair of minor cosmetic damage and malicious damage.

When is a Flat Tyre Not Covered by Car Insurance?

Car insurance providers are generally quite strict about what they’ll cover when it comes to tyres. Most policies will not cover you for:

• Punctures from nails, screws, or other road debris
• Slow punctures
• Sidewall damage from hitting kerbs
• Tyre wear and tear or balding
• Damage caused by poor maintenance (e.g., incorrect tyre pressure)

These issues are typically classified as the driver’s responsibility and part of routine vehicle upkeep. In other words, if your tyre goes flat because it’s worn out or because you hit a pothole, you may have to pay the consequences.

Even when damage occurs suddenly, standard insurance won’t usually come to the rescue unless the event is part of a broader accident claim.

Are Other Tyre Aspects Covered in Car Insurance?

While the rubber on your wheels might be excluded, other elements may be covered in certain situations, depending on your policy:

• Alloy wheels: Some comprehensive policies may include limited cover for alloy wheels, particularly if they’re damaged in a collision or as part of a claimable event. However, cosmetic damage like scuffs and scrapes from kerbs usually aren’t covered.
• Wheel alignment: Generally not covered unless it’s needed after an insured accident.
• Locking wheel nuts: Theft might be covered, but general wear or loss typically isn’t.

Always read your policy documents carefully or speak to your insurer to confirm what’s included. Many motorists assume that their comprehensive car insurance protects every part of their vehicle, but tyres and wheels are often overlooked until something goes wrong.

Repairing a tyre can be expensive, especially if you want the very best for your car. Start building your tyre and alloy wheel insurance quote here to see how much you can save.

Do I Need Extra Coverage for My Tyres?

If your tyres are damaged outside of an insured event, the costs can be steep. A new tyre can range from £50 to £300 depending on the brand and specification, and if you drive a car with alloy wheels, refurbishing or replacing those can set you back even more.

This is where specialist cover like tyre and alloy wheel insurance comes into play.

Designed to fill the gap left by standard car insurance policies, tyre and alloy wheel insurance provides peace of mind by covering:

• Accidental tyre punctures or blowouts
• Damage from road debris or potholes
• Cosmetic and structural damage to alloy wheels
• The cost of repairs or replacement (up to set claim limits)
• Multiple claims per year depending on your policy

If you drive frequently, live in an area with poor road surfaces, or simply want to keep your car looking its best, this type of cover can be a smart and cost-effective addition to your overall motoring protection.

Tyre and Alloy Wheel Insurance at ALA

At ALA, we understand the hassle and cost of unexpected tyre or wheel damage. Our policies are designed to give you simple, straightforward protection against everyday risks that aren’t usually covered by your main car insurance. Here’s what you can expect:

• Covers punctures, sidewall damage, and blowouts
• 2 – 4 claims per year
• Covers both run-flat and standard tyre
• Covers replacement and repair (including valves and balancing)
• Quick and easy claims process
• Repair for cosmetic claims
• Keeps your vehicle looking good and maintains resale value

Our policies are flexible, competitively priced, and can often be tailored to the value and size of your wheels. Whether you drive a compact hatchback or a premium saloon with high-spec alloys, we can help keep your wheels turning.

You can find out more about our tyre and alloy wheel insurance policies here.