A pothole in the road may seem like a minor issue—until it causes damage to your car.
For those who drive daily, whether for work or personal travel, knowing what to do when your vehicle is damaged on a public road is essential.
In this article, find out the steps to follow, how to gather evidence, and how you can claim compensation.
What To Do If Your Car Is Damaged By a Pothole?
When a vehicle is damaged after hitting a pothole, it’s important to stay calm and follow some basic steps:
1. Ensure Safety And Signal The Area
Safety should always come first.
If you feel a strong impact or suspect damage to your car, try to stop the vehicle in a safe place, preferably off the road.
After stopping, put on a reflective vest, place the warning triangle at an appropriate distance, and switch on the hazard lights.
These measures help prevent further accidents, especially on roads with low visibility or heavy traffic.
2. Check For Vehicle Damage
Once the car is safely parked, check for any visible damage, as hitting potholes often results in:
○ Bent or cracked rim;
○ Suspension damage;
If you notice steering wheel vibrations, unusual noises, or difficulty keeping the car straight, there may be suspension or steering issues. In such cases, avoid driving further to prevent worsening the damage.
3. Gather Evidence Of The Incident
After assessing the damage, start gathering evidence of what happened, as this is essential if you intend to file a claim for damages caused by the pothole.
Take photos of:
○ The pothole;
○ The vehicle damage;
○ The car’s position on the road;
○ Road signs or lack of warning signage.
If possible, also take a photo showing the size of the pothole. An object or the car’s tire itself can help give a sense of its depth.
4. Contact The Authorities To Report The Incident
Whenever there is damage to the vehicle, it is advisable to contact the authorities so they can come to the scene to file an accident report, a document that may be important in a future claim.
This record helps prove that the incident occurred at that location and at that time.
5. Notify The Road Authority
After ensuring safety and gathering evidence, contact the entity responsible for the road.
Depending on the type of road, responsibility may lie with:
○ Description of the incident;
○ Exact location;
○ Photographs;
○ Vehicle identification.
This step is essential for filing a potential claim for damages on a public road.
6. Call Roadside Assistance If Needed
If the vehicle is not safe to drive, do not take risks.
In these cases, it’s best to contact your car insurance’s roadside assistance service to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.
In addition to preventing further mechanical issues, this solution ensures that the car will be safely inspected by professionals.
How To Report a Pothole?
Reporting a pothole helps prevent further accidents and creates an official record.
Identify the responsible authority and notify them.
Include:
- Exact location;
- Official incident report (if available);
- Photos;
- Description of the situation;
- Date and time.
Who Is Responsible For Damage Caused By Potholes?
Responsibility depends on the entity managing the road.
The main responsible entities are:
- National road authority: national roads;
- Municipal councils: local roads;
- Concessionaires: motorways.
These entities are required to maintain safe road conditions. If a serious defect causes damage, they may be held liable.
How To Prove The Pothole Caused The Damage
At the time of the incident, try to collect as much evidence as possible:
- Photos of the pothole;
- Photos of vehicle damage;
- Exact location (GPS or reference point);
- Witness statements;
- Police report (if applicable).
Whenever possible, take a photo of the pothole showing its size and depth, and, if possible, include an object that helps convey the scale of the damage.
Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?
It depends on your insurance policy, as not all policies cover this type of damage.
General rule:
| Type of Insurance | Coverage |
| Third-party liability | Usually not covered |
| Comprehensive insurance | May be covered |
Even when coverage exists, insurers may require proof that the damage was caused by a road defect—so gathering evidence is essential.
Can You Claim From The Local Council?
If the incident occurred on a municipal road, the claim should be submitted to the local council.
Some municipalities provide specific forms, while others may forward the case to their insurer.
The process usually involves:
- Submitting a formal request;
- Detailed description of the incident (including report);
- Photos of the location;
- Repair estimate.
How Do I Claim Compensation For Damages Caused By a Pothole?
First, you should file a complaint with the entity responsible for the road, providing the following information:
- Identify the responsible authority;
- Submit a formal complaint;
- Provide evidence of the incident;
- Submit a repair estimate or invoice.
Some entities may also require witness statements and the official report. The more complete your documentation, the higher the chances of approval.
Deadline To Claim Compensation In The EU?
There’s no single EU-wide rule for claiming compensation for pothole damage, so the deadline can vary quite a bit from one country to another.
In general, you may have anywhere from one to three or even five years to submit a claim, depending on the national laws of the country where the incident happened.
This period starts from the moment the injured party becomes aware of the damage and the responsible entity.If this deadline is exceeded, the right to claim compensation is lost. Acting quickly is therefore crucial.
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