Yes boys and girls, you REALLY need to carry a spare...

jjrbus wrote:
Because tires are a maintenance item I assumed that damage from a blow out would not be covered by insurance?

I believe the tires themselves are not covered. But if damage occurs to the vehicle due to the blow out, then that damage is covered.

Just like your brakes. Insurance doesn't cover replacing brakes, but if you are in a wreck because the brakes failed, then the damage from the wreck is covered.