Why do you only slash three tires? There is a myth that the insurance doesn’t cover if only three car tires are slashed. However, the “three-tire rule” is a common misconception and untrue. In reality, if you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance will cover any number of slashed tires. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand the specifics of this coverage, including deductible payments and tire value considerations.
Moreover, as filing an insurance claim may lead to increased rates, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to pay for tire replacement out of pocket. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of the three-tire rule, debunk the myth, delve into comprehensive insurance coverage, discuss preventive measures against slashed tires, and provide valuable tips for finding the best auto insurance policy that includes comprehensive coverage.
What is the Three-Tire Rule?
Why do you only stab out 3 tires?
The three-tire rule is a misconception that claims auto insurance won’t pay for damages if only three tires are stabbed. The origin of this idea remains uncertain, but it’s important to clarify that it holds no truth. While liability-only coverage won’t cover tire damage, comprehensive coverage is necessary for complete protection.
Does Insurance Cover Slashed Tires?
Contrary to popular belief, auto insurance can cover any number of slashed tires if you have the appropriate coverage. Adding comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy ensures protection against slashed tires caused by vandalism, road debris, spikes, or other incidents. Comprehensive coverage encompasses damages to your vehicle that are not a result of an accident, such as fire, theft, and vandalism—slashed tires fall under the category of destruction. Check our dedicated blog to learn more about insurance coverage for slashed tires.
Collision vs. Comprehensive Auto Insurance
Collision auto insurance covers damages to your vehicle resulting from an accident that you caused.
For instance, if you have an accident and your tire is damaged, collision coverage would pay for its replacement. On the other hand, comprehensive insurance covers damages to your vehicle from non-accident-related events like fire, theft, and vandalism. Slashed tires are considered vandalism, making comprehensive coverage essential for their protection.
It’s important to note that insurance doesn’t typically cover normal wear and tear of your tires or flat tires. However, if you have roadside assistance coverage, it can assist with changing a flat tire or towing your car to a repair facility.
How Much Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cost?
If you’re wondering whether major insurance providers like Geico, State Farm, or Progressive cover slashed tires, the answer is yes, given that you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance varies by state, but it is relatively inexpensive and offers peace of mind. Here are the average annual complete auto insurance rates by state:
| State | Average Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $146.28 |
| Alaska | $141.08 |
| Arizona | $184.20 |
| Arkansas | $183.36 |
| California | $99.29 |
| Colorado | $158.34 |
| Connecticut | $126.02 |
| Delaware | $113.23 |
| District of Columbia | $230.25 |
| Florida | $110.12 |
| Georgia | $153.61 |
| Hawaii | $100.09 |
| Idaho | $110.78 |
| Illinois | $117.98 |
| Indiana | $115.02 |
| Iowa | $171.58 |
| Kansas | $225.34 |
| Kentucky | $130.15 |
| Louisiana | $208.59 |
| Maine | $96.66 |
| Maryland | $146.77 |
| Massachusetts | $128.92 |
| Michigan | $147.02 |
| Minnesota | $173.04 |
| Mississippi | $194.74 |
| Missouri | $166.34 |
| Montana | $199.87 |
| Nebraska | $206.24 |
| Nevada | $116.79 |
| New Hampshire | $103.03 |
| New Jersey | $123.18 |
| New Mexico | $166.89 |
| New York | $156.66 |
| North Carolina | $123.00 |
| North Dakota | $227.64 |
| Ohio | $112.74 |
| Oklahoma | $201.56 |
| Oregon | $89.66 |
| Pennsylvania | $132.01 |
| Rhode Island | $122.17 |
| South Carolina | $165.38 |
| South Dakota | $228.59 |
| Tennessee | $135.62 |
| Texas | $186.70 |
| Utah | $106.57 |
| Vermont | $118.31 |
| Virginia | $129.89 |
| Washington | $104.11 |
| West Virginia | $195.04 |
| Wisconsin | $126.34 |
| Wyoming | $222.86 |
| U.S. Average | $138.87 |
Data courtesy: Autoinsurance.org
While comprehensive insurance can help with tire replacement, several factors must be considered. Firstly, you will still need to pay the deductible on your comprehensive coverage, which, depending on its amount and the cost of the tires, may not save you money.
