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Does the city pay for damages to one’s car due to failing to fix potholes on the street?
I hit a pothole on a city street that hasn't been fixed in forever. It damaged my alignment. Can I get the city to pay for it or do I have to file on my car insurance?
Sophie Newman · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Potholes are incredibly annoying, especially when you accidentally hit one. If your vehicle was damaged by a pothole, you have several options. You can:
If you have
collision insurance
, you can submit a claim to your insurance. However, you’ll have to meet your deductible first. If you don’t have collision insurance, you can visit your city’s website to determine whether they offer claim submission for potholes. Many cities do pay claims, but they are sometimes subject to your insurance deductible. This means the city may only pay for the amount remaining after your insurance deductible.
If the cost of fixing your alignment is less than your deductible, you’ll have to pay for the damage out of pocket unless the city is willing to pay for it.
While this is annoying, you may want to consider lowering your collision deductible in the future. Although this will raise your monthly premiums, it may reduce the cost you’re paying out of pocket if you live somewhere with abundant potholes.
You can always shop around to find a lower rate with other companies. If you want help shopping for car insurance, try using the
Jerry
app. Jerry gathers competitive quotes from top providers and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes for free.” View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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