Does Car Insurance Cover Stolen Tires?

Imagine walking out to your car, ready to head to work, only to find it sitting on blocks because someone stole all four tires. This nightmare scenario can leave you stranded without transportation and facing an expensive bill to replace the tires. So does car insurance cover stolen tires?

The good news is that yes car insurance will typically cover the cost of stolen tires if you have the right type of coverage. Read on to learn more about how auto insurance handles tire theft and what steps to take if you become the victim of this frustrating crime.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Needed for Tire Theft Claims

To make a successful claim for stolen tires or wheels with your car insurance company you’ll need to have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by an accident, including

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Falling objects/trees
• Fire
• Flood damage
• Collision with an animal

Since comprehensive insurance covers damage from theft, it will cover the cost of replacing stolen tires or wheels minus your deductible.

Liability coverage alone or just liability and collision coverage won’t cover a claim for stolen tires. That’s because liability only pays for damage you cause to others if you are at fault in an accident. Collision pays for damage to your car when you collide with another vehicle or object. But for damage when your car is parked and not involved in an accident, only comprehensive insurance will respond.

What to Do if Your Tires Are Stolen

If you walk outside and find your car propped up on blocks or cinder blocks because the tires and wheels are missing, here are the steps to take:

• Call the police right away to file a report for the stolen tires/wheels. Ask for a copy of the police report for your insurance claim.

• Take photos of your car’s condition and the scene as evidence for the police and insurance company.

• Contact your insurance company and file a claim under your comprehensive coverage Provide the police report and photos,

• Keep receipts for the cost of replacing the stolen tires/wheels to submit to the insurance company. You will need to pay your deductible amount upfront and your insurer will reimburse the remaining cost.

• Consider taking measures to better protect your tires/wheels from future theft. Park in well-lit areas, invest in locking lug nuts, use tire boots, install an alarm system, or utilize cameras.

Why Comprehensive Coverage Is Worth It

Many drivers opt for just liability insurance because it satisfies their state’s minimum requirements and costs less per month. But liability alone leaves you unprotected against tire theft and other crimes.

Comprehensive is usually not much more expensive than liability when bundled together in a full coverage policy. Often it’s just $10-$20 extra per month.

When you factor in that replacing four stolen tires can cost $500-$1,000 or even more, comprehensive easily pays for itself if you ever need to use it. Even just one or two claims due to vandalism, storms, or theft can save you hundreds compared to paying for damages out of pocket.

Comprehensive also helps maintain your car’s value and condition by covering repairs when things out of your control happen. For just a small additional monthly cost, it gives you essential peace of mind.

What About Rental Cars?

If you are out of town renting a car and the tires or wheels get stolen, the rental company’s insurance or your credit card’s rental car insurance should cover their replacement. Just be sure to get a police report and alert the rental company or your credit card company right away if this unfortunate incident occurs.

Your personal car insurance policy does not extend to rental cars. Rental companies are responsible for insuring their fleet, but they also usually give renters the option to purchase additional policies for further protection. Read the rental agreement carefully so you understand what is covered and what optional insurances are available.

Steps to Prevent Tire and Wheel Theft

While comprehensive insurance can ease the financial pain of stolen tires or wheels, it’s better to avoid this nuisance altogether. Here are some tips to make your tires and wheels less attractive targets for thieves:

• Park in well-lit areas: Thieves are less likely to strike if they feel exposed in bright lighting. Avoid parking in isolated, dimly lit spots.

• Use locking lug nuts: These specialty lug nuts require a specific key tool to install and remove so thieves can’t easily detach your wheels.

• Get wheel locks: Wheel locks insert into one lug nut hole on each wheel, making the wheel extremely hard to remove without the special key.

• Install a wheel boot: This device clamps onto one wheel, prohibiting rotation and removal.

• Utilize a vehicle alarm system: A sensitive alarm can detect motion and tilting that occurs when someone tries jacking up your car or removing wheels. This can scare them off.

• Park with wheels turned: When parked on the street, turn your wheels sharply towards the curb to make it extra difficult to tow or wheel off your car.

• Use cameras: Home or business security cameras that capture the area your car is parked can deter thieves and provide video evidence if a theft occurs.

Wheel and Tire Theft Statistics

How common is this crime? According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau:

• Over $60 million in insurance claims are filed annually for stolen wheels and tires.

• From 2012 to 2015, reported thefts increased by a staggering 224%.

• Pickup trucks and SUVs with larger, more expensive wheels are the most targeted.

• The most commonly stolen tire/wheel sizes are 245/R22, 265/R22, 275/R22, 295/R22.

• The top states for stolen wheels/tires are California, Texas, Florida, New York, Michigan.

So unfortunately wheel and tire theft is a widespread problem costing drivers and insurance companies millions each year. But being proactive and diligent can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are specialty tires covered if stolen?

Yes, comprehensive insurance will cover specialty tires and wheels like those made for off-roading, snow tires, high-performance tires, and custom rims if they are stolen. Just be sure to keep receipts to provide accurate replacement costs.

Does a wheel/tire theft claim raise your premium?

Car insurance companies don’t like to raise rates for one claim, especially if it’s not your fault. However, frequent claims or multiple tire thefts could result in increased premiums down the road.

Are wheel locks worth the cost?

Wheel lock lug nuts can run $70-$150 for a full set but this one-time investment can save you thousands in the event your wheels get stolen. Even though they don’t guarantee theft prevention, locks do provide a strong layer of deterrence and protection.

Does insurance cover curbed wheels?

No, cosmetic damage like curbing and scraping your rims is not covered by auto insurance. Comprehensive only covers circumstances entirely out of your control like theft, storms, etc. Curbing damage would come out of your own pocket or may be covered by an optional warranty if the wheels are new.

Can stolen tires affect a claim?

If your car is totaled in an accident and it has stolen tires on it that were not reported to your insurance company, this could complicate evaluating the car’s worth. Always report damages and keep your insurer informed when something happens to your car, including tire theft.

The Bottom Line

It’s infuriating and inconvenient when thieves steal your tires and wheels right off your car. But with comprehensive auto insurance, you can get reimbursed for the cost of replacements minus your deductible. Just be sure to file a police report immediately and take proactive antitheft measures like wheel locks or cameras whenever possible.

While it takes diligence to avoid, tire and wheel theft remains an ongoing problem. Comprehensive insurance provides invaluable protection that saves you significant money if you fall victim to this pesky crime. Don’t wait until you’re staring at a rimless car to realize just how valuable comprehensive coverage can be.