If a pothole damages your car, pull over somewhere safe, photograph the hole with something for scale, write down the exact location and time, and get the car inspected before it goes back on the road. If you plan to ask the City of Boston to pay, the clock is short: most claims over road and sidewalk defects must be received within 30 days of the incident, in hard copy, with a $15 filing fee. Payment is not guaranteed, and some roads belong to the state rather than the city, so the first task is working out who is responsible for the pavement.
Right after the hit
- Get out of traffic. Use a side street or a parking lot. Do not stop in a travel lane to look at the tire.
- Walk around the car. Look for a bulge on the tire sidewall, a dent or crack in the wheel, fluid dripping underneath and a bumper or splash shield hanging low.
- Feel for changes. Pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel, new vibration or a clunk over bumps points to suspension or steering damage. A tire pressure warning light may mean a slow leak from a bent rim.
- Do not drive on a damaged tire. A bulge is a failing tire. Put on the spare or call for a tow.
What pothole impacts typically break
| Part | Sign | Typical repair range |
|---|---|---|
| Tire | Sidewall bulge, slow leak | $150 to $400 each, more for low-profile or run-flat tires |
| Wheel or rim | Vibration, air loss at the bead | $150 to $600 or more to repair or replace |
| Alignment | Crooked wheel, pulling | $120 to $220 |
| Strut or shock | Bouncy ride, leaking fluid | $300 to $700 per corner |
| Control arm, tie rod, ball joint | Clunks, loose steering | $250 to $900 per part |
| Exhaust or undercarriage shield | Scraping noise, rattles | $100 to $600 |
These ranges are general estimates and should be verified with a written quote. Our guide to typical repair costs explains why they differ from shop to shop.
Document everything
The City asks for specific information on a pothole claim, and good evidence also helps with insurance. Collect:
- Photographs of the hole, with a tape measure, ruler or other reference item to show width and depth, and of the damage to your car.
- The street address or the nearest intersection and landmarks, plus the date and time.
- A written description of what happened and how you drove.
- Itemized estimates, invoices and receipts, with the shop's name and the dollar amount for each part and for labor.
- The damaged tire or part, if the shop will let you keep it.
If a tow truck or shop is involved, ask the shop to describe in writing the damage it found and its cause. Be honest about prior problems with the car, because a shop's notes can undermine a claim that overstates what happened.
Whose road is it?
Not every street within city limits is maintained by the city. The City of Boston notes that some roadways are controlled by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and it publishes a record of street ownership called the Streetbook. Utilities and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission also have responsibility for the pavement around their own fixtures such as manholes and trench patches. A claim filed with the City does not satisfy filing requirements for those outside entities and does not extend their deadlines. Historic parkways, such as the Truman Parkway between Milton and Hyde Park, are the kind of road where you should check ownership before choosing where to file.
Filing a claim with the City of Boston
- Move fast. A claim for road or sidewalk defects must be received by the City within 30 days of the incident under Chapter 84 of the state's general laws. Claims for other negligence matters have a longer window, but potholes do not.
- Complete the claim form. You can fill it out on a computer or by hand, but it must be submitted in hard copy and signed. Include your contact information, the date, time and location, a detailed description of the defect with its dimensions and a complete list of claimed damages with dollar figures.
- Attach evidence. Include itemized estimates or receipts, photographs, and a police report if there was one.
- Pay the $15 fee. It is refunded if the City compensates you. By mail, include a check payable to the City of Boston; in person, the Clerk accepts several payment methods.
- Deliver it. The City does not accept initial claims by email or fax. File by mail or in person with the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, then wait; once filed, the City's Law Department handles the review.
The City's page on how to file a claim has the current form and address. If the claim is denied, the City says you may file suit in court within three years of the incident, and it is reasonable to talk to a lawyer before doing so.
Separately, report the hole through the City's 311 service. That helps get it repaired and creates a record of when it was reported.
Insurance or claim: how to decide
Your own collision coverage may pay for wheel and suspension damage after the deductible. If repairs cost little more than the deductible, a claim to your insurer rarely makes sense. If they cost much more, tell your agent what happened, and ask how a claim may affect your premium. Pursuing the City does not stop you from using insurance, but you should not expect a quick answer from either.
Before and after the repair
Ask the shop to check the alignment, the tires and the steering and suspension together, since pothole damage often affects more than one part. Suspension and tires are also part of the annual inspection described in the inspection guide. After the repair, keep the invoice and make sure you can describe the work clearly, as discussed in how to choose an honest repair shop. Spring is the worst season, and a car already weakened by salt, as covered in road salt and rust protection, is more likely to suffer serious damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a pothole damage claim in Boston?
The City says most claims for injuries or damages from road and sidewalk defects must be received within 30 days of the incident. Waiting to see whether the damage worsens can cost you the claim.
Will the City of Boston pay for pothole damage?
It may, but it is not guaranteed. Your claim must show the defect, the damage and the cost clearly. The City is only responsible for roads it controls, and denial is possible even with strong evidence.
How do I report a pothole?
Use the City's 311 service by phone, app or website. Give the exact location and any landmarks so crews can find it.
What if the pothole is on a state road?
Claims for state-controlled roads are handled by the relevant state agency, not by Boston, and the filing rules differ. Check the City's Streetbook for ownership and act quickly.
Should I use my own insurance instead?
It depends on the repair cost, your deductible and the possible effect on your premium. Using insurance does not prevent you from also filing a claim with the City. Ask your agent before deciding.