Potholes can cause serious damage to your car. From a flat tire to a bent rim or broken suspension, hitting a pothole often leads to expensive repairs. If you are like most drivers in the United States, you probably wonder, does car insurance cover pothole damage? The simple answer is yes, but only if you have the right type of coverage.
In most cases, pothole damage is covered under collision coverage on your auto insurance policy. Liability-only plans do not cover it. That means if you only carry the minimum required insurance, you will likely pay out of pocket. But if you have full coverage that includes collision, you can file a claim.
This article explains when pothole damage is covered, how to file a claim, what the process looks like, how much it may cost, and tips to avoid these damages. We also cover how cities and states handle pothole repair and whether you can get reimbursed by local governments.
What is Pothole Damage?
A pothole is a hole or depression in the road surface caused by weather, traffic wear, and poor road maintenance. Hitting a pothole can lead to:
- Flat tires
- Bent or cracked rims
- Misaligned wheels
- Damaged suspension
- Broken axles
- Steering system issues
- Scrapes to the car’s underbody
Even a small pothole can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs depending on the damage and the type of vehicle.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?
Your car insurance may cover pothole damage if you carry collision coverage. Here is how it works:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged by hitting another object. This includes potholes. It applies regardless of who is at fault.
If you have collision coverage:
- You can file a claim for pothole damage
- You must pay your deductible first
- Your insurance covers the rest of the approved repair costs
Example: If your repair costs are 1,200 dollars and your deductible is 500 dollars, your insurer may pay 700 dollars after your deductible.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is for things like theft, fire, hail, or a falling tree. It does not cover pothole damage unless the pothole caused something else, like a tree branch falling onto your car which is very unlikely.
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance only pays for damage you cause to others. It will not cover any damage to your car, including potholes. If this is the only coverage you have, you will pay for pothole damage yourself.
Types of Damage Potholes Can Cause
Let’s break down the types of damage and what they cost to fix:
| Type of Damage | Estimated Cost |
| Flat tire | 100 to 300 dollars |
| Bent or cracked rim | 200 to 500 dollars |
| Wheel alignment | 100 to 150 dollars |
| Suspension repair | 300 to 1,000 dollars |
| Steering issues | 200 to 600 dollars |
| Underbody damage | 300 to 1,500 dollars |
These costs may vary by vehicle type, shop labor, and location.
How to File a Claim for Pothole Damage
If you hit a pothole and want to file a claim, follow these steps:
Step 1: Document the Damage
- Take clear photos of the pothole and the surrounding area
- Take pictures of your damaged tire, rim, or other car parts
- Save any dashcam footage if available
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer or use their mobile app to report the claim. Provide details like:
- Time and date of the incident
- Exact location
- What damage occurred
- Photos and video evidence
Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate
You may need to get a written estimate from a certified repair shop. Some insurance companies have approved repair centers you can use.
Step 4: Pay Your Deductible
If your claim is approved, you will need to pay your collision deductible before repairs begin.
Is It Worth Filing a Pothole Claim?
Before you file a claim, ask yourself:
- Is the cost of repair more than your deductible?
- Will this claim increase your insurance premium?
- Do you have other recent claims on your policy?
If the damage costs less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing. But if the damage is severe and repair costs are high, filing a claim can help you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
Can You Get Reimbursed by the City or State?
In some cases, cities or state governments may offer reimbursement for pothole damage. However, this is often difficult and not guaranteed.
How to Apply for Reimbursement
- Check the city or state transportation department website
- Look for a “pothole damage claim” form
- Submit photos, repair bills, and proof the government was negligent
- File within the required time frame
Chances of Success
Reimbursement is rare. Most states require proof that the city or agency knew about the pothole and did not fix it in a reasonable time. This is very hard to prove.
Example: In California, you can submit a claim through the Department of Transportation. But unless they knew about the pothole in advance, your claim is likely to be denied.
Tip: Visit your state DOT or local government website to see if they allow claims. Some major cities like Chicago and New York accept them, but approval rates are low.
What States Have the Worst Pothole Problems?
According to road condition surveys and insurance data, these states have some of the worst pothole issues:
| State | Pothole Severity Rank | Percent of Poor Roads |
| California | High | 44 percent |
| Rhode Island | Very High | 48 percent |
| Hawaii | High | 38 percent |
| New York | Medium to High | 28 percent |
| Michigan | High | 40 percent |
Driving in these states increases your risk of hitting a pothole, especially during or after winter.
Tips to Avoid Pothole Damage
You cannot control the roads, but you can reduce your risk by following these tips:
- Slow down when roads are wet or cracked
- Avoid tailgating so you can spot potholes early
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Avoid swerving, which can cause more damage or accidents
- Drive carefully after storms or snow melts
Routine vehicle maintenance like tire checks and wheel alignments also help reduce the impact of pothole strikes.
Does Roadside Assistance Help with Pothole Damage?
Roadside assistance may help after hitting a pothole if:
- You need a tow truck
- You have a flat tire and need help changing it
However, it will not pay for repairs or replacement. You still need collision insurance for that.
Can Pothole Damage Affect Vehicle Safety?
Yes. If your suspension or steering system is damaged, it can:
- Make your car harder to control
- Cause uneven tire wear
- Reduce braking ability
- Increase accident risk
It is important to fix pothole damage quickly to stay safe on the road.
What Insurance Companies Say About Pothole Claims
Most large insurers offer collision coverage that includes pothole accidents. Here is what some of them say:
- GEICO: Collision coverage covers pothole damage
- Progressive: Drivers can file claims if they have collision coverage
- State Farm: Pothole damage is considered a collision with the road
- Allstate: Claims depend on your coverage and deductible
Always review your policy or talk to your agent to confirm what is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, liability insurance only covers damage you cause to other people or property. It does not cover your own vehicle’s damage.
You need collision coverage to be protected against pothole damage. Without it, repairs will be your responsibility.
It might. Even though pothole damage is not your fault, a collision claim can still impact your insurance rates. Ask your agent before filing.
In some cases, yes. But you must prove the city knew about the pothole and did not fix it. This can be hard and takes time.
Final Thoughts
Potholes are more than just annoying. They can damage your car and cost you money. The good news is that car insurance may cover pothole damage, but only if you have collision coverage.
If you drive regularly or live in an area with poor road conditions, it is smart to have collision protection. It can save you thousands in repair bills from a single pothole hit.
You can compare collision coverage and affordable plans from top providers at Alias Insurance. Our website makes it easy to find a plan that fits your budget and protects your vehicle from all kinds of damage, including the ones hiding in plain sight on the road.
