Most tire shops offer the option of purchasing Road Hazard warranty coverage with a new set of tires. Road Hazard warranty plans vary widely, so there are things to know and a number of questions you should consider before making the decision to purchase Road Hazard coverage. Road Hazard policies are insurance – and they are designed to offer you some protection in the case that one of your tires is damaged by a Road Hazard (such as a pothole, nails, road debris, or hitting a curb accidentally).
My tires have a manufacturer warranty, isn’t that Road Hazard warranty?
No. Let’s cover some of the basic types of tire manufacturer warranties and insurance coverage.
- Virtually all tires come with a limited manufacturer warranty against defects. Tire Manufacturer Warranties protect buyers against material or workmanship defects such as irregular wear (not due to the vehicle or driver), tread separation or broken belts within the tire. Such defects are extremely rare because tires are critical to vehicle safety, and are manufactured under rigorous quality standards by reputable name-brand manufacturers.
- Some tires come with a tread life warranty. Tread life warranties are provided by the manufacturer and usually offer some pro-rated refund if your tire does not last the full mileage life. There are often many exclusions and limitations, such as excluding damage caused by the road or driver.
- Almost no tires come with manufacturer Road Hazard warranty. When a manufacturer does include Road Hazard warranty with the purchase of the tire, the coverage is usually less generous than separately-purchased Road Hazard policies. If you are buying tires that come with Road Hazard coverage, review the terms of the coverage to determine whether additional insurance is a worthwhile purchase for you.
What should I look for in a Road Hazard Warranty?
Not All Road Hazard Programs are Created Equal. As a general rule, Road Hazard Insurance policies cover the same kind of damage, but they can differ on a few key points. Here are the questions you should consider before deciding whether or not to purchase the insurance.
- How long does the insurance coverage last?
Most plans last 2-3 years, or until the tread is below 2/32”. - What percentage of the value of the tire is covered?
Most Road Hazard programs have a pro-rated coverage structure. For example, “in the case of damage requiring replacement, 100% of the tire replacement cost will be covered during the first year after purchase, 50% during the second year, and 25% during the third year.” - Where must I go to file a road hazard claim under the policy?
The best Road Hazard insurance allows you to choose where to go for service, and offers a large network of approved tire service shops around the country. Many tire chains require you to come back to return to the specific store or the chain that issued the policy. As you can imagine, this has significant drawbacks if the you happen to damage your tire away from the store where you bought the tires. In this case, you have two options – drive many miles (often on a spare tire) or seek help locally and avoid using the Road Hazard Insurance altogether. - Is emergency roadside assistance covered?
Comprehensive plans may cover some or all of the cost of roadside service, which may include spare tire swap and even a tow in some cases. This can be very valuable late at night on the roadside in an unfamiliar area.
How Much Does Road Hazard Warranty Cost?
Prices differ for Road Hazard Warranty, but generally run 15-20% of the tire price (if your policy pays for a new tire, that’s not expensive). Some chains may offer a slightly lower price, but make sure you can use the policy at shops of your choosing and in all areas of the country.
The Decision:
Whether or not to buy Road Hazard Warranty is a personal decision. For most consumers, the odds of getting at least one flat tire over the three years of coverage is pretty high, so having the insurance protection can be useful. If you get a flat tire in the first year after purchase and the tire must be replaced, for a $25 policy on a $150 tire your reimbursement under the policy may be up to $210. So clearly, the combined value of the replacement tire and emergency service can make Road Hazard warranty a worthwhile investment. If, on the other hand, you go the full three years without a flat, you’ll be out $25 (the original cost of the insurance). Like all insurance programs, you’ll probably be happier if you never need to use the Road Hazard Warranty program, but if you’re unfortunate enough to hear the rumble of a flat tire, you’ll be glad that you’re protected.
Comments?
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