Originally Posted by
demue
In the US with Sixt you can buy the Roadside Assistance coverage for something like 6-7$ a day which does explicitly cover tire damage. Not bad if you are on a road trip and considering the very frequent crap (shredded truck tires anyone?) on US highways.
I got it for a rental from PHX to SFO for 10 days as part of an upgrade deal and low and behold one tire on my Volvo S80 got damaged badly (some fancy Platinum trim with special Pirelli tires) and saved me about 450$ in cost. Sixt just gave me another car and I was on my way again.
In Europe I wouldn't get this type of coverage even if offered as not so common, but in the US I would seriously consider it.
I don't think
Roadside Assistance covers the replacement cost of a flat tire. Look at 5b on page 4. Flat Tire Service usually means someone will come out to change the flat with the spare if you don't want to get your hands dirty (or tow if no spare).