Does Roadside Assistance Cover Flat Tyres?

A flat tyre can happen while you’re driving to work, travelling on the highway or running errands. If your car insurance includes roadside assistance, you may be able to get help without arranging a tow truck yourself. However, roadside assistance does not always cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged tyre.

The services available depend on your insurer and the roadside assistance benefits included in your policy. Some providers offer help changing a flat tyre using your spare, while others may provide puncture repairs or towing to a nearby workshop.

What Does Roadside Assistance Cover When You Have a Flat Tyre?

Roadside assistance is designed to help when your vehicle becomes stranded because of a breakdown or minor problem. For a flat tyre, the assistance may include the following services:

1. Changing a flat tyre

Some roadside assistance providers send a technician to help remove the damaged tyre and install your spare tyre. This can be useful if you do not know how to change a tyre or do not have the tools to do it yourself.

However, you generally need to have a usable spare tyre in your vehicle. The service may not include supplying a new tyre.

2. Puncture repair

Certain providers may offer minor roadside repairs, such as patching a punctured tyre. Whether this service is available depends on the provider and the type of damage.

Not every puncture can be repaired. A tyre with serious sidewall damage, a large cut or extensive damage may need to be replaced instead.

3. Towing to a nearby workshop

If the tyre cannot be repaired and you do not have a usable spare, roadside assistance may arrange towing to a nearby tyre shop or workshop.

Check your policy for towing distance limits and other conditions. Some providers offer towing only for eligible breakdowns, while others may apply separate limits or charges.

Does Car Insurance Pay for Flat Tyre Repairs or Replacement?

Not automatically. There is a difference between roadside assistance and insurance coverage for tyre damage.

Roadside assistance generally helps with emergency services, such as changing a tyre or arranging a tow. It does not necessarily pay for the cost of a new tyre.

If you want protection against eligible accidental tyre damage, you may need a separate tyre and rim protection add-on.

Type of coverage	What it may cover
Roadside assistance	Help changing a flat tyre, minor roadside repairs or towing, depending on the package
Tyre and rim protection	Eligible accidental damage to tyres or rims, subject to the add-on’s terms
Comprehensive car insurance	Accidental damage to your insured vehicle, subject to policy terms and exclusions
Third Party, Fire & Theft	Generally does not cover ordinary accidental damage to your own tyres
Third Party Only	Does not cover accidental damage to your own vehicle or tyres

For example, a puncture caused by a nail may require a simple repair, while a tyre damaged by a serious road impact may need replacement. Whether the damage qualifies for an insurance claim depends on the coverage you have purchased.

You can also read your insurer’s policy wording to understand the exclusions and conditions that apply.

What If Your Car Does Not Have a Spare Tyre?

Some newer vehicles do not come with a full-size spare tyre. Instead, they may have a temporary spare wheel or a tyre repair kit.

If you experience a flat tyre without a usable spare, your options may include:

• Using a tyre repair kit: Some vehicles come with a sealant and compressor for certain types of punctures. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
• Requesting roadside assistance: Check whether your provider offers puncture repair or other tyre-related support.
• Arranging a tow truck: If the tyre cannot be repaired safely, your vehicle may need to be towed to a tyre shop.

Do not continue driving on a flat tyre just to reach the nearest workshop. Doing so can cause further damage to the tyre, wheel or vehicle.

How to Check Whether Your Policy Includes Flat Tyre Assistance

Not all roadside assistance packages offer the same benefits. Before requesting help, check your policy documents or contact your insurer.

Pay attention to these details:

What to check	Why it matters
Flat tyre changing	Confirms whether a technician can help install your spare tyre
Puncture repair	Shows whether minor tyre repairs are included
Spare tyre requirement	Some services require you to have a usable spare
Labour charges	Confirms whether you need to pay for the technician’s work
Replacement parts	New tyres and other materials may not be included
Towing limit	Shows how far your car can be towed under the benefit
Service limits	Some packages limit the number of assistance requests

For a comparison of the services offered by different providers, see our guide to Roadside Assistance by Insurer: What’s Included?.

You should also check whether your policy includes additional roadside assistance benefits or requires you to purchase a separate package.

What Should You Do If You Get a Flat Tyre on the Road?

If you notice that your tyre has gone flat while driving, follow these steps:

1. Slow down carefully. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering.
2. Find a safe place to stop. Move away from moving traffic where possible and switch on your hazard lights.
3. Avoid changing the tyre in a dangerous location. This is particularly important on highways or busy roads.
4. Contact your roadside assistance provider. Use the hotline or mobile app provided by your insurer.
5. Confirm the service and charges. Ask whether tyre changing, puncture repair or towing is covered before the technician starts work.

If your car breaks down on a highway, prioritise your safety and contact the relevant highway operator if necessary. You can also read our guide on What Should I Do If My Car Breaks Down on the Highway?.

Get the Right Protection Before You Need It

A flat tyre does not always mean you need to make an insurance claim. Roadside assistance can help you get moving again, but the service may not cover the cost of a replacement tyre.

Before renewing your car insurance, compare the available roadside assistance benefits and check whether additional tyre protection is suitable for your needs.