If you hit a pothole and your automobile receives damage that isn’t limited to a flat tire, collision coverage on your auto policy may cover you. Deductibles, however, may apply. Before filing a claim for pothole damage, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance company to learn more about the coverage and any applicable deductibles.
If a claim is lodged, some authorities, such as Chicago and New York state, may pay for damage caused by a pothole. You might contact the jurisdiction in charge of the road where the damage occurred to see if they will reimburse the costs of the repairs. They may require photos of the damage and the pothole, as well as a claim estimate or two.
Can I claim for pothole damage on my car insurance?
You can file a claim as long as you can show that the damage was caused by a pothole. If you have fully comprehensive automobile insurance, you can file a claim for pothole damage with the council or body responsible for maintaining the road where the pothole was.
Can you claim damage from a pothole?
To make a claim, you’ll need to show that the pothole was the cause of the damage – that the repairs you’ll have to pay for were expressly caused by your collision with the pothole. If your car already had a problem and the pothole aggravated it, you can still file a claim, but you will not be reimbursed for the entire repair cost.
What happens if you hit a pothole too hard?
It’s never fun to hit a pothole. However, those potholes in the road might cause more than just a spilled cappuccino. Potholes can puncture your tire or cause your wheel to bend or shatter. It may cause damage to the sidewall or belts of your tire. Even a slight collision might cause your vehicle to become out of alignment. Shocks and struts might be damaged, and your suspension can be harmed, if you hit a pothole.
Check for any of the following symptoms of pothole damage after hitting one.
- The sidewall of the tire has a bulge. This indicates that the tire was pinched between the edge of the pothole and the wheel, weakening or severing the internal plies.
- The vehicle is pulling to one side or the other, and your steering wheel is no longer centered. The collision could have thrown the car out of alignment or damaged a steering or suspension component.
- When you’re on the move, you might hear a new sound. Something could be bent or displaced, rubbing on the tire/wheel assembly.
How Badly Can Potholes Damage My Vehicle?
Depending on the degree of the impact, hitting a pothole might result in bent wheel rims, internal tire damage, alignment concerns, and shock and strut problems. This doesn’t always mean you’ll blow your tires or harm your car, but if you’re worried, have it checked out.
When you take your vehicle to a tire specialist or mechanic after hitting a pothole, request an inspection that covers the following areas:
Tips to Minimize Pothole Damage
Potholes will occur as the summer and winter weather in the West has an affect on our roads. Here’s what you can do to lessen the impact and potentially avoid these dangers.
- Always drive on well-maintained tires that are adequately inflated. This gives you the best opportunity of safely absorbing the impact.
- Take a defensive stance. When driving on an unfamiliar or difficult route, take it slowly and don’t be distracted.
- Keep an eye out for what’s coming up ahead and leave adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid problems.
- Recognize that even if you avoid the first pothole, another may be lurking nearby.
- Take your foot off the pedal and grip the steering wheel tightly when you can’t escape a pothole. Don’t hit the brakes. You’ll be able to keep the most control during the hit if you do it this way.
Les Schwab Has Experience with Pothole Damage
Our experts have seen a lot of pothole damage and can provide advice on tire repair and replacement, alignment work, and other services. For a complimentary inspection, visit your local Les Schwab. If you need new tires, wheels, or alignment, we’ll get you and your family back on the road fast and safely.
Does Geico cover pothole damage?
Yes, most auto insurance policies will cover damage caused by a pothole if you have the appropriate coverage. Hitting a pothole is usually classified as a single vehicle collision, which means that any damage is covered by either the collision or all-perils sections of your auto insurance policy.
What is the highest deductible for car insurance?
What Is the Highest Car Insurance Deductible? The biggest deductible you can have varies by state and insurance carrier, but McBride estimates that a typical high deductible is roughly $1,000. Deductibles, on the other hand, can be significantly greater. They might range from $5,000 to $10,000 for specialist automobiles or rarities.
Can I claim insurance for TYRE damage from potholes?
Simply told, having theft or third-party insurance on your bike will not provide you with pothole coverage. Pothole damage is not covered by even some comprehensive bike insurance policies. Collision insurance is required to claim pothole coverage. This insurance allows you to file a claim for damages caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects, including pothole-related damage.
Can you claim on car insurance for accidental damage?
After an accident, you are not required to file a car insurance claim. If the damage is minimal and will cost less to fix than the excess you must pay on any claim, you’ll be better off keeping your no-claims bonus and taking care of it yourself.
Where do I claim for pothole damage?
Because the government and its contractors are responsible for keeping roads in excellent repair, you can actually file a claim with them if your vehicle is damaged by a pothole. There are a few hurdles to clear, but it can save you money. If you don’t have insurance or don’t want to file a claim, this is a fantastic choice. Potholes, after all, are something you can’t avoid. However, you can only make a claim if you were on a national or municipal road. This means you won’t be able to file a claim if you get hurt while driving on a private dirt road. In this situation, you’ll have to file a claim with your own insurance company.
According to the Automobile Association, claims for pothole damage on national roads are handled by SANRAL. Meanwhile, claims for damage caused by a pothole on a municipal road are handled by the local government. You will require documentation that the damage was caused by a pothole in both cases. You will need to fill out some documentation when filing a claim with your municipality. You will additionally need to furnish the following, according to the AA:
A police affidavit is required in specific situations, such as dealing with the Johannesburg Roads Agency. Because it’s difficult to verify pothole damage after it’s happened, the AA recommends taking photos of the damage and the responsible pothole.
Don’t put your trust on your memory. Return to the spot, take notes, sketch, and photograph the problematic pothole if it is safe to do so, according to the association’s global website. Make a note of the specific location of the pothole the road name, town, and its location on the road as well as the contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident.
It’s crucial to remember that you can’t claim from the government and your own insurers at the same time. Arrive Alive emphasizes this in their Car Insurance blog. You may be required to present a letter from your insurance carrier indicating that you have not filed a claim with them. Make certain to file a claim with the appropriate municipality. Claiming from the incorrect source will result in your claim being denied, and the process of getting the claim from the correct source will take longer.
The route number for national roads begins with an N, such as N1, N2, and so on. The M3 is an example of a municipal route that begins with the letter M. The R1 is an example of a regional road that begins with an R. The provincial government is in charge of these highways. As a result, you’ll need to file a claim with the provincial government’s department of transportation.