Indiana Weather + Potholes = EXPENSIVE repairs

Posted by on Jan 13, 2014 in Auto, Insurance | 0 comments

Pothole

Indiana has just experienced weather like it hasn’t seen in 20 years.  We  have heard terms like, Polar Vortex, Flooding, Drifting, Blizzard, Snow, and Wind Chills below zero, but just as dangerous as all the actual “conditions outside” is the infamous “pothole damage” that can cause expensive repairs to our cars like damage to the tires, hub caps, struts, and alignment. These repairs can quickly add up leaving you with repairs up to a thousand dollars or more.

What Part of my Insurance Policy covers for Pothole Repairs?

Most of us believe if we did not cause the damage to our own vehicle, then we certainly should not have to pay to have the car repaired.  However, before rushing to your insurance company to have the repairs reimbursed, make sure you understand how the claim is handled.  Most Insurance Companies consider pothole claims under the collision part of your policy.  This being the case, you likely will have a deductible, and the collision is actually considered an at-fault collision, which in turn can actually raise your rates.  If you do hit a pothole, you should check with your agent before filing a claim.

Alternative?

You can attempt to file a claim with the city.  However, reimbursement from the city has proven to be a lot of work, for possibly no return.  In order to file a claim with the city the following items must take place:

  • Take a photo of the pothole and the damage
  • You must have an estimate of repairs
  • Document the date, time, and location you hit the pothole.

The City of Indianapolis with only consider paying only if someone else has reported it, and your damage has occured more than 24 hours since it was reported and you have all of the appropriate documentation.

If you need file a claim

Filing a claim for the first time can be scary especially if you are facing a major loss. Insurance is one of those things you hope you’ll never use. Keep it simple; make sure your insurance information is in your glove box so you always have access to it, not to mention in most states it’s the law.  Collect the necessary information, Contact your agent, and find out if your policy covers your current loss.  Filing the claim should only take a few minutes if you have all the pertinent information.

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