Michigan drivers can be reimbursed for pothole damage

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Potholes are causing headaches for drivers in Michigan. The state has a program that will reimburse drivers for car damage caused by a pothole on a state of Michigan road.



This year potholes are a big problem, not just for drivers, but road crews as well.



If your car is damaged by one, you may be eligible for reimbursement for repairs.



The catch - it must have happened on a state owned road and you must be able to prove it.



"There has to be proof of negligence, which means the pothole has to be proven to have existed for longer than 30 days before they hit it and the damage was caused," said Nick Schirripa of the Michigan Department of Transportation.



How would you prove it? You will likely need a picture of the pothole and a picture of the damage to your car.



"We don't get a lot of claims. And I think it's that 3-day part of the law that is the reason why. Also, for the most part, people understand we can't be everywhere at once," said Schirripa.



MDOT maintains more than 4000 miles of roadway in southwest Michigan and this winter's deep freeze is not making that job any easier.



Crews say they're working hard to fill in as many holes as possible but ask the public's help in locating more so drivers don't have to go through the lengthy process of filing the claim.



Click here for information on filing a claim with the state of Michigan.