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Tire Blowout Caused a Crash: Collision Coverage, Fault and Defects

By AutoInsuranceBundle.pro · Published November 2, 2026

Short answer: If a tire blowout caused your crash, collision coverage usually pays for damage to your car, minus your deductible, and liability covers damage you caused to others. The worn-out tire itself is often treated as wear and tear, which policies typically exclude. If the tire was defective or recalled, keep it and check NHTSA's recall lookup. State rules vary.

A loud bang, a sudden pull on the steering wheel, and in a few seconds the car is off the road or into another vehicle. Tire blowouts feel like pure bad luck. For insurance purposes, though, the cause of the blowout and how you responded both matter. This guide explains which coverage pays, how fault is usually decided and when a tire defect changes the picture.

The short video below covers the basics in about half a minute. It uses licensed stock footage and shows no real crash. The full guide follows.

Which coverage pays after a blowout crash

A crash caused by a blowout is usually handled like any other single-vehicle or multi-vehicle collision.

If you carry only liability coverage, your policy will not pay to repair your own car after a blowout crash.

Is a blowout crash your fault?

Insurers look at what caused the blowout and how the crash happened. If your tire failed because it was badly worn or underinflated and you hit another car, the crash will often be treated as your fault, because drivers are expected to maintain their vehicles. If the blowout was caused by road debris, a hidden defect or something outside your control, fault can be less clear and may depend on the facts and your state.

An at-fault finding can affect your rates at renewal. Keeping maintenance records helps show you took reasonable care.

What NHTSA says about blowouts and tire care

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's TireWise page describes a blowout as a rapid loss of tire air pressure that can cause you to lose control. It advises holding the steering wheel with both hands, keeping your speed if it is safe, gradually releasing the accelerator and steering to stabilize the car, then slowing down and pulling off the road when it is safe. It warns that overreacting, such as slamming on the brakes, can cause a loss of control.

NHTSA also says poor maintenance, such as not having enough air in your tires and failing to rotate them, can lead to a flat tire, blowout or tread separation. It recommends checking pressure, including the spare, at least once a month when tires are cold, and replacing tires when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. All passenger cars, light trucks and vans from model year 2008 or newer are required to have tire pressure monitoring systems, but NHTSA notes these warn only when a tire is significantly underinflated.

State rules vary on fault and coverage. Call (888) 217-5854 for free quotes.

Age matters too, not just tread. NHTSA says tires are more prone to failure as they age and that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of treadwear. According to NHTSA, 511 people died on the road in tire-related crashes in 2024, so a monthly check is worth the few minutes it takes.

When a tire defect matters

Tires get recalled too. If you suspect a defect, such as tread separation on a fairly new tire, search NHTSA's recall lookup, which covers tires as well as vehicles. A defect does not usually change how your own collision claim is paid, but it may allow your insurer to seek repayment from the tire maker, and it may matter for any injury claim.

To protect that possibility:

• Keep the failed tire and any pieces of tread. Do not let a shop throw them away.
• Photograph the tire's sidewall, including the DOT Tire Identification Number. NHTSA explains that the last four digits show the week and year the tire was made.
• Save purchase and service records, including rotation and alignment invoices.
• Report a possible defect to NHTSA.

Step-by-step after a blowout crash

1. Get to safety and turn on hazard lights. Call police if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked.
2. Take photos of the tire, the scene and all vehicles.
3. Exchange information with any other driver involved.
4. Tell your insurer and mention the blowout.
5. Keep the tire and note where it was bought and when.
6. Check for recalls on the tire and the vehicle.

FAQ

Does car insurance cover a tire blowout?

The crash damage is usually covered by collision, and damage to others by liability. The failed tire itself is often excluded as wear and tear.

Is a blowout crash considered at fault?

It depends. A worn or underinflated tire often points to driver fault. Debris or a defect may lead to a different result.

Will a blowout crash raise my rates?

It can, especially if the crash is found to be your fault. Rules and insurer practices vary.

What should I do if I think the tire was defective?

Keep the tire, photograph the Tire Identification Number, check NHTSA's recall lookup and tell your insurer.

How can I prevent a blowout?

Check tire pressure and tread monthly, rotate tires as recommended and watch for cuts, bulges or cracks.

Questions about your coverage? Call a licensed agent at (888) 217-5854 to compare free quotes.

Important: This article is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice, and coverage rules vary by state, insurer, and policy. AutoInsuranceBundle.pro is a free, independent insurance comparison and referral service. We are not an insurance company, we do not issue policies, and we do not provide insurance advice. Calls to the number on this site are routed to licensed insurance agents or agencies in our partner network, who may receive compensation. Calling is completely voluntary and there is no obligation to buy. Rates, discounts, and availability vary by carrier, state, and individual eligibility; not all carriers, products, or discounts are available in all states. Calls may be recorded for quality and compliance purposes.