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Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?
May 7, 2025
When spring weather comes, so do the potholes. But potholes affect places you might not expect. While Washington state has the worst pothole problem in the US, you’ll also find some surprising cities on the list, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. In today’s blog, the insurance experts at Grange Insurance Association discuss your questions about potholes, like does car insurance cover pothole damage and how to prevent pothole damage while driving.
How do Potholes Form?
Potholes can form through a combination of factors, including traffic stress, weakened pavement, and water penetration. Many potholes develop after small cracks are worsened by traffic. These cracks are then penetrated by water and freeze, causing the crack to expand. This weakens the pavement further. When traffic continues to drive over these spots, the pavement breaks and can create small and large potholes.
How Potholes Can Damage Your Car?
If you hit a pothole too fast, it can cause damage to your vehicle including flat tires and tire blowouts, cracked rims and hubcaps, wheel misalignment, suspension damage, and punctured hoses and lines, which can lead to fuel leaks. In extreme cases, it can even damage the engine and exhaust system.
Is the City Responsible for Damage Caused by Potholes?
In many states like Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, cities can be held responsible for pothole damage only if they had notice of the pothole and didn’t fix it within a reasonable time frame. That said, the burden of proof for negligence lies on the person filing the claim and successfully winning a claim is rare.
Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?
If you have collision coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it should cover pothole damage. Collision insurance generally covers hitting obstacles such as guard rails, telephone poles, or anything that shouldn’t be in the road. That said, pothole damage is not covered by all types of auto insurance policies. If you only have comprehensive car insurance, for example, it will not cover pothole damage.
Should I File a Claim for Pothole Damage with My Insurance?
Because pothole damage is usually minimal, it may not be worth filing a claim. That said, if repairs cost more than the deductible, it could be in your interest to file. Just remember, filing a claim can lead to an increase in your insurance rates at renewal time.
How to Prevent Pothole Damage While Driving?
The best way to avoid pothole damage is by driving cautiously and attentively. Leave proper distance between you and the car in front of you so that you have more reaction time. If you see a puddle, assume there could be a pothole underneath and either slow down or maneuver around, if you can do so safely.
If it’s impossible to avoid a pothole, the best thing you can do is slow down, grip the steering wheel tightly, and keep your wheels straight as you make contact.
Thinking about updating your auto insurance policy? Contact an independent insurance agent near you to learn more about our auto insurance plans in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Especially if you live in Washington, you’ll want to make sure you have collision coverage, which can help protect you from pothole damage. In the meantime, check out our insurance blog where we cover everything from what to do if you get in a car accident and what older drivers can do to stay safe on the road.
The content available via Grange.com is for informational purposes only and may not be used for any other purpose. Content provided or expressed on Grange.com, including that of third parties, may not reflect Grange Insurance Association’s (GIA) policies or conform to any agreement you may have with GIA and its subsidiary companies. Please contact a licensed insurance agent to obtain particular advice.
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