If you find yourself with a flat tire in a rental car, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise—there’s a good chance there’s no spare tire in the trunk. And even if there is, it’s unlikely there will be a jack or lug wrench. So, what do you do next?
Step 1: Call the Rental Car Company
Your first move should be to contact the rental car company’s dedicated roadside assistance number or customer service line. If you opted for roadside assistance when booking the car, now is the time to use it. In this case, the rental company will cover the cost of labor to change the tire or tow the car to the nearest service center. However, be aware that roadside assistance often only covers labor costs, not the cost of the new tire itself. You may still need to pay for the tire.
Step 2: If You Didn’t Purchase Roadside Assistance
If you didn’t opt for roadside assistance, you’ll need to arrange it yourself. First, check if you’re eligible for any free roadside help through your credit card, personal auto insurance, or a membership club like AAA. Many credit cards offer roadside assistance as a perk, and your personal insurance might extend to a rental car as well.
Step 3: Understand the Legalities
It’s important to know that more and more new cars are being sold without spare tires, and this is also common in rental cars. This is perfectly legal, and it’s also legal for rental companies to rent a car without a spare. Rental companies are required to provide vehicles in good working condition, but you, the renter, are responsible for any damage that happens during the rental period—such as hitting debris on the road.
At first glance, purchasing roadside assistance at the rental counter might seem like a good idea. The cost is usually around $4 to $7 per day, and it may offer peace of mind knowing you can get help if you run into trouble. However, roadside assistance packages often only cover specific incidents, such as locking keys in the car, running out of gas, or needing a jump start. They don’t cover mechanical issues, accidents, or vehicle damage that falls under the rental company’s responsibility. Plus, remember, the roadside assistance typically only covers labor, not parts (like a new tire).
Rental Car Roadside Assistance Numbers
If you need to call for roadside assistance, here are the numbers for some of the most popular rental car companies in the U.S. and Canada:
- Alamo: 800-803-4444
- Avis: 800-354-2847
- Budget: 800-354-2847
- Dollar: 800-235-9393 (U.S.); 877-354-5391 (Canada)
- Enterprise: 307-6666
- Hertz: 654-5060 (U.S.); 800-654-5060 (Canada)
- National: 367-6767 (U.S.); 877-367-6767 (Canada)
- Payless: 800-PAYLESS (729-5377)
- Thrifty: 877-283-0898
Step 4: Use Your Own Coverage
Didn’t opt for roadside assistance at the counter? You might be in luck if you have a AAA membership or a credit card that offers roadside benefits. AAA’s roadside assistance covers you whether you’re driving your own car or a rental. If you have a AAA membership, make sure to mention it when booking your rental car—it may even qualify you for a discount.
Many major credit cards also offer roadside assistance perks, which can cover things like dead batteries, flat tires, fuel delivery, lockouts, and winching. Be sure to check the terms to see if your credit card covers rental vehicles.
Step 5: Consider Your Auto Insurance
Your personal auto insurance policy may also provide roadside assistance, which could extend to rental cars. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is included in your plan.
Step 6: Use Pay-Per-Use Platforms
If you don’t have roadside coverage through your credit card, personal insurance, or a membership, don’t worry. You can also use pay-per-use services like Urgent.ly or Honk. These services are affordable and quick, offering tire changes and other roadside services without a long wait.
A flat tire in a rental car doesn’t have to derail your trip, but knowing the right steps to take can save you time and money. Whether you rely on roadside assistance, your credit card benefits, or a third-party app, there are plenty of ways to get back on the road without too much hassle.