New 2019 Rules for Auto Insurance Policies in Massachusetts

Please share this story:

Since Massachusetts is a no-fault state, there are some minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage. While this gives you a certain amount of coverage for injury claims regardless of what and who caused the collision, your options to file claims are limited too.

So, when looking for an auto insurance policy, people often put tire damage into the gray area. The car owners are primarily concerned about collisions and speeding tickets. As a result, tires take a back seat in their insurance FAQs.

Although tires are made of durable rubber, they are fallible. Whether it is due to vandalism, wear and tear, or potholes, damage to your tires can be detrimental.

Massachusetts insurance laws say that you can technically cover tire damage if your auto insurance policy has comprehensive and collision coverage. Here, learn more about tire damage and insurance coverage for the same.

What Happens for Stolen or Vandalized Tires?

Typically, vandalized or stolen tires are the type of damage that comes under comprehensive coverage. So, you may have to file a police report if someone steals your wheels or slashes them.

After the report is filed, the insurer will inspect the damages. If, in case, you buy new tires before claim settlement, remember to keep the damaged tires and receipts of the latest purchases safely for proof.

What Happens for Tire Blow-Outs From Potholes?

Massachusetts insurance allows coverage for tires busted due to potholes. It comes under collision insurance that covers damages due to running your vehicle into potholes. Damage resulting from a single-vehicle accident is categorized as an at-fault accident by the insurers.

Depending on the amount of damage and deductibles, you can either pay the expenses or file a claim. Consider not filing a claim if the damages do not double up to your deductibles. If a pothole led you to swerve off the road and get hit by something, file a claim to cover the damages only if they exceed the deductibles.

Here, Massachusetts laws apply points for six years on your license after an at-fault accident.

For example, if your payout for an accident claim is anywhere between $500 and $2000, you may assess three points while four points are allowed for payouts above $2000. However, it is always better to clarify the right claim amount with your insurance before filing the paperwork.

What Happens If Tires Wear Out?

Normal wear and tear of tires may come under your auto insurance policy. But, if tires have a sudden blow-out due to road debris or extreme temperature, it may not be covered.

However, some car insurance policies offer coverage for damages resulting from the blow-out as well. Also, if the blow-out results in an accident where you end up damaging another vehicle, your liability insurance will cover the third-party damages.

What are the Exceptions to this Coverage?

Despite how well you maintain your car, there may be rare incidents that result in flat tires. For example, if the wheels come loose from the car due to incorrect replacement or damaged undercarriage, you can file a claim with the insurer.

Most of the auto insurance policies cover damages sustained due to wheels coming off. These claims are seen as similar to collisions. Hence, the insurer provides coverage for both the body damage and wheels. If you are able to prove the negligence of a third-party as the cause of the accident, the insurer will reimburse your deductibles as well.

The costs of repairing damaged tires are higher than the amount of deductibles. So, keep your deductible low to make the claims for tire damage worthwhile. Remember to check the facts with your insurer to make the most of your auto insurance policy.

Previous articleIncrease Donations & Reach Targets Faster With These 6 Creative School Fundraising Concepts
Next article2019 Survey Results Indicate How To Boost Ecommerce Sales
Melissa Thompson

Melissa is a mother of 2, lives in Utah, and writes for a multitude of sites. She is currently the EIC of HarcourtHealth.com and writes about health, wellness, and business topics.