As winter fades and spring approaches, Chicago drivers know what’s coming next—pothole season. The freezing and thawing cycle of Midwest winters wreaks havoc on roads, creating tire-busting, alignment-ruining craters that seem to appear overnight.

Hitting a pothole can do serious damage to your car, leading to costly repairs. But does car insurance cover pothole damage? Here’s what you need to know to protect your vehicle—and your wallet—this season.

How Potholes Damage Your Car

A seemingly small pothole can cause big problems, including:
🚗 Tire Blowouts – Sudden impacts can rupture tires or bend rims.
🚗 Suspension & Alignment Issues – Repeated jolts can throw off your alignment, making steering difficult.
🚗 Underbody & Exhaust Damage – Deep potholes can scrape or puncture the underside of your vehicle.
🚗 Steering & Brake Problems – Damage to steering components or brake lines can create serious safety risks.

Ignoring these issues can lead to more costly repairs down the road, so it’s important to address pothole damage quickly.

 

Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?

The short answer: It depends on your coverage.

✅ Collision Coverage: If you have collision insurance, you may be covered for pothole-related repairs. Since hitting a pothole is considered a single-vehicle accident, your policy can help cover damage to your tires, suspension, or undercarriage—after you pay your deductible.

❌ Liability-Only Insurance: If you only carry the minimum required liability insurance, pothole damage won’t be covered. Liability insurance only pays for damage you cause to other drivers, not your own vehicle.

🚗 Comprehensive Coverage: While comprehensive insurance covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage, it does not cover pothole damage.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, it’s a great time to review your policy with your insurance agent before peak pothole season.

 

What to Do If a Pothole Damages Your Car

If you hit a pothole and suspect damage, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Pull Over and Inspect Your Car – Look for visible tire damage, leaks, or misalignment issues. If your car is handling strangely, get it checked out immediately.

2️⃣ Take Photos – Document the pothole, your car’s damage, and the location. This can help with insurance claims or city reimbursement requests.

3️⃣ Get a Repair Estimate – Visit a trusted mechanic to assess the damage and estimate repair costs.

4️⃣ File an Insurance Claim (If Covered) – If you have collision coverage and the repair cost exceeds your deductible, filing a claim may be worth it.

5️⃣ Report the Pothole – Many cities, including Chicago, allow you to report potholes online so they can be repaired.

 

Can You Get Reimbursed by the City for Pothole Damage?

In some cases, yes! Many cities and states offer reimbursement programs for pothole damage, but there’s a catch:

  • You must prove that the city or state knew about the pothole but failed to fix it in a reasonable time.
  • You typically need photos, repair invoices, and a formal claim submission.
  • Claims are often denied, but it’s worth trying—especially if your insurance won’t cover the damage.

In Chicago, you can file a claim with the City Clerk’s Office for pothole damage reimbursement. Just be aware that approvals aren’t guaranteed, and the process can take time.

 

How to Protect Your Car During Pothole Season

While you can’t avoid every pothole, these tips can help minimize damage:
✔ Drive Cautiously – Stay alert and avoid potholes when possible, but never swerve into oncoming traffic.
✔ Keep Tires Properly Inflated – Under Inflated tires are more susceptible to pothole damage.
✔ Slow Down in Pothole-Prone Areas – Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the risk of serious damage.
✔ Check Your Suspension & Alignment Regularly – Routine maintenance can help catch small issues before they become expensive repairs.

 

Potholes are a frustrating part of spring driving, but knowing how to handle them can save you time, money, and stress. If you’re not sure whether your insurance covers pothole damage, now is the perfect time to review your policy.

Need to check your coverage? Contact us today to make sure you’re protected before pothole season is in full swing. Stay safe on the roads! 🚗💨