Wanted to confirm that suspicion that this would be unsafe to drive on, thought?

 

Absolutely unsafe. That tire is toast.

 

I would only drive at (very) slow speed to the nearest tire store that has the right tire in stock or wait for one to be shipped in.
Ironically, my local tire place actually did that to one of my rear P-Zeros while removing it when I purchased my AS tires last Fall.
They ended up giving me a free replacement and a half price new tire match for the other side.

 

I have similar damage on the rear passenger tire. My JLR service advisor told me that unless the tire is loosing air, it is NOT covered under road hazard warranty. This makes absolutely no sense to me, but I either eat the cost myself or wait till it starts to leak. This is not the level of service I expected from JLR.

 

Sounds like you need to initiate a leak!!!

 

This was a few years ago. I didn't even ask if this could be patched. I don't know what did it but when the hole is big enough to see through it's time for a new tire.

 

That's not a puncture!
THIS is a puncture:

 

I thought EVERYONE knew that the eraser end of the pencil seals better?

 

Type up a very short letter for the Service Manager to sign, ideally with photo's inserted, saying they have inspected the tire/damage and certify that the car is safe to drive.
Include a cc for the General Manger. They, of course, won't sign it, because no one wants to be on record, but that should put an end to the nonsense. I've had very good luck in the past with anything to do with safety.

If for any reason, they DO sign or still refuse, just let them know you'll be documenting their position to their attorney & insurance company

Enjoy your new tire.

 

I fell for the "cosmetic damage" assessment once. The tire blew out on I95 just south of Washington, D.C. during rush hour traffic within the next couple days.