I Didn’t Expect My Tesla Cybertruck Tire Insurance to Be This Expensive at $384, My Model X Only Costs $160

You expect premium costs with a vehicle like the Cybertruck, but sometimes it’s the smallest, most routine purchases that end up catching you off guard. This morning, I came across a post by Leo Nguyễn in the "Cybertruck Owners Only" Facebook group that captured exactly that. He stopped by America’s Tire expecting to buy a basic insurance plan for his new truck’s tires. Instead, he left with a $384 receipt and a much deeper appreciation for what Cybertruck ownership can really cost.

In his words: "Did not know the CT’s tires are that expensive until I drove to America Tire to purchase tire insurance for all 4. It came out $384, which is more expensive than my Model X at $160," Leo wrote in his post. "The guy said it’s because they are around $460/tire on the CT, so I am hoping one incident could offset the entire insurance just in case they can’t repair the tire."

Is Tire Insurance a Scam or a Lifesaver?

Under Leo’s post, people started weighing in on this matter promptly. 

Jeremy Lvancevic weighed in with a strong opinion: "Tire warranties and insurance are a scam. You basically paid for a tire in advance and there’s more than an 80% chance you will not even claim it."

While Jeremy’s viewpoint might resonate with drivers who’ve never had to replace a tire early, that 80% statistic likely depends on location and driving habits. In areas with construction debris, unpaved roads, or steep driveways, road hazard coverage can be the only thing standing between a $460 bill and a fully covered replacement.

That’s exactly what happened to Colin Carney. "Can confirm it is worth it," he commented. "Added Road Hazard coverage from Discount Tire and got a nail which took out one of my CT tires shortly thereafter. Would have been at least $500 to replace."

Colin’s comment brings up an angle that while some may go years without a flat, all it takes is one well-placed nail to justify the insurance. The Cybertruck’s tire design and size are unique, not to mention not exactly cheap to stock at every tire shop, making same-day replacements hit-or-miss.

Then there’s Vic Alex Huerta, who pointed out, "That is what tires cost on my Rivian and that was for BF all terrain tires. Not even the OEM Pirelli tires."

Vic’s comment brings up a fair point. Performance all-terrain tires aren't cheap no matter what the EV brand. But when it comes to the Cybertruck specifically, tire choice can do more than just affect your wallet. In one case, a Tesla owner reported a 30% range drop after switching to Goodyear Duratracs, raising questions about whether the rugged look and grip are worth the trade-off in efficiency.

Why Cybertruck Tires Cost So Much

And speaking of tire-related performance, several owners have also noted unusual stability behavior at highway speeds, which raises more questions about how tire quality and setup might be affecting the overall driving experience, especially when it comes to high-speed wobble and steering feel in the Cybertruck.

So why are Cybertruck tires so expensive in the first place? For one, the size and load rating are uniquely tailored for a vehicle of this weight and torque. The Cybertruck’s optional all-terrain tires, large wheels, and reinforced sidewalls drive up both manufacturing cost and retail price. Tesla also isn't exactly known for offering economy-tier replacements.

Second, like I stated earlier, availability plays a role as well. Specialty tires like the ones fitted to the Cybertruck aren’t stocked everywhere, meaning you may end up paying premium pricing due to scarcity. 

And let’s not forget aesthetics. While Tesla promises futuristic strength and capability, much of the Cybertruck's initial value comes from its looks and tech. Even a minor issue like tire damage becomes a high-stakes problem when the design doesn't lend itself to quick or affordable fixes. As we saw in another case, a Cybertruck's first trip to the service center revealed six different issues that all stemmed from minor wear-and-tear or delivery flaws.

A Pattern in EV Truck Ownership Costs

As electric trucks like the Cybertruck continue to grow in popularity, more owners are realizing that the true cost of ownership stretches well beyond just charging and tax incentives. Expenses like insurance premiums, tire and wheel protection, and specialty parts can quietly add up. Some of these costs are optional, but others feel almost impossible to avoid.

Yet again, some owners don't care about the cost. This owner praises the Cybertruck as the best vehicle ever made, stating that if his was worth nothing tomorrow, he still wouldn't care. For many, it’s less about justifying every dollar and more about the pride of owning something that represents innovation and individuality. When passion drives the purchase, practicality often takes the back seat for some.

And that performance story goes hand in hand with another layer of ownership that doesn't always get talked about. I recently covered a Cybertruck owner towing a trailer who found the experience both powerful and smooth, but also discovered that range and weight management quickly became real-world challenges.

It's stories like Leo’s —and others from the Cybertruck community that highlight a truth that often gets overlooked. The biggest shocks in ownership don’t always come with a price tag as sometimes it’s the small and everyday compromises that sneak up on you. For all its futuristic appeal, the Cybertruck still still relies on good old-fashioned rubber to stay on the road, so that means flats, blowouts, and uneven wear are part of the journey.

Tire insurance isn’t glamorous. But it's part of that hidden world of car ownership where one unplanned issue can cost hundreds. Even if the coverage goes unused, for those driving through construction zones, rocky backroads, or pothole-ridden cities, the peace of mind alone can sometimes justify the cost. 

Key Takeaways for Cybertruck Owners

• Tire insurance for the Cybertruck can cost upwards of $384, largely due to high individual tire prices of around $460.
• Owners are split: some say road hazard coverage is essential, while others argue it’s a gamble with slim odds.
• Cybertruck tires are specialty-grade, which drives up price and limits availability compared to more standard Tesla models like the Model X.
• Real-world owner stories highlight the hidden costs of EV truck ownership, from service center visits to a range of trade-offs with tire swaps.
• If you drive in rougher environments, tire insurance could pay for itself with a single incident.

Do You Think It's Worth It?

Would you pay for tire insurance on your car? Do you think it's worth it or not?

And for those who had to replace a tire under road hazard coverage, did it actually save you money?

I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “Cybertruck Owners Only” public Facebook group and Tesla’s Gallery, respectively.