Don't Get Stuck with the Bill: A Guide to Flat Tire Responsibility on Rental Cars
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If you're planning to rent a car, it's important to understand who is responsible for any damages or issues that may arise during your rental period.
One common question is who pays for a flat tire on a rental car.
In this guide, we'll explore the answer to this question and provide you with some tips for what to do if you get a flat tire in a rental car.
Who's Responsible for a Flat Tire on a Rental Car?
If you get a flat tire on a rental car, you will typically be responsible for paying to fix it unless you have purchased roadside assistance or have coverage through your own car insurance policy or credit card.
Most car rental companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on, but it's important to carefully read the terms of this coverage to ensure that it includes flat tire repair.
If you have roadside assistance (AAA in the US, and different organisations elsewhere), you may already have roadside assistance that covers flat tires on any car you drive.
To minimize the risk of getting a flat tire on your rental car, it's a good idea to check the tires before you start your trip and avoid driving over hazards like debris and potholes.
What to Do if You Get a Flat Tire in a Rental Car
If you get a flat tire in a rental car, your first step should be to call the rental car company's roadside assistance line or customer service number.
If you have purchased roadside assistance from the rental company, they will typically cover the cost of labor for replacing the flat tire or towing the car to a service facility. However, you may still be responsible for paying for the cost of the new tire itself.
If you didn't purchase roadside assistance from the rental company, you'll need to arrange for assistance on your own.
Before calling for a mechanic or a tow truck, check to see if you are eligible for free roadside assistance through your credit card, personal car insurance, or membership in a club or organization.
Should You Buy Car Rental Roadside Assistance?
While purchasing roadside assistance from the rental car company may seem like a good idea, it's often not a good value for the consumer.
Most roadside assistance programs only cover limited types of incidents, such as locking your keys in the car or running out of fuel. They typically do not cover accidents or collisions that are the renter's responsibility, or mechanical breakdowns that are the rental company's responsibility.
In addition, roadside assistance typically only covers the cost of labor, not the cost of parts such as a new tire.
While this is of course not financial or insurance advice, our own experience from renting dozens of cars is that the money you save from not purchasing roadside assistance would easily pay for your own, or perhaps even the annual fee on a premium credit card that comes with this insurance as an inclusion.
Conclusion
If you get a flat tire on a rental car, you will typically be responsible for paying to fix it unless you have purchased roadside assistance or have coverage through your own car insurance policy or credit card.
If you do get a flat tire, your first step should be to call the rental car company's roadside assistance line or customer service number.
If you didn't purchase roadside assistance, you'll need to arrange for assistance on your own.
Before deciding to purchase roadside assistance from the rental car company, it's important to carefully consider whether it's a good value for you.
