Why is only 70% of the tire cost reimbursed?
4 Answers
Insurance only covers 70% of tire costs because tires are normal wear-and-tear consumable parts of a vehicle. They experience certain degrees of wear during daily usage, so insurance companies cannot provide full compensation for brand new tires when accidents occur. Tire claim regulations: For traffic accidents caused by tire blowouts that result in damage to third-party individuals, vehicles, or property, the insured third-party liability insurance can be used for compensation. For damage to one's own vehicle in a traffic accident, the insured vehicle damage insurance can compensate for other components except tires and rims. Reasons for non-compensation of tires: Since tires are consumable items connecting the vehicle to the ground and undergo normal wear with vehicle mileage, insurance companies will not provide compensation when tires alone have problems.
I've been driving for many years and understand that the 70% compensation for tires is a common policy among insurance companies, mainly because tires are wear-prone components heavily affected by road conditions. For example, when I had a flat tire last year, the insurer assessed it and stated that the tire had normal wear, so only partial costs were covered. This design aims to control claim risks and encourage car owners to regularly check tire pressure and wear conditions, prolonging tire lifespan and avoiding excessive claims. Additionally, high temperatures or rough roads accelerate tire aging—if full compensation were provided, insurance premiums would rise, increasing everyone's financial burden. From my perspective, developing a monthly self-inspection habit saves money and enhances safety.
As an ordinary driver, I once experienced a situation where the insurance only covered 70% of the tire cost, which initially felt unfair. But upon reflection, tires are consumables that can wear out prematurely due to overloading or irregular rotation. The partial coverage policy actually serves as a reminder for car owners to proactively maintain their tires. For example, shallow tread reduces grip and increases the risk of skidding in rainy conditions. The compensation ratio encourages us to prioritize safety factors, ultimately saving money in the long run. My suggestion is to have the technician check the tires during every oil change to minimize unexpected expenses.
I have friends in the auto repair industry who explained why tires are only reimbursed at 70%. Tires are designed with a limited lifespan and naturally wear out with normal use. Insurance companies classify this as regular wear and tear rather than accident coverage. This policy prevents fraud and abuse while encouraging car owners to replace tires regularly. For example, older tires have a higher risk of bursting during high-speed driving, and a full reimbursement system would place excessive burden on insurers. Therefore, setting the 70% reimbursement ratio helps maintain safety while controlling insurance premium rates.
