Will your auto insurance come to your rescue if your tires get damaged? There isn't a single answer to this question; it all depends on the nature of the damage and your auto insurance policy. Here are some of the situations in which your insurer may pay for tire damage:  

Damage after Hitting Pothole

Hitting a pothole can cause serious damage to your tires, including a puncture. Fortunately, that kind of tire damage is covered under collision insurance coverage. Collision coverage pays for car damage that occurs after hitting another car or object, such as a tree, rock, or pothole. Since collision coverage is optional, your insurer will only pay for pothole tire damage if you bought the coverage.

Damage Due To Vandalism

If the tire damage is caused by some wayward teenagers, then you will only be compensated if you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance is also an optional coverage; it pays for damages caused by events that aren't accidents. So when a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, damages your car, it is your comprehensive coverage that pays for it. Other damages that may be paid for by the coverage include fire, vandalism, and falling objects.

Damaged Caused By Wear And Tear

Car insurance is meant to pay for unexpected damages or losses, not normal wear and tear. Thus, you shouldn't expect any compensation if the insurer determines that your tire damage is due to normal wear. For example, if you have been driving over rough roads for some time, your tires are likely to age and wear faster than motorists who use good roads. Unfortunately, your car insurance won't pay for that kind of damage.

Damage Caused By Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are facts of life; every motorist experiences one sooner or later. Coverage for blowouts vary by insurer, but the general rule is that a blowout isn't covered unless it results in further damage apart from the tires. For example, if you experience a blowout but manages to retain control of the car and doesn't experience further damage, then your insurer isn't likely to pay you anything. However, if you lose control of the car and hit another object, the subsequent damage may be covered, but not the damage to the tire.

It's best to clear up these things before buying car insurance so that you can add any rider or additional coverage if necessary. If you have experienced tire damage, and you don't know whether it's covered or not, scrutinize your policy or talk to your agent for clarity. In some situations, you may get compensation for tire damage even if it's not from your insurer. For example, the manufacturer's warranty may come to your rescue if it hasn't expired.