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What Should You Do Next After Hitting a Pothole that Damages Your Car?

Learn More About Dealing with Pothole Damages to Your Car

Accidents caused by potholes are a common phenomenon in India. These accidents cause both losses of life and property. Still, potholes seem consistent in the country. Car damages from potholes are, unfortunately, common occurrences. It can cause severe damage to your car which can lead to major expenditure for you. Depending on the severity of the damage, you can take a few different courses of action. If you have comprehensive car insurance, file a claim with your insurance company. Document the damage with photos and keep any repair estimates or bills. This article discusses what you should do after hitting a pothole that damages your car.

In 2020, a total of 3564 accidents took place in India (Source taken by Indiatimes) because of potholes. Dealing with car damage is a task itself and hitting a pothole can sometimes cause major damage to your car. If the damage to your car is minor, you may be able to fix it from your pocket. However, if it is major damage, you’ll likely need to take your car to a repair shop and the associated cost could be quite high an amount.

If you decide to fix the damage yourself, be sure to do your research first. Many tutorial videos and articles online can show you how to fix common car problems. Once you have the necessary supplies, follow the instructions carefully to avoid making the damage worse.

When to See a Professional

As mentioned before, if the damage to your car is severe, you’ll need to take it to a nearby repair shop. Severe pothole damage can cause issues with your car’s alignment, suspension, or tires. If you’re not sure how to fix the problem yourself, it’s always best to consult with a professional. Pothole damage can be frustrating, but by taking the proper steps, you can get your car back on the road in no time.

Documenting the damage and filing a car insurance claim can help you recoup some of the costs, and choosing the right repair option will ensure that your car is repaired properly.

Using Car Insurance to Cover Pothole Damage

After you hit a pothole and cause damage to your vehicle, it is essential that you report the incident to the right people. First, you should always pull over to a safe location and assess the damage. If the damage is severe, it is best to call to contact your car insurance provider and arrange a tow truck. Once you have done that, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance should cover the damages caused by the pothole, minus any deductible that you may have.

Once you’ve reported the damage, you can begin filing a claim with your insurance company. If your policy covers pothole damage, they will likely reimburse you for the repairs. If it doesn’t, you may still be able to get some money back by filing a claim with your state or local government.

How To File a Claim?

If you’ve hit a pothole and damaged your car, you may wonder how to file an insurance claim. Potholes are a nuisance and can cause severe damage to your vehicle, so it’s important to know how to handle the situation appropriately.

  1. The first step is to assess the damage. Look at your car and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. If the damage is significant, it’s a good idea to take photos of the damage so you have documentation for your car insurance claim.
  2. Next, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to have all the necessary documentation, including photos of the damage and your policy information. Your insurance company will review your claim and determine if you are covered for the damages.
  3. The legal system in most states requires you to report any damage done to your vehicle by a pothole within a certain time frame. This is usually a few days, but it can be as long as a week or two. Be sure to check with your state’s DMV or insurance company to find out the specific requirements.
  4. If your insurance claim is approved, the next step is to take your car to a reputable repair shop to get the repairs done. Be sure to get multiple estimates so you can be sure you’re getting a fair price for the repairs.
  5. Once the repairs are completed, you’ll need to pay your deductible to the repair shop, and your insurance claim will be closed.

In The Absence of Car Insurance

A pan India survey indicates that 45% of car owners (Source taken by Times of India) in Hyderabad have not opted for any insurance coverage. They believe that insurance, in this case, would be to pay the annual sum in addition to the repair-based lump sum required. It is in reference to the insurance companies not necessarily covering the pothole issue.

Regardless, it is important to note that some insurance providers cover pothole damages as long as the owner files a claim with proper documentation and proof. It would be wise of you to read through the fine print before signing the insurance and/or discuss with the representative, about the incidents covered. Prior to this discussion, make sure to take a look at top incidents in your city or country that insurance companies do not usually cover.

If you don’t have car insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t cover pothole damage, you’ll have to pay for the repairs out of pocket. You may be able to get reimbursed by the government or your local municipality if the pothole was reported and not fixed promptly.

In either case, getting the repairs done as soon as possible is essential to avoid further damage to your car. Pothole damage can cause problems with your alignment, suspension, and tires, so it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible.

If the damage is severe, the best action is to take your car to a nearby repair shop. Many times, pothole damage can cause alignment issues or even flat tires. A professional can assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. Remember to insure your car for such incidents that may cause severe damage. Once again, read through the fine print before signing your insurance paper.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Marco Polo
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is the admin of sparebusiness.com. He is dedicated to provide informative news about all kind of business, finance, technology, digital marketing, real estate etc.
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