# Is Pothole Damage Covered by Insurance in Jacksonville?
When your vehicle gets damaged by one of those nasty potholes on Jacksonville roads, your first thought might be, “Will my insurance cover this?” The answer depends on your specific coverage type.
## Understanding Your Coverage Options
Most auto insurance policies in Jacksonville follow the same general structure as those nationwide. For pothole damage specifically, you need to look at your collision or comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage typically handles damage from events outside your control, like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. However, pothole damage usually falls under collision coverage because it involves your car colliding with something, even if that something is a hole in the road.
If you only have liability insurance, which is the minimum required in Florida, pothole damage will not be covered. Liability only pays for damage you cause to others, not damage to your own vehicle.
## Making a Claim for Pothole Damage
If you have collision coverage and hit a pothole in Jacksonville that damages your car, you can file a claim. Keep in mind that you will need to pay your deductible first. If the repair costs less than your deductible, it might make more sense to pay out of pocket.
For example, if alignment damage costs $300 to repair and your deductible is $500, filing a claim wouldn’t help you financially and could potentially raise your rates.
## Documentation Is Key
When pothole damage occurs, take photos of the pothole and your vehicle damage. Note the exact location, such as street names or landmarks. This documentation helps when filing with your insurance company and could be necessary if you pursue reimbursement from the city.
## City Liability for Potholes
In some cases, Jacksonville residents can seek reimbursement directly from the city for pothole damage. This typically requires proving the city knew about the pothole but failed to repair it within a reasonable time frame. The process involves filing a claim with the city’s risk management department, but success rates vary considerably.
## Preventing Pothole Damage
The best approach is avoiding serious pothole damage altogether. Drive cautiously, especially during and after rainy periods when potholes are harder to spot. Areas near Friendship Fountain have recently had road improvements, reducing the pothole problems that previously plagued visitors to this popular landmark.
## Need Help With Road Damage?
If you’re concerned about the condition of your driveway or parking lot developing potholes, preventative maintenance is crucial. Bold City Seal & Asphalt Services specializes in asphalt repair and maintenance throughout Jacksonville. Our team can help prevent small cracks from becoming major potholes that damage vehicles and create liability issues. For professional asphalt services to keep your property safe and well-maintained, call us at (904) 907-9394.