They are the bane of highways and byways--treacherous holes seemingly appearing from nowhere right into the path of your automobile. Potholes can cause serious traffic accidents and result in an estimated 500,000 insurance claims a year. While you will need to file a claim with your insurance company for damage over three-hundred-dollars, the State of Rhode Island will reimburse you for small claims if it deems its agencies responsible for road maintenance where your vehicle was damaged. Contact the Department of Transportation and follow their claim procedure.
Note the exact location of the pothole which caused the damage to your vehicle. Include the closest cross street or the address number from a nearby building.
Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident.
Make a copy of the police, auto club or tow record reports.
File the claim immediately. Your claim for damage to your vehicle must be submitted within seven days of the accident by the registered owner of the damaged vehicle.
Submit your claim in writing to: Department of Transportation, Highway and Bridge Maintenance, Pothole Claims, 360 Lincoln Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888. Include in your letter: Your name and contact information, and the date and location of occurrence.
Add to the initial claim copies of the reports in Steps 2 and 3, your vehicle lease information if applicable and receipts and proof of payments for any performed repairs. Include the vehicle odometer reading at date of repair. These documents must be received by the Department of Transportation within 60 days of the incident for your claim to be considered.
