How to Protect Your Car and Tires from Pothole Damage

-- Updated April 2026 --

Article summary

• How potholes are formed: Potholes form from a mix of water, freezing temperatures and heavy traffic, leading to costly vehicle repairs for tires, suspension components or exhaust systems.
• You can lower your risk by driving defensively, keeping your tires properly inflated and avoiding deep puddles. If you do hit a pothole, carefully inspect your car for visual damage, air leaks or strange noises.
• Car damage and insurance: If your car suffers damage, you might get reimbursed by filing a claim with the local transportation department or your car insurance. Be sure to document the scene, keep all repair receipts and report the pothole to help keep the roads safe for everyone.

Potholes can turn a smooth roadway into an obstacle course. Hitting one can cause significant—and costly—damage to your vehicle. In 2021 alone, drivers spent $26.5 billion on pothole-related vehicle repairs. Here’s what causes potholes, how to reduce your risk of damage, and what to do if you hit one.

What causes potholes?

Excessive water, freezing temperatures and heavy vehicles all play a part in the formation of a pothole. When rainwater that has seeped into tiny cracks in the road freezes, it expands and enlarges the cracks. The weight of vehicles driving on the road puts pressure on the cracks and causes chunks of pavement to break off, creating a pothole. The cycle repeats, and the pothole grows bigger.

What kind of damage can potholes cause—and how much does it cost?

The average cost of most pothole-related repairs is $406. AAA’s director of automotive engineering Greg Brannon notes, “When a vehicle hits a pothole with any kind of force, the tires, wheels and suspension get the brunt of the impact, and fixing any of those items is pricey.”

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Rim damage can cost $200 per rim to repair.
• Shocks or struts can cost $400 to $900 per pair to replace.
• A damaged tire can cost $200 or more to replace.
• A front-end (two-wheel) alignment can cost $100; a four-wheel alignment can cost $200.

The muffler, catalytic converter, and exhaust pipes may also be affected when you hit a pothole. The impact with the road can dent or damage these components, leading to noisy rides and reduced fuel efficiency.

How can you reduce pothole damage?

Defensive driving and basic maintenance can lower your risk of pothole-related damage:

• Leave room between your car and the one in front of you so you have time to spot potholes and react.
• Keep tires properly inflated—underinflated tires are more likely to suffer tire and rim damage.
• Avoid driving through puddles, which can conceal deep potholes.
• If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down as much as possible—but release the brake immediately before impact to reduce stress on the suspension.

How can you tell if a pothole damaged your car?

• Visually inspect your vehicle for signs of damage.
• Check tire pressure to see if the pothole created a leak.
• Listen for new noises or vibrations.
• Watch for changes in vehicle handling (pulling, shaking or a steering wheel that feels off-center).
• Have your car inspected by an experienced auto mechanic.

How do you get reimbursed for pothole damage?

Reimbursement requirements vary by state, city and agency, but these steps can help:

• Document everything: Take photos of the pothole, its location and the vehicle damage. If possible, capture landmarks or street signs.
• Get paperwork: If appropriate, request a police report and keep a copy.
• Check warranties: See whether your tires include a road hazard warranty.
• Identify who maintains the road: State DOTs often handle highways; local streets may be managed by a city or county public works department. If the damage occurred in a construction zone, you may need to file with the contractor.
• Submit a claim package: Many agencies require a claim form plus photos, repair estimates/receipts and proof of vehicle ownership.

If your vehicle needs pothole-related repairs, you might even qualify for reimbursement depending on where the damage occurred and the local rules for filing a claim.

Does car insurance cover pothole damage?

Insurance companies typically consider pothole incidents to be single-vehicle crashes. As such, damage is generally covered by collision insurance (an optional coverage you can add to an auto policy). If you have collision coverage, it will usually pay to repair pothole damage—minus your deductible.

Keep in mind that filing frequent claims can affect your rates. Depending on the damage and your deductible, it may be more practical to pay out of pocket.

How do you report a pothole?

According to a recent Car and Driver article, Honda has completed a pilot program using onboard safety sensors to detect and report potholes and other road damage. Until such a program is implemented nationwide, you can do your part to keep roadways safe for everyone by reporting potholes to your local government’s transportation department.

If you notice a pothole on a route you drive regularly, report it sooner rather than later—repairs can help prevent damage to other vehicles and reduce safety risks.

Potholes can cause expensive damage to tires, wheels, suspension and even exhaust components—and the average pothole-related repair costs hundreds of dollars. Defensive driving is always the right choice when you’re behind the wheel, but it carries even greater importance during pothole season, when it will potentially save you time, money and aggravation.