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Car damaged by a pothole accident: What are your options?

Updated on September 30, 2025
5 mins reading time
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What to do if a pothole damages your vehicle? Flat tire, misaligned suspension, bent rim, and more—potholes can cause serious damage to your car and compromise vehicle safety. Learn about the possible damages, average costs of repair, and your options for getting compensation.

What damages can a pothole cause to your car?

Close-up of a water-filled pothole in an urban neighbourhood. Parked cars are visible on both sides of the street.
When a wheel hits a pothole, it drops into the hole and then exits. It’s rarely the drop itself that damages the vehicle—it’s the impact when leaving the pothole. The extent of damage depends on several factors: speed, tire diameter, depth, and length of the road defect. 

Smaller wheel diameters increase the impact, and if the pothole is as deep as the tire, the risk is even higher. Impacts that hit the upper side of the tire can push forces upward and backward, possibly causing multiple damages. 

Pothole damage: Common repairs and average costs

1. Tires 

Tires take the initial shock. They can tear on the sidewall, break, or deform. A belt rupture poses serious safety risks. If the sidewall or tire structure is damaged, replacement is urgent. 

  • Low-profile tires: especially vulnerable 

  • Overinflated tires: risk of structural failure 

  • Underinflated tires: risk of crushing between rim and pothole 

Average tire replacement cost: $70–$400+ per tire, depending on size, brand, and quality. Winter tires are usually more expensive than summer tires in some sizes. 

2. Wheels (rims) 

A damaged wheel can bend, crack, or even break if the tire doesn’t absorb the full impact. Repairs are limited, and replacement is often required. 

Replacement cost: $40–$200 for a steel rim; often over $500 for alloy (mag) wheels. 

3. Suspension and steering 

Strong impacts can damage control arms, tie rods, or misalign wheel alignment. 

Replacement costs: 

Control arm: $150–$350 

Tie rod: $75–$250 

Wheel alignment: $90–$200+, depending on damage severity 

4. Shock absorbers 

Potholes rarely break shocks immediately, but direct impacts can weaken them over time. Check for leaks or test rebound. A shock without visible oil isn’t necessarily in good condition. 

Replacement cost: $50–$500+ 

Pro tip

“Quick test for shock effectiveness: Push down on a corner of the car two or three times, release, and observe. If it bounces more than once, the shock needs replacement. Repeat at all four corners.”

Sylvain LégaréResearch Analyst, Mobility, CAA-Quebec

5. Body and undercarriage 

Long potholes can damage low parts of the car, such as body panels or bumpers, potentially costing over $1,000. 

6. Hubcaps 

Pressure-fitted hubcaps can easily fly off when hitting a pothole. 

Replacement cost: $20–$150 per wheel 

Collateral damage isn’t always immediately visible, so a mechanical inspection is important if your vehicle hits a pothole hard. 

How to minimize pothole damage

  • Avoid braking inside the pothole. 

  • Slow down just before the pothole and release the brakes before entering. 

  • Hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid veering. 

  • Keep a safe distance from the car in front to spot potholes early. 

  • Don’t swerve dangerously to avoid a pothole. 

What to do after hitting a pothole

  • Park safely and inspect your car (tires, rims, suspension, etc.). 

  • Take photos of the damages and, if safe, the pothole itself. 

  • Don’t try to retrieve lost hubcaps or parts. 

Legal recourse for pothole damage

Close-up of a car wheel in a pothole.
Pothole compensation is possible if your vehicle is damaged, but the process can be complex and requires evidence. 

Claims to a city or the Ministère des Transports

The Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) and municipalities aren’t usually responsible for damage to tires or suspension caused by road conditions.  

However, you may pursue claims for negligence or fault—but the burden of proof is on you. 

Good to know: You can file a claim with a municipality, city, or government and go to court at the same time—don’t wait too long! 

What is the deadline for filing a claim for damage caused by a pothole?

Recipient 

Steps 

Deadline

Municipality or City 

Written notice by registered mail to the city clerk 

Within 15 days of the incident 

 

Damages claims: 

Small claims court: ≤ $15,000 

Superior courts: > $15,000 

Within 6 months of the event 

Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) 

Written notice online or by mail. 

Prescription: 3 years (act as early as possible) 

 

Damages claims against the Attorney General of Quebec – MTQ

Small claims court: ≤ $15,000 

Superior courts: > $15,000 

 

How to prove fault of an authority?

To prove negligence, recklessness, or fault on the part of the authority responsible for the pothole, you must demonstrate two things: 

  • That the poor condition of the road (asphalt) had been reported to the authority before the incident. 

  • That the authority was negligent in the actions taken to correct the situation. 

How to build your case

  • Take photos of the pothole, the surrounding area, and the damages; 

  • Estimate the size of the hole (depth and width); 

  • Gather your evidence: repair invoices, mechanical reports, complaints, witness statements; 

  • Record the date, time, and weather conditions. 

Good to know: Cities and different MTQ (Ministère des Transports du Québec) offices have complaint management systems. You can request a copy of the pothole complaint register for a given period from the relevant authority. 

Vehicle ompensation is still possible even if you cannot prove negligence or fault of the responsible authority before a judge. Case law sometimes recognizes damages to rims, wheels, steering, and more. Consult judgments at citoyens.soquij.qc.ca

A process that may pay off

Even though potholes are often considered normal road hazards, it is sometimes possible to receive compensation. Keep the right reflexes, carefully document your case, and above all, don’t wait too long to act. 

Filing a claim with your auto insurance

You can file a claim with your auto insurance. However, check whether it is worth doing so, depending on the repair cost versus your deductible. 

  • You may withdraw your claim even after the file is opened and repair costs are assessed. 

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