What is Tires and Tubes?
Tires and Tubes insurance is a specialized commercial coverage designed for businesses that manufacture, sell, store, repair, retread, or distribute tires and inner tubes. It combines elements of general liability, product and completed operations coverage, and property protections to address exposures unique to this niche, such as equipment breakdown, storage fire risk, and transportation damage.
Who needs it
Typical buyers include retailers, repair shops, retreading facilities, distributors, and service operators. Clubs and associations that maintain sponsored vehicle programs or groups of mobile technicians may also seek coverage. If your operation handles customer vehicles, fleets, or high volumes of inventory, this coverage helps manage commercial liability and commercial auto exposure. For businesses focused on new sales and alignment services, see Tire Shop Insurance (New & Repair, Wheel Alignment) for relevant program details.
What it typically covers
Policies often include:
- General liability for customer injuries or property damage on premises
- Product liability and completed operations for defective tires or faulty installs
- Property coverage for inventory, buildings, and equipment
- Equipment coverage for presses, balancers, and alignment machinery
- Commercial auto or hired/non-owned auto coverage for delivery and service vehicles
Businesses that retread or repair tires have additional operational exposures; see program details for retreading facilities at Tire Retreading and Repair Shops Insurance.
Common exclusions or limitations
Standard exclusions can include war or intentional acts, pollution not caused by a covered operation unless endorsed, punitive damages in some jurisdictions, and certain contractual liabilities. Some carriers limit coverage for off-site storage, tenant improvements, or high-risk products unless specifically endorsed. Always review policy wording for product recall and testing exclusions.
Factors that influence cost
Underwriting factors include annual sales, percentage of income from installation versus retail, payroll, claims history, hours of operation, storage conditions, and the amount of inventory on-site. Transportation distance and use of subcontracted haulers can raise premiums due to increased transportation risks. For programs that emphasize storage and recapping operations, consider the specifics in the Tire Recapping/Storage Insurance description.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Many landlords, fleet customers, and municipalities require certificates of insurance with specific additional insured wording or limits. Proof of coverage typically includes general liability and auto limits, and may require evidence of product liability or limits for completed operations. Keep documentation current and share it when entering vendor agreements or service contracts.
How to get a quote
Prepare basic business information—years in business, annual receipts by activity, payroll, list of equipment, and loss runs—to speed underwriting. Discuss risk management steps you take, such as employee training, storage practices, and vehicle maintenance, since these underwriting factors can lower cost. If you’d like help comparing options, talk to your agent.
Risk scenario example: a customer slips near a tire display and suffers an injury, illustrating why premises liability and product coverage are important parts of most programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate coverage for mobile tire services?
Mobile services typically require commercial auto and hired/non-owned auto coverage in addition to general liability; confirm vehicle limits and insured driver lists with your carrier.
Will product liability cover a recall?
Product liability can respond to claims for bodily injury or property damage caused by a defective tire, but product recall expenses are often excluded unless a specific recall endorsement is added.
How do storage conditions affect my premium?
Improved storage—such as sprinkler protection, firewalls, inventory segregation, and monitored alarm systems—can reduce underwriting risk and potentially lower premiums.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.