Michigan Potholes Damage Cars: Drivers Reimbursed by The State

If you live in Michigan, you know spring doesn’t just mean flowers. It means pothole season. Roads turn into obstacle courses overnight, and one bad hit can leave you staring at a repair bill that makes your stomach drop.

If you drive Dort Highway like I do every day, you feel it constantly. Swerving, braking, guessing which lane might not destroy your suspension. It is exhausting, and it is expensive.

When Michigan Will and Won’t Pay for Pothole Damage

That’s why it is worth knowing Michigan does have a reimbursement process for pothole damage, depending on where it happens. If the damage occurs on an interstate, U.S. highway, or state highway, drivers can file a claim with MDOT for repairs under $1,000. Local and county roads are not included.

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The process, however, is not simple. Drivers must submit a police report, photos, and detailed repair invoices showing the damage was caused by a pothole. MDOT investigates every claim, a review that takes at least 90 days.

Why Most Pothole Claims Are Denied in Michigan

Even then, most claims are denied under governmental immunity laws. In 2020, the state paid out just $7,500 total in pothole damage reimbursements. MDOT says those payments come from taxpayer dollars, meaning less money for road repairs.

That's why the state says the real solution is better road funding up front, building roads that last instead of patching the same problem every spring. WNEM says the odds of getting your claim approved may be slim, but with Michigan potholes back in full force, it helps to know the option exists.