Tire & wheel damage
Tire & Wheel Protect
Protection for eligible tire and wheel damage caused by covered road hazards such as potholes, nails or debris.
Road hazards can puncture a tire or bend a wheel without any accident. Tire and wheel protection is designed for eligible road-hazard damage — repair when possible, replacement when the contract allows.
Coverage basics
What it is for
Eligible damage from road hazards encountered during normal driving, as defined by the contract.
Examples of eligible events
- A nail or screw punctures a tire.
- A pothole damages a tire or bends a wheel.
- Debris on the road cuts a sidewall.
Repair vs. replacement
Contracts usually repair a tire when a safe repair is possible and replace it when it is not. Wheel repair or replacement, and the number of claims allowed, are set by the contract.
Exclusions & limits
Check your contract for:
- Is normal tread wear or low tread depth excluded?
- Is cosmetic wheel damage such as curb rash covered?
- Are aftermarket, modified or certain specialty wheels and tires excluded?
- Is damage from accidents, vandalism or off-road use excluded?
- What must be approved before a repair or replacement?
The applicable contract for your state and vehicle controls. You can request it before you choose.
Eligibility & existing coverage
- Eligibility can depend on the vehicle, wheel size and type, and state.
- Some contracts require the original equipment size or a matching replacement.
How claims work
In general:
- Contact the administrator or follow the contract's claim steps before paying for the repair.
- Keep the damaged tire or wheel until the claim is resolved, if the contract requires it.
- The contract states whether the shop is paid directly or you are reimbursed.
Contact VirtualCarHub for the applicable claims instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Does tire protection cover ordinary wear?
Generally no. Tire and wheel protection is designed for road-hazard damage, not normal tread wear. Check the contract for minimum tread requirements.
Is curb rash on a wheel covered?
Cosmetic damage is often excluded or limited. Read the contract's wheel section before relying on it.
Where can I get the repair done?
Your contract lists the approved process and any repair-facility requirements. Ask before you book the repair.