Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?

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Updated: July 15, 2024

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Collision coverage in your car insurance policy can help pay to repair damage to your car after hitting a pothole, including dented rims, suspension issues or even steering problems. However, the cost for minor cosmetic damage might not exceed your deductible, in which case it doesn't make sense to file a claim. You'll end up paying the same amount out of pocket without help from the insurance, and your premiums may increase as a result of having a claim on your record.

Depending on where you live, your local government could also reimburse you for pothole-related expenses.

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Key Takeaways

Collision coverage is your primary financial protection against pothole damage, covering repairs to your car if you hit one.

If the pothole only caused minor scratches or dings, it likely doesn't make sense to file a claim as the repairs may cost less than your deductible.

A few states might reimburse you for pothole damage, but check your local government's policies as there are often limitations.

What Is Pothole Damage?

Pothole damage is any type of damage inflicted on your vehicle by driving over a pothole. Common types of pothole damage include:

  • Tire punctures or blowouts
  • Bent or cracked rims
  • Suspension damage (shocks, struts, ball joints)
  • Steering system misalignment
  • Exhaust system damage
  • Damage to your car's undercarriage, including the oil pan

Collision coverage typically won't cover damage that's considered normal wear and tear, like gradual tire wear from rough roads. It also might not cover damage if you were driving recklessly when you hit the pothole, such as speeding or driving under the influence.

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IS HITTING A POTHOLE AN AT-FAULT ACCIDENT?

Hitting a pothole is considered a single-car accident, meaning you're at fault. But don't worry — collision coverage still applies. This coverage kicks in for all collision accidents, regardless of who's to blame. You'll be covered for repairs up to your policy limit, minus your deductible.

What Car Insurance Coverages Cover Pothole Damage

While collision coverage is your primary financial defense against pothole damage, your insurance policy might offer additional coverages to help you out of a sticky situation. Here's a breakdown of how different coverages can come to your rescue after hitting a pothole:

Coverage Type
What It Covers
Deductible?

Collision Coverage

Damage to your car from hitting a pothole, including:

  • Suspension damage
  • Rim damage
  • Tire and wheel damage
  • Alignment issues
  • Other related damages (e.g. undercarriage damage)

Yes

Comprehensive Coverage

Typically doesn't cover pothole damage directly, but may cover resulting damages, such as:

  • Hitting a curb or another object while swerving to avoid a pothole
  • Windshield damage from debris thrown up by the pothole

Yes

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Helps if your car becomes undrivable due to pothole damage, including:

  • Towing to a car shop
  • Flat tire change
  • Jump-start

No

Road Hazard Coverage

(If offered by your insurer) Specifically covers damage caused by road hazards like potholes, nails and glass. May cover tire and wheel damage even without other collision-related damage.

Depends on your policy

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AVERAGE COST OF POTHOLE DAMAGE REPAIR

Fixing a pothole-damaged car will set you back around $600 on average, but the actual price tag depends on how bad the damage is. Factor this into your decision before filing a claim, as having a claim on your record could bump up your insurance rates when it's time for renewal.

How to File a Claim for Pothole Damage

If a pothole has damaged your car, you might be wondering whether it's worth filing an insurance claim. If the damage is minor and mostly cosmetic, it's often not worth it, as the cost of repairs might be less than your insurance deductible. But if a mechanic's estimate shows significant damage, filing a claim could save you money.

1
Document the damage

Snap clear photos of the pothole and car damage from different angles. Include an object (like a water bottle) to show the pothole's size. Get a written repair estimate from a trusted mechanic detailing the damage and estimated repair costs.

2
Contact your insurer

Call your insurance company ASAP to report the pothole incident. Provide details like the location, date and time of the incident, along with your photos and repair estimate.

3
Work with the claims adjuster

Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage and determine coverage eligibility. Be ready to provide any additional information they need. Once approved, they'll help you get your car repaired.

4
Get your car repaired

Take your car to your preferred repair shop. The shop will coordinate with your insurer to get repairs authorized and paid for. You'll pay your deductible, and the insurer will cover the rest (up to your policy limit).

In some states like New York and cities like Chicago, you might be eligible for reimbursement for pothole-related damages. Check with your local government to see if they offer any compensation programs.

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CAN YOU FILE A CLAIM WITH THE STATE?

Only a few states might reimburse you for pothole damage. And even in states that do, there are often limits on what's covered and how much you can claim. For instance, California covers property damage but not bodily injury, while New Jersey and New York require you to file a claim within 90 days of the incident. If you hit a pothole, assess the damage immediately, get a repair estimate and then decide whether to pay out of pocket, file an insurance claim or seek reimbursement from your state or city.

When Filing a Claim for Pothole Damage Is Worth It

Filing a claim for pothole damage isn't always the best course of action, but sometimes it's necessary. Several factors can help you decide if it's worth it to file a claim. Consider filing a claim if:

    carInsurance icon

    The repair bill is more than your deductible

    If fixing your car will cost you more than your deductible, filing a claim can help cover those expenses.

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    The damage impacts how your car drives or keeps you safe

    If the pothole messed with your brakes, suspension or other crucial parts, get it fixed through a claim to ensure your safety on the road.

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    You rarely file claims

    If you have a clean claims record, your insurer might be more forgiving, and filing a claim for pothole damage might not significantly impact your rates.

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WILL MY INSURANCE GO UP IF I HIT A POTHOLE?

Filing a pothole damage claim could raise your car insurance rates, but it depends. If it's your first claim or the damage is extensive, the impact might be minimal. However, multiple claims could lead to a significant increase at your next renewal.

FAQ About Car Insurance and Pothole Damage

Understanding your insurance coverage can make the process of dealing with car repairs smoother. Here are answers to some common questions about pothole damage and insurance:

What type of insurance policy covers damage caused by pothole damage?

Collision coverage is the primary type of car insurance that covers pothole damage. It's designed to pay for repairs to your car after hitting an object, and that includes potholes.

What kind of damage can driving over a pothole cause?

Potholes can cause various types of damage to your vehicle, including tire punctures or blowouts, bent or cracked rims, suspension damage, steering system misalignment and even exhaust system damage.

Can potholes damage suspension?

Yes, potholes can absolutely damage your car's suspension system. The impact can harm the shocks, struts, ball joints and other components responsible for your car's smooth ride and handling.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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