Guest responsibility for a flat tire
If you get a flat tire during a trip, you may be responsible for the cost to repair or replace it. Flat tires that occur because a guest accidentally damaged the tire or because of vandalism are unfortunate. But guests are responsible for the damage costs because they’re responsible for the vehicle during the booked period. If you’re a guest in the US and Canada and choose the Premier protection plan, you won’t pay flat tire costs. If you’re a guest in the UK and choose the Premier plan, we’ll charge you up to your excess of £250 for flat tire damage. If tire damage results from engaging in any Prohibited Uses, your protection plan won’t cover repair or replacement and you’ll be responsible for the damage costs.
What should I do if I get a flat tire?
If you get a flat tire during a trip, start by taking the steps below to resolve the issue. If you complete these steps but you and your host are unable to coordinate the replacement or repair, the individual protection plan chosen by each party would be in effect as part of the damage claim.
- Contact roadside assistance.
- In the US, call 1-415-965-4525.
- In Canada, call 1-888-391-0460.
- In the UK, call 0344 243 8660.
- Contact your host to coordinate repair or replacement.
- If the tire can be repaired, it might be best to do so.
- If the sidewall is damaged or the tire can’t be repaired, get the host’s approval to replace the tire with one of equal or greater quality.
- Make no reduction or pro-ration based on mileage.
- You’re not responsible for replacing any of the non-damaged tires.
Host responsibility for a flat tire
If a flat tire is caused by neglect or poor maintenance, you’d be responsible for the damage costs. Hosts bear the cost of tire replacement or repair if it’s professionally documented that the flat resulted from:
- a defect
- a cut, gouge, bulge, or bubble on the sidewall
- excessive wear that made it unsafe to be driven at the start of the trip
- improper inflation at the start of the trip
- a tread depth of less than 4/32”
- signs of dry rot
- an age of more than six years