We checked the product disclosure statement (PDS) for 10 different comprehensive car insurance policies, none cover pothole damage to tyres. Our research looked specifically at pothole damage and tyre damage. In all cases, tyre damage was listed as an exclusion. In some cases, pothole damage to other parts of the car (excluding tyres) could be covered under loss or damage.
Keep in mind, given that no one else can be held accountable for the damage, it's likely that you'd have to pay an excess if the insurer did decide to approve your claim.
Will car insurance cover pothole damage?
Our insurance experts went through the product disclosure statement for 10 different providers and looked at how each insurer treats damage as the result of a pothole. Our findings are summarised below.
Provider | Is pothole damage covered? |
---|---|
Budget Direct | Tyre damage as the result of a pothole will not be covered, however more extensive damage to the car may be eligible for cover under loss or damage. |
Youi | Tyre damage is not covered. |
Rollin | Tyre damage is not covered. |
Qantas | Tyre damage is not covered. |
Bingle | Tyre damage is not covered. |
Australia Post | Tyre damage is not covered unless it's caused by an incident which they've agreed to cover. |
QBE | Tyre damage is not covered unless it's caused by an incident which they've agreed to cover. |
Kogan | Tyre damage is not covered unless it's caused by an incident which they've agreed to cover. |
AAMI | Tyre damage is not covered. |
NRMA | Tyre damage as the result of a pothole will not be covered, however more extensive damage to the car may be eligible for cover under loss or damage. |
This research is accurate as of December 2023. Our sources include product disclosure statements, information on provider website pages and online chats used on provider websites.
More guides on Finder
-
Cheap car insurance in Australia – November picks
Here's a guide to getting affordable car insurance that will still cover the essentials.
-
Car registration Victoria
Find out how to get your car registration transferred in Victoria.
-
NRMA roadside assistance options compared
NRMA offers 3 levels of roadside assistance. We’ve compared the pricing and features of them all in this article.
-
Youi vs Budget Direct car insurance
A side by side comparison of Youi and Budget Direct car insurance including expert analysis of pricing, features, complaints and reviews.
-
When can you drive an unregistered vehicle legally?
Here's when you can and can't drive an unregistered vehicle legally.
-
Blue Slip NSW
Your guide to Blue Slips.
-
Rideshare car insurance
Find out what car insurance options are available for rideshare drivers, including Ubers.
-
Learner driver insurance
Complete guide to getting car insurance for learner drivers in Australia.
-
Ryno enthusiast car insurance
Read the detailed review on classic car insurance specialist Ryno.
-
Car insurance cover notes explained
Car insurance cover notes are no longer available in Australia. Read on to learn why and what your alternatives are.
Ask a question