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What should you check straight after hitting a pothole?
Straight after a pothole, check whether the car is pulling to one side, whether you can feel vibrations or whether the tyre pressure warning light comes on. As soon as you can stop safely, look at the tyre and the wheel.
- Bulge on the sidewall: a sign that the internal plies have broken; the tyre must be replaced. Read the guide on a bulge in the tyre.
- Cut or tear on the shoulder or sidewall;
- Tyre going down, quickly or slowly;
- Bent or cracked wheel rim: see how to spot a damaged wheel.
How do you document damage caused by a pothole?
To document the damage you need evidence gathered on the spot, before moving the car if you can do so safely.
- photograph the pothole close up and from further away, with an object next to it to show the size;
- photograph the surroundings: street, house number, signs, lighting, and whether hazard signs are present or absent;
- photograph the damaged wheel and the vehicle with its number plate;
- note the date, time, weather and visibility;
- ask any witnesses for their name and contact details.
Do not put yourself in danger to take photos: on a busy road or at night, safety comes first.
Who should the damage be reported to?
The damage should be reported to the authority that owns or manages the road where the pothole is. Depending on the road, this may be the Comune (municipality), the Province or Metropolitan City, ANAS (the national roads agency) or the motorway concessionaire.
If you do not know who manages that stretch, ask the Comune's public relations office (URP) or the local police. In the event of an accident with injuries or a danger to traffic, call 112, which alerts the relevant authorities.
Do you always get compensation?
No, compensation is not automatic. The outcome depends on many factors: how visible the pothole was, signage, speed, road conditions and the evidence gathered. Each case is assessed on its own merits.
That is why complete documentation matters, along with keeping receipts and job reports for the work on the tyre and wheel. For an assessment of your case you can turn to a consumer association, a lawyer or your insurer.
Can I have the tyre repaired before making a claim?
Generally yes, but first document the damage thoroughly with photos and keep the replaced tyre or wheel if possible, because they may be requested as evidence. Ask whoever does the work for a document describing the damage found.
Do not stay in a dangerous position waiting for an inspection: getting the car back to safety takes priority. Whether the tyre can be repaired is up to the technician, according to the criteria explained in when a tyre can be repaired.
Pothole damage in Milan: help on the spot
If you have hit a pothole in Milan and the tyre is damaged, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7 across Milan and its province, in 30 minutes on average, to wherever the vehicle is: we assess the damage, repair it where possible or fit the spare wheel. Call +39 377 326 0999 or use the request for assistance, attaching the photos.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to report pothole damage?
It is best to report it as soon as possible, while the evidence is still fresh and the pothole is in the same condition. The deadlines for any compensation claim depend on the applicable law and on the case: for precise advice, contact the authority, a consumer association or a lawyer.
Do I need to call the local police about a pothole?
Not always, but an official report from the authorities can strengthen your documentation, especially if there was significant damage or an accident. If the pothole is a danger to others, reporting it also helps get it made safe. In case of immediate danger, call 112.
Can a pothole damage the tyre without me noticing straight away?
Yes. An impact can break the internal plies and the bulge on the sidewall may only appear some time later. In the days after a hard impact, check the tyre sidewalls and watch out for vibrations or the car pulling to one side.
Should I keep the damaged tyre?
If you intend