Pothole Peril: Are You Covered By Auto Insurance?

Potholes can cause a variety of issues for your car, from damage to your tires and rims to your suspension and steering. The good news is that, in most cases, auto insurance will cover pothole damage – but only if you have collision coverage as part of your policy. Collision coverage is optional and covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object, such as a pothole, or another car. While it won't cover wear and tear to your car or tires due to bad road conditions, it will cover damage to your rims, suspension, and steering alignment resulting from a pothole.

Collision coverage

Pothole damage is usually covered by auto insurance, but only if you have collision coverage. This is an optional add-on to your standard auto insurance policy, which covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object (such as a pothole), another vehicle, or as a result of flipping over. Collision coverage is not the same as comprehensive coverage, which covers theft, vandalism, flooding, and damage from fallen objects.

In addition to filing a claim with your insurance company, some jurisdictions, like Chicago and New York State, may pay for pothole damage in certain cases. If you've experienced pothole damage, you'll need to determine which jurisdiction is responsible for the road and inquire about compensation. Then, you must file a claim. If the pothole is on a city street, the city may be responsible for your car damage, and you may be able to get reimbursed by the city. However, the reimbursement process can be lengthy, so it may make more sense to file an insurance claim or pay for the repairs yourself and then file for reimbursement from the city later.

Comprehensive coverage

Pothole damage is usually covered by auto insurance, but only if you have collision coverage. This is an optional add-on to your standard auto insurance policy, which covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object (e.g. a pothole, lamp post, or guard rail), another car, or as a result of flipping over. Collision coverage is not the same as comprehensive coverage.

If you have comprehensive coverage and want to add collision coverage, you can do so by quoting online and adding collision coverage when selecting your coverages. If you already have collision coverage, you can log in to your policy or call your insurance provider to confirm.

Reimbursement from the city

If your car has been damaged by a pothole, you may be able to get reimbursed by the city or local government. However, it's important to note that reimbursement policies vary by city and state, and not all jurisdictions provide compensation in such cases. Here is a step-by-step guide on seeking reimbursement from the city:

Identify the Responsible Authority:

First, determine which government entity is responsible for the road where the pothole is located. This could be the city, county, or state department of public works, transportation, or another relevant department. In California, for example, you can seek reimbursement from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), a city government, or a county government.

Gather Supporting Documentation:

When filing a claim, it is crucial to provide supporting documentation. This can include photographs of the damage, itemized repair estimates, the exact location of the pothole, and contact information for any witnesses. Having comprehensive documentation will strengthen your claim.

Understand the Jurisdiction's Requirements and Policies:

Different jurisdictions have varying requirements and policies for pothole damage claims. For instance, in New York City, the Comptroller's Office will only accept liability for property damage if they were given written notice of the hazard and failed to repair it within 15 days. In Chicago, drivers must submit a claim form, repair receipts, or written estimates from mechanics. Understanding the specific requirements of your jurisdiction is essential.

Submit Your Claim in a Timely Manner:

Most jurisdictions have time limitations for filing a claim. In California, for instance, claims against government entities must be filed within six months of the date of vehicle damage. In New York, claims must be submitted within 90 days of the pothole incident, and there are specific rules regarding the time frame in which the authorities must be notified of the pothole. Therefore, it is crucial to act promptly when filing a claim.

Be Prepared for a Lengthy Process:

The reimbursement process can often be time-consuming. While you wait for your claim to be processed, consider whether it makes more sense to pay for repairs out of pocket or file an insurance claim, especially if your vehicle is not drivable. Remember that even if your claim is approved, you may only receive partial compensation, as some jurisdictions operate on the principle that responsibility for the incident is shared between the road conditions and the driver's ability to avoid the hazard.

Claiming on insurance

If you've fallen victim to a pothole and are now dealing with car damage, you may be able to claim on your insurance. However, this depends on the type of insurance you have. Pothole damage is usually covered if you have collision coverage, an optional add-on to standard auto insurance policies. This type of coverage insures you in the event of a collision with an object, another car, or if your car flips over.

If you do have collision coverage, it's important to consider whether the cost of repairs is higher than your deductible. If the repair costs are lower than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim as it could lead to an increase in your insurance rates.

When deciding whether to claim on your insurance, it's worth noting that you may be able to seek reimbursement from the government or agency responsible for fixing the pothole. This could be your city, county, or state department, depending on who manages the road. While this process can be lengthy, it may be a more cost-effective option than claiming on your insurance.

If you decide to claim on your insurance, it's important to act quickly and gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the pothole, its surrounding area, and your vehicle. Note the location, time of day, and weather conditions. Contact the non-emergency police line to report the incident and have a police report filled out. The more documentation you have, the better.

Additionally, consider getting an inspection and repair estimates from a licensed mechanic. This will help you determine whether the repair costs exceed your deductible, making it worthwhile to file a claim.

Preventing pothole damage

Potholes can cause costly damage to your vehicle, including tires, suspension, steering, and other vehicle parts. Here are some tips to help you minimise and avoid damage:

• Don't drive through puddles: Puddles may hide deep and extra-dangerous potholes. If you do hit a pothole, pull over to a safe spot, slow down, and check for damage.
• Stay alert on unfamiliar roads: Keep your eyes peeled for hazards on roads you don't know well.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front: This will give you more time to spot and avoid potholes.
• Keep up on car maintenance: Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase the chances of losing control of your vehicle or getting a blowout. Overinflated tires won't absorb the impact of a pothole as well, which could damage your suspension.
• Drive slower in the dark: It's harder to spot potholes at night, so reduce your speed to minimise the risk of driving over them and to reduce the damage if you do.
• Know how to hit an unavoidable pothole: Slow down and grip the steering wheel tightly to prevent it from jerking. Don't brake before hitting a pothole as this can cause damage.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel: Potholes can cause your vehicle to change direction suddenly.
• Don't swerve: Do not swerve into an occupied lane as this could cause a collision and further damage or injury.
• Straighten your wheel: If you can't avoid a pothole, slow down, straighten your wheel, release the brakes, and roll through it. This will reduce the impact and give your suspension the full range of travel to absorb the impact.

Frequently asked questions