Pothole Season: How Spring Roads Lead to Insurance Claims

​​Spring might mean warmer weather and longer days, but it also brings something drivers don’t love: potholes.

After a long winter of snow, ice, and road salt, roads start to break down. And those small cracks? They can quickly turn into tire-blowing, rim-bending, alignment-wrecking potholes.

Let’s talk about why pothole season is such a big deal — and what it means for your insurance.

Why Are Potholes Worse in the Spring?

It all comes down to the freeze-thaw cycle.

Water seeps into cracks in the road, freezes and expands during colder temperatures, then thaws when it warms up. This constant shifting weakens the pavement—eventually causing chunks of road to break away.

The result? Potholes that seem to appear overnight (and sometimes feel impossible to avoid).

What Kind of Damage Can Potholes Cause?

Hitting a pothole isn’t just a quick bump—it can lead to:

• Flat or blown-out tires

• Bent rims

• Suspension damage

• Alignment issues

• Underbody damage
  

And depending on the severity, repairs can add up fast.

Does Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?

It can, but it depends on your coverage.

• Collision coverage — This is typically what applies if your car is damaged from hitting a pothole. Even though it’s not another vehicle, it’s still considered a collision with an object (in this case, the road).

• Your deductible applies – If you file a claim, you’ll need to pay your deductible before insurance covers the rest. That’s why it’s important to weigh the cost of repairs vs. your deductible before filing.
  

Should You File a Claim?

Not always.

If the damage is minor and costs less than (or close to) your deductible, it may make more sense to pay out of pocket.

But for more significant damage, like suspension issues or major repairs, filing a claim could save you money.

How to Protect Yourself During Pothole Season

You can’t avoid every pothole—but a few habits can help reduce your risk:

• Stay alert and scan the road ahead

• Avoid sudden swerving (it can be more dangerous than the pothole itself)

• Slow down on rough or unfamiliar roads

• Keep your tires properly inflated

• Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you
  

Pothole season is a reality of spring driving—and it can lead to unexpected repair bills.

Understanding your coverage (and your deductible) can help you make the right call if it happens to you. At Cushman Insurance, we’ll help you understand what your policy covers and make sure you’re set up with protection that fits your life, no surprises!