March Potholes: Is Your Collision Coverage Ready for the “Crater Season”?

In many parts of the country, the first week of March is when the roads start “giving back” everything winter threw at them. As the ground thaws, the expansion of trapped water shatters the asphalt, creating deep potholes that can destroy a tire or ruin a vehicle’s suspension in an instant.

If you hit a crater this week, you might be tempted to call your Auto Insurance agent immediately. However, before you dial, you need to understand the unique way pothole damage is categorized.

The “At-Fault” Reality

In the eyes of most insurance carriers, hitting a pothole is classified as a Collision. More specifically, it is often viewed as a single-vehicle, at-fault accident. The logic is that a driver has a responsibility to avoid road hazards. While this seems unfair when a pothole is hidden under a puddle, it means a claim could lead to a premium increase at your next renewal.

Doing the Math

Before filing a claim for a bent rim or a blown tire:

1. Check Your Deductible: If your deductible is $$500$ and the repair is $$750$, you are only receiving $$250$ from the insurance company.
2. Consider Your Claims History: If you have had another claim in the last three years, the surcharge on your premium might far exceed the $$250$ payout you received for the tire.

March Tip: Keep your tires properly inflated! A fully inflated tire provides a better cushion for the rim than a soft tire, significantly reducing the chances of a “pinch flat” when you hit those inevitable March road hazards.