If you are driving and one of your tires blows out, it can be a scary and dangerous situation. Whether or not it is considered to be a car accident and, hence, covered by your car insurance policy depends on a number of different factors.

You can enter your ZIP code right now to compare car insurance rates for a number of insurance companies for FREE.

This article will answer some frequently asked questions about tire blowouts and insurance coverage. It will also cover what you should do in the case you have a tire blowout on the road.

Are tire blowouts really a big deal?

Yes, tire blowouts are absolutely a big deal. Tire blowouts cause over 500 fatalities and over 23,000 accidents per year in the United States. That’s more than 1 blowout fatality a day and over 60 accidents a day caused by tire blowouts throughout the US. To go even further with this analysis, that is 10 fatalities for every state per year and over 1+ accidents a day per state – all due to tire blowouts.

What type of insurance coverage is needed to cover a tire blowout?

The type of insurance that covers instances of tire blowouts is comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage is used in cases in which you have damage to your vehicle that is caused by factors other than an accident or collision, which is covered under collision insurance.

If you are unsure about what type of insurance coverage you have, you should check with your insurance agent or a representative of your insurance company.

If I have comprehensive insurance will it automatically cover the tire blowout?

Having comprehensive insurance will not guarantee coverage in the event you have a tire blowout. If the blowout caused damage to the car, there is a good chance that the damage would be covered by your insurance policy. If there was not damage to the car, but just the tire, it would often not be considered to be a covered circumstance.

One reason that the tire had a blowout may relate to the tire itself. If the tire was defective, the damage may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. If it was a manufacturing defect that caused the blowout and subsequent damage, the manufacturer of the tire itself may be liable for the damage.

Enter your ZIP code in our car insurance comparison tool for FREE car insurance quotes.

Why might a tire blowout occur?

A number of things can cause a tire to have a blowout. One reason is low tire pressure. Other reasons include driving on tires that are worn out, engineering or manufacturing concerns, driving in high temperatures for a long period of time, and hitting a curb and puncturing the tire.

If you have a tire that blows out, you will notice a huge booming sound in the car while you are driving. If you do have a tire blowout while driving, there are a number of things to be aware of so that the situation does not get worse.

How do I prevent having a tire blowout?

There are numerous proactive and reactive things you can do to prevent a tire blowout. Here are some good ideas for you to do to prevent a blowout:

• Have a routine inspection of your tires
• Monitor the wear and tear of your tires an a regular basis
• Make sure your tires are at the correct inflation and are rotated when  needed
• Be wary when driving in hot conditions or areas

If my tire blows, what should I do?

If you have a tire blowout, the most important thing to keep in mind is to not overreact or panic, as this can make things a lot worse. You can handle the blowout safely if you remain calm and remember what to do.

When you first realize that your tire blew, your first instinct is often to slam down on the brakes. This is one of the worst things you can do, as it can cause serious repercussions. Instead, you should accelerate the car slightly. This will help compensate, as the car will tend to pull toward the side of the tire that has just blown out.

Be careful not to make any jerky movements of the wheel. You should instead keep the wheel firm and straight. Do your best to move away from other vehicles on the road. Once you are more isolated, you can slowly apply the brakes and maneuver the car to a safe place, out of the way of traffic.

For more tips about dealing with a tire blowout or other driving issues, check out the Car Parts Plus website.

Should I contact my insurance company right away if I have a tire blowout?

If you are driving and have a tire blowout, you should get in touch with your insurance company right away. Your agent will help you determine whether or not the blowout is a covered event on your insurance policy. If it is, your agent will walk you through the steps you need to take to file a claim.

If the tire is not covered by your insurance, then determine if the blowout was caused by a defect of the tire or if it is under warranty. Finally, if neither the manufacturer nor insurance company is responsible for the damage, you will be liable for the costs of replacing the tire and any damage caused. To find a reputable repair shop you can check with AAA or the Better Business Bureau.

To compare car insurance rates online just fill in your ZIP code for FREE.