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Does third-party motor insurance cover a puncture?
No, compulsory third-party motor insurance (known in Italy as RC auto) covers damage you cause to others, not breakdowns or punctures on your own vehicle. Help with a puncture, if you have it, comes from an additional cover.
This cover may be called roadside assistance, breakdown cover or vehicle assistance. Sometimes it is included in packages offered by the car manufacturer, your credit card or motoring associations: it is worth checking those too.
What can roadside assistance cover for a puncture?
Depending on the contract, roadside assistance may cover towing the vehicle, help on the spot, or both. Policies vary widely between insurers.
- Towing to a garage or up to a maximum distance stated in the policy;
- on-the-spot help to change the wheel using the vehicle's spare;
- additional services such as a replacement car or getting you home, in some cases.
The cost of a new tyre or the repair is usually not covered, but this too depends on the terms: always check the wording of your policy.
Where do I find out what my policy covers?
What your policy covers is set out in the policy terms and in the information pack you received when you took it out. Look for the sections on assistance, exclusions and cover limits.
- open the insurer's customer area or app;
- look for "assistance" among your active covers;
- read the section on punctures or tyre failure, if there is one;
- note down the assistance centre's number and save it in your contacts.
If in doubt, ask your broker or the insurer: it is better to know before you need it.
Do I have to call the insurer first?
If you want to use the cover, generally yes: many policies require the assistance to be arranged by the insurer's assistance centre and do not reimburse callouts you arrange yourself. The exact rules are in the policy terms.
If you would rather go straight to a tyre fitter, you can, bearing in mind that you may have to pay the cost yourself. But first get yourself safe: the guide on how to get safe after a puncture explains how.
What if the puncture was caused by a pothole?
If the puncture was caused by a pothole, the matter involves not only your insurer but also the authority that manages the road. In this case it is best to document the damage and the location straight away.
You will find the steps to follow in the guide on a tyre or wheel damaged by a pothole.
If you would rather get help directly in Milan
If your policy does not include assistance, or you would rather deal with the puncture directly, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 across Milan and its province, in 30 minutes on average, on the spot, with a repair where possible or a wheel change. Call +39 377 326 0999 or use the request for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
If I have no spare wheel, will roadside assistance bring me a new tyre?
Roadside assistance generally does not supply tyres: if there is no wheel to fit, the usual solution is towing. Every policy is different, though, so check the terms or ask the assistance centre. See also the page on cars without a spare wheel.
Does roadside assistance also apply in a garage or outside my home?
It depends on the contract: some policies cover the vehicle wherever it is, others exclude callouts to private or hard-to-reach places, such as some underground garages. Check the section on where the cover applies in your policy terms, or ask the insurer.
How many times a year can I use roadside assistance?
The number of callouts available, if limited, is stated in the policy terms together with the cover limits. Some covers set a maximum number of uses per policy year. Check your contract or ask your broker to find out the exact limits.
Can I claim a refund if I called a tyre fitter myself?
Only if your policy allows it. Many assistance covers work exclusively through the assistance centre and do not reimburse outside callouts. Before deciding, read the terms or contact the insurer, and in any case keep receipts and photos of the damage.