Hit a pothole? What to check, and how to claim from the City

Right away, once you are somewhere safe

• Look at the tire sidewall for a bulge, bubble or cut. A sidewall bulge means the tire is damaged inside and can fail. Don’t keep driving on it; use the spare.
• Look at the rim for dents or cracks, especially on the inside edge.
• Check that the tire is holding pressure, and watch for a tire pressure warning light.

Warning signs over the next few days

• The car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel is no longer straight when driving straight.
• Vibration in the steering wheel or seat, often at highway speed.
• Clunking or knocking over bumps.
• The car feels bouncy or floats after bumps.
• One tire wearing faster or unevenly.

What usually gets damaged

Tires (sidewall damage generally can’t be safely repaired, so the tire has to be replaced), bent rims, wheel alignment, and suspension and steering parts such as shocks and struts, ball joints, tie rods and control arms. A quick inspection after a bad hit is cheaper than the uneven tire wear and parts damage that follow if alignment or suspension problems are left alone.

Document it

• Photos of the pothole (with something for scale) and of the damage.
• The exact location, date and time.
• Repair estimates and receipts. Under New York law you can ask any repair shop for a written estimate before work starts.

Report the pothole to 311

Report it online at NYC311, in the 311 app, or by calling 311. Reports are how the City learns about potholes, and they help the next driver.

Filing a claim with the City

Claims for damage on City streets go to the NYC Comptroller and must be filed within 90 days of the incident. You can file online through the Comptroller’s eClaim system.

Be aware of the City’s prior written notice rule: the City is generally only liable if it had written notice of that specific defect and failed to repair it within 15 days. Because of this rule, payment is not guaranteed even when the damage is real. For legal advice about a claim, talk to a lawyer.

How we handle it here

• We check tires, rims, alignment, steering and suspension, and show you what we found.
• You get an itemized written estimate on request, which is also what you need for a claim.
• We tell you what is urgent and what can wait, and nothing is done without your approval.
• We are open 24/7. If a tire is bulging or the car pulls hard, call us before driving it.