Does car insurance cover pothole damage?

Yes, your car insurance policy may cover pothole damage if you carry collision coverage. Collision coverage is an optional coverage that helps pay for damage to your car when it hits another car or stationary object.

Collision coverage and pothole damage

When you file a collision claim for pothole damage, you need to pay your deductible before your insurance company will cover the claim. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim.

For example, say your collision deductible is $500 and the cost to repair your car in a covered claim is $1,000. In this case, you would pay your deductible of $500 and your insurance will pay the remaining $500.

If the cost to repair your car is below your deductible, your insurance will not pay for anything.

While pothole damage can be severe, the cost to repair the damage may not meet your deductible. You may want to consider whether it’s worth filing a claim in this case.

What kind of damage can a pothole cause?

Potholes can cause all sorts of damage to your car. Damages can include:

Tire Damage - your tires are the only point of contact between your car and the road, and they take the brunt of hitting a pothole. If your tires aren’t properly inflated and in good condition, they will be more susceptible to damage like a blowout. 

Wheel Damage - wheel damage can range from cosmetic scrapes to dents in the structure. Dented wheels can compromise the seal with the tires, causing air leaks or even separation of the tires from the wheel.

Suspension Damage - your car’s suspension is a complex system of components, all of which a pothole can damage. Hitting a pothole can cause significant strain to shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, axles, and more.

Alignment Issues - hitting a pothole can cause wheel alignment issues on your vehicle. If you feel like your car is not driving straight when the steering wheel is centered, you may need to fix your alignment.

Steering Damage - damage to your steering system is a severe case of pothole damage. Hitting an exceptionally deep pothole can damage your steering column, which can make operating your car unsafe.

How to avoid pothole damage

The best way to take care of pothole damage is to avoid potholes in the first place. Additional safety tips on how to avoid pothole damage when you’re on the road include:

Staying vigilant - keep an eye out for potholes as you drive. When the danger of potholes is high, keep focused on the road and be on the lookout for any hazards.

Slowing down - slowing down is one of the best ways to avoid serious pothole damage. If you can’t avoid a pothole, it’s best to roll through it at a slow, constant speed. Avoid slamming the brakes if you hit a pothole, as the load transfer will increase the likelihood of damage.

Checking your tires - your tires are the first line of defense against pothole damage. Periodically check that your tires are inflated to the specifications indicated for your vehicle. Also, make sure your tires are in good shape. Check that there is enough tread left, and that they were manufactured no more than six (6) years ago. If not, it’s time to get new tires.

Inspecting your car - after hitting a pothole, take a moment to inspect your car. Look at the wheels and tires for damage and pay attention to any changes in steering while you drive. If something feels, sounds or looks different, bring your car to a trusted mechanic.

How to file a claim after pothole damage

If your car has suffered pothole damage, and you want to file a claim, don’t delay. Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report the damage.

We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim, even a small one, can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.

File your claim - please have your policy number ready. You can file a  claim online  or by  contacting us  or your agent directly.

Assignment and tracking of the claim - after you report your claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you an experienced and friendly representative to answer any questions you may have.

Damage evaluation - if your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:

CarPics^®Photo Appraisals: eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
Crashbusters^®Mobile Claim Service: have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
Door to Door Valet Claim Service^®: let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.

Receive your claim settlement - at your option, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop, or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage of your car insurance policy.

Does insurance cover pothole damage FAQs

How do I know if my suspension is damaged?

You can typically tell that your suspension is damaged if you notice a change in driving dynamic. If your car doesn’t drive straight when the wheel is centered, it’s likely you need to bring your car in for service. If your car is shaking while driving, there may be physical damage to your suspension. Take your car to a trusted mechanic if you have any concerns.

Will the state pay for pothole damage?

Some jurisdictions offer reimbursement for pothole damage on public roads if you file a claim with the appropriate office. Check your local government policies for how they handle pothole claims in your area.