While true for balancing it is not so much for flats. I have a set I bought from Tire Rack. I got a flat in 2014. All I had to do was have a local shop check the wear and they talked to Tire Rack letting them know what they found. The tire was prorated and a new one delivered.
The local wasn't affiliated with Tire Rack, but did that for free. I did take the tire to them to have it mounted however.
