Potholes are more than just a bumpy annoyance. They can cause real damage to your car. From flat tires and bent rims to suspension and steering issues, potholes can lead to repairs that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have ever driven over a deep pothole and felt the hard jolt, you probably asked yourself one important question does car insurance cover damage from potholes?
The short answer is yes, but only if you have the right kind of coverage. Not all car insurance plans will protect you from pothole damage. This blog post explains when pothole damage is covered by insurance, what type of policy you need, how to file a claim, and how to avoid paying out of pocket. We also give tips to avoid pothole problems in the first place and explain how local governments handle pothole complaints.
What Is Pothole Damage?
Potholes form when water gets under the pavement, freezes, and then expands. Over time, traffic and weather cause cracks and holes in the road surface. These potholes can range from small dips to deep holes that can easily damage your car.
Common types of pothole damage include:
- Flat tires
- Bent or cracked wheels
- Wheel misalignment
- Suspension damage
- Broken shocks or struts
- Steering problems
- Damage to the undercarriage
A deep pothole can hit hard enough to break parts of your vehicle. Even a small one can create wear over time.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?
Whether your car insurance covers pothole damage depends on the type of coverage you have. Not all insurance policies include protection against this type of damage. Here is how the different types of coverage apply:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is the most basic coverage. It only covers damage you cause to others. It does not pay for repairs to your own car including pothole damage.
If this is the only insurance you have, you will have to pay for pothole repairs out of your own pocket.
Collision Coverage
This is the key. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if your car hits another object including potholes. Most insurance companies consider hitting a pothole the same as hitting a curb or another car.
If you have collision coverage:
- You can file a claim for pothole damage
- You will pay your deductible
- Your insurance covers the rest of the repair cost
Example: If pothole damage costs 1,200 dollars to fix and your deductible is 500 dollars, your insurance company may pay 700 dollars.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers damage from non-collision events like theft, fire, weather, and falling objects. It usually does not cover pothole damage unless the pothole caused another event, such as a tree falling onto your car. That is rare, so in most cases, collision coverage is the one that helps with pothole damage.
Is It Worth Filing a Claim?
Filing an insurance claim depends on the cost of the repair and your deductible. Here are some questions to ask:
- Is the repair cost higher than your deductible?
- Have you filed other claims recently?
- Will this claim increase your premium?
If the repair cost is less than your deductible, it does not make sense to file a claim. If the damage is serious and costs thousands to repair, it is usually worth it.
Be aware that filing a claim can sometimes increase your future insurance rates, even if the damage was not your fault.
How to File a Claim for Pothole Damage
If you decide to file a claim, follow these steps:
Step 1: Document the Damage
- Take pictures of the pothole and your vehicle
- Capture damage to tires, wheels, and the undercarriage
- Write down the exact location and time of the incident
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider or use their mobile app to report the damage. You will need to explain how the damage occurred and provide photos if possible.
Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate
Take your car to a certified repair shop and ask for a written estimate. Your insurance company may have preferred repair centers.
Step 4: Pay Your Deductible
Once your claim is approved, your insurer will cover the cost of repairs above your deductible amount.
Will Your Premium Go Up After a Rodent Claim?
In many cases, a rodent damage claim will not cause a major increase in your insurance premium. This is because comprehensive claims often have less impact than accident or collision claims. Still, your rate might go up a little depending on:
- Your claim history
- The size of the payout
- The insurer’s rules in your state
Some insurance providers offer accident forgiveness or safe driver discounts that may help keep your premium low even after a claim.
Average Cost of Pothole Repairs
Repair costs vary based on how much damage your vehicle suffered and what kind of car you drive. Here are average costs for common types of pothole damage:
| Type of Damage | Average Cost Range |
| Flat tire | 100 to 300 dollars |
| Bent wheel rim | 200 to 500 dollars |
| Wheel alignment | 75 to 150 dollars |
| Suspension repair | 300 to 1,000 dollars |
| Shock or strut fix | 500 to 1,200 dollars |
| Undercarriage repair | 400 to 1,500 dollars |
Even small damage can lead to serious problems if not repaired in time.
Can You Get Reimbursed by the City or State?
Some drivers try to get reimbursed by their city, county, or state for pothole damage. In theory, it is possible. But in reality, it is difficult.
To get reimbursed:
- You must prove the city knew about the pothole and failed to fix it
- You need strong evidence like photos, witness statements, and repair bills
- You must file a formal claim with the local government agency
Many states and cities reject these claims unless they had previous reports of the same pothole and ignored them.
Check your state or city department of transportation website to see their rules for pothole damage claims. Some allow online claims, while others require mailed forms.
States with the Worst Pothole Conditions
Potholes are worse in some states than others, especially in places with heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles. Here are some states with high rates of pothole problems:
State | Percent of Poor Roads | Notable Cities Affected |
California | 44 percent | Los Angeles, San Francisco |
Michigan | 40 percent | Detroit, Flint |
New York | 28 percent | New York City, Buffalo |
Pennsylvania | 34 percent | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh |
Illinois | 33 percent | Chicago, Springfield |
If you live or drive in these areas, you are more likely to deal with pothole damage and should consider having collision coverage.
How to Prevent Pothole Damage
You cannot control the roads, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of pothole damage:
- Drive slowly in areas with visible cracks or patches
- Avoid large puddles that may hide deep holes
- Keep a safe distance from the car ahead so you can spot potholes early
- Maintain proper tire pressure
- Get regular suspension checks
Using defensive driving techniques can protect both your car and your wallet.
Does Roadside Assistance Help?
Roadside assistance programs can help after a pothole incident if:
- You need a tow
- You have a flat tire and need it changed
- Your car cannot be driven
However, roadside assistance does not cover the cost of actual repairs. That is where your collision insurance is needed.
What Insurance Providers Say About Pothole Damage
Most leading insurance companies in the United States treat pothole damage as a collision. That means collision coverage applies.
Here is what some companies say:
- Progressive: Pothole damage is considered a collision and is covered if you have that protection
- GEICO: Collision coverage applies when a pothole damages your vehicle
- Allstate: Damage from potholes falls under collision and is subject to the deductible
- State Farm: Pothole damage is considered impact with a road hazard and may be covered under collision
Always check your own policy to be sure. If you are not sure what is included, speak with your insurance agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Liability coverage only pays for damage to other people or their property. It does not cover your own car.
Yes. Most insurance companies treat pothole impact as a type of collision. That is why you need collision coverage to be protected.
Possibly. Collision claims may lead to higher premiums, depending on your insurance provider and claim history. Talk to your insurer before filing.
No. Comprehensive coverage is for non-collision events. Only collision coverage includes pothole damage.
Final Thoughts
Potholes are a common cause of damage to cars across the United States. They can affect your wheels, tires, suspension, and even the body of your car. While basic liability insurance will not help, collision coverage can protect you from the high cost of pothole repairs.
Before hitting the road, check your current insurance policy to see what it includes. If you live in an area with rough roads or changing weather, adding collision coverage might be a smart choice.
To find the right policy with full protection, compare quotes today with Alias Insurance. Our platform helps you match with trusted providers and affordable plans that cover more than just crashes, they also protect you from everyday road hazards like potholes.
