Hit a Pothole in Michigan? What to Check and How to File a Claim

Right after the hit

• Pull over somewhere safe and look at the tire on the side that hit. Look for a bulge, a cut in the sidewall or a bent rim.
• Watch the tire pressure light. A slow leak can take hours to show up.
• Note exactly where it happened: the road, direction, nearest cross street or mile marker, and the time.
• If it’s safe, take photos of the pothole and the damage. You’ll need them for any claim.

Damage that doesn't show right away

A pothole can do damage you won’t see from the curb. Have the car checked if you notice any of these in the days after a hit:

• Pulling or a crooked steering wheel: the alignment has been knocked out. Driving on it wears tires out fast.
• Vibration at highway speed: a bent wheel or a tire with internal damage.
• A bulge in the sidewall: the tire’s internal cords are broken. Replace it; it can fail without warning.
• Clunks over bumps or a bouncy ride: damaged shocks, struts, ball joints or control arms.
• New noise from under the car: a knocked-loose heat shield or damaged exhaust.

Our shops can check the tires, wheels, alignment and suspension and give you a written estimate. Keep the estimate and invoice; they’re part of any claim.

Who's responsible for the road

Who you file with depends on who maintains the road:

• State highways (I-, US- and M- routes): the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
• County roads: the county road agency, for example the Road Commission for Oakland County or Wayne County’s roads department.
• City streets: the city or village.

In Metro Detroit, SEMCOG’s road jurisdiction map (maps.semcog.org/roadjurisdiction) shows who owns a given stretch of road.

How the claim process works

Michigan’s governmental immunity law limits when a road agency has to pay. In general, the agency must have known, or reasonably should have known, about the defect for at least 30 days before your damage and failed to fix it. Michigan attorneys also point to a 120-day deadline to give written notice to the responsible agency, so act quickly.

• MDOT, under $1,000: file Form 3600 with the MDOT region office for the county where it happened. MDOT says investigations take at least 90 days.
• MDOT, $1,000 or more: MDOT says you can recover only by filing a lawsuit, so talk to an attorney.
• County and city roads: contact that agency for its claim form and requirements.

Set your expectations: MDOT says most damage claims are denied under governmental immunity. Local news reported about 154 pothole claims filed with MDOT in 2025, with only about a dozen paid.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check the agency’s current rules, or talk to an attorney, before you file.

What about insurance?

Pothole damage to your own car is usually handled under collision coverage, subject to your deductible. A liability-only policy generally won’t pay for your own repairs. Check your policy or ask your agent.

How to protect your car

• Keep tires at the pressure on your door-jamb sticker. Low tires are more easily damaged.
• Leave more following distance so you can see potholes coming.
• Don’t brake while you’re in the pothole. Brake before it and let off as you roll through.
• Be careful with puddles in spring; they often hide deep holes.
• Get the alignment checked after a hard hit, even if the car seems fine.