During an average year, approximately 10 percent of U.S. motorists hit potholes and need to repair their cars, according to the American Automobile Association. Unfortunately, this is a frequent issue for drivers in the New Windsor, NY area. Potholes can damage your vehicle’s suspension, wheels, steering, alignment, or tires. As a result, it’s important to understand whether you can file an auto insurance claim or seek compensation through other means.
Getting Reimbursed
In some cases, it’s possible to request compensation from a local government. However, this is typically only an option if you were driving on a public road and the authorities were notified about the pothole well before the incident that damaged your car. Auto insurance generally covers damage caused by potholes, but only if you have collision coverage. While hitting a pothole may not seem like a collision, car insurance classifies it as such. Actual coverage will also depend on your policy’s deductible.
Collision vs. Liability
Most American drivers have collision insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Even if you only have basic liability coverage, it could still be helpful if you hit a pothole. This is because a pothole could cause you to crash into another vehicle or person accidentally. Liability insurance may protect you from financial claims resulting from such an accident.
You can rely on the experts at Bryan Insurance Agency LLC to help you find auto insurance that covers pothole damage, vehicle collisions, and other driving mishaps. Our independent agency offers a wide range of insurance solutions for New York motorists, homeowners, and business operators. To get started, call 845-565-2200 or visit the Bryan Insurance Agency LLC office in New Windsor, NY.