The short answer
In most policies, a pothole counts as your car colliding with an object in the road. That makes it a collision claim. If you have collision coverage, your insurer may pay for the damage minus your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage, which handles things like hail, theft and falling objects, usually doesn't apply to a pothole. Review your policy or talk with your agent to confirm how yours reads.
What pothole damage can look like
Some damage is obvious right away. Some shows up a few days later as a pull to one side or a new vibration.
- A flat or bulging tire
- A bent or cracked wheel
- Alignment that pulls the car to one side
- Damaged shocks, struts or suspension parts
- Scrapes or dents to the underbody or exhaust
Tires alone may be treated differently
Some policies limit claims for tire damage only, treating it as wear and tear unless other parts of the car were damaged too. A road hazard warranty from your tire shop, or the tire maker's warranty, may cover a replacement tire when insurance doesn't. Check your paperwork before you pay out of pocket.
Is a claim worth it?
Start with your deductible. If you carry a $1,000 deductible and the repair estimate is $700, a claim won't pay anything. If the estimate is well above your deductible, a claim may make sense.
Pothole claims are often treated as at-fault collisions, which can affect your premium at renewal. Rules vary by carrier and state, so ask your agent how a claim might affect your rate before you file.
Claims against the city or state
Many cities, counties and state transportation departments accept damage claims for roads they maintain. Some pay if the pothole was reported and not fixed in time. Others have broad protections and rarely pay. Rules and deadlines vary by location, and some windows are short.
- Take photos of the pothole, the location and the damage
- Note the date, time and nearest address or mile marker
- Keep repair estimates and receipts
- Find out which agency maintains the road and how to file
What to do right after you hit one
Pull over somewhere safe and check your tires and wheels. If a tire is losing air or the car handles oddly, don't keep driving on it. Roadside assistance, if it's on your policy, may cover a tow or a tire change. Get a repair estimate before you decide whether to file.