Caltrans pothole claim will reimburse California drivers up to $10,000 for damages

Caltrans is offering up to $10,000 to drivers whose vehicles have been damaged by potholes on California highways – a program of renewed importance amid road hazards caused by the recent series of atmospheric rivers that have flooded the state.

A claim for damages can be filed directly with the agency by anyone who believes that the California Department of Transportation’s “action or inaction” has “caused it monetary loss,” according to dot.ca.gov.

The Caltrans website includes instructions on how to file a claim arising from such incidents, noting that the county in which it occurred should be provided. Each of the counties in the state is covered by a specific district claims office.

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“Potholes can not only impact your tire rim, they can also damage your suspension and, on average, the cost of a pothole repair,” noted Doug Shupe. of the Auto Club of Southern California. “It ranges from $250 to over $1,000.”

Claims over $10,000 must be submitted to the California government’s claims program, which “gives you the opportunity to formally seek compensation for your loss and may lead to settlement of your claim without the need for take legal action,” Caltrans said.

For more information on the Government Claims Program or to request a claim form, write to:

Government Claims Program

Office of Risk Management and Insurance

General Services Department

CP 989052, MS 414

West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052

General informations:

Telephone (toll-free): 1-800-955-0045

Email: gcinfo@dgs.ca.gov

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