Secondly, your insurance will only pay for tire replacement in a comparable condition. If your tires are older, insurance won’t cover a brand-new set. Your tires’ age and mileage are considered when processing the claim.
Filing an insurance claim can also result in increased rates for several years. Considering the deductible and potential rate increase, paying for new tires out of pocket might be more cost-effective. Additionally, it’s important to note that typical comprehensive insurance won’t cover custom wheels, requiring the addition of custom parts and equipment coverage to your policy.
Regardless of whether you choose to file an insurance claim, it’s advisable to file a police report. Documenting the damages through a police report can help hold the responsible party accountable and potentially make them liable for repairs.
How to Avoid Slashed Tires?
While you cannot entirely prevent acts of vandalism, there are measures you can take to protect your vehicle, save money, and avoid headaches associated with slashed tires. Here are some effective preventive measures:
Park in well-lit areas: Choosing well-illuminated parking spaces reduces the likelihood of vandalism and deters potential perpetrators.
Install security cameras on your property: Surveillance cameras can serve as a deterrent and provide evidence in the event of an incident.
Install a car alarm: An alarm system can alert you and others nearby to any attempted vandalism, potentially discouraging the perpetrators.
Park in a garage if available: Parking your vehicle in a garage provides additional protection against vandalism and other potential damages.
While there are no guarantees against car vandalism, implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the three-tire rule claims that auto insurance won’t cover tire damages if only three are slashed is entirely false. However, it’s crucial to have comprehensive coverage to ensure protection in case of slashed tires. Comprehensive coverage is relatively affordable and covers many scenarios, including fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. To find the best auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage, enter your ZIP code now.
FAQ About Why Do You Only Slash Three Tires?
#1. What does it mean to “Slash 3 Tires”?
To “Slash 3 tires” means that someone has intentionally damaged three tires on a vehicle, typically by puncturing them with a sharp object such as a knife or an ice pick. This act of vandalism can leave car owners with costly repairs or the need to replace their tires entirely.
#2. Why do people only slash three tires instead of all four?
One of the main reasons that vandals only slash three tires is to make it more difficult for the car owner to drive away. If all four tires are slashed, it is easier for the owner to replace them all at once and drive away. By leaving one tire intact, it becomes harder to drive the car, and the owner may need to call for help or take extra time to replace the tires.
#3. Do people ever slash more than three tires?
While it is rare, some vandals may slash more than three tires. However, it is more common to see only three tires slashed, as this is often all that is needed to disable the vehicle and cause the owner inconvenience and financial hardship.
#4. Is there a rule that “3 tires instead of 4” apply to vandalizing vehicles?
There is no official “Three Tire Rule” when it comes to vandalizing vehicles. It is simply a common practice used by vandals to cause maximum inconvenience to the car owner.
#5. Will insurance cover the cost of repairing or replacing three slashed tires?
Whether or not insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing three slashed tires depends on the individual policy and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. It is important to check with your auto insurance provider about their coverage for incidents of vandalism.
#6. Are insurance companies less likely to cover the cost of three slashed tires compared to four?
There is no evidence to suggest that insurance companies are less likely to cover the cost of three slashed tires compared to four. However, as with any insurance claim, it will depend on the individual policy and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
#7. Is it a common misconception that insurance won’t pay for damages caused by someone else slashing three tires?
Yes, it is a common misconception that insurance won’t pay for damages caused by someone else slashing three tires. In many cases, if the car owner has comprehensive coverage on their auto insurance policy, they may be eligible for compensation for the damage caused by vandalism or malicious acts.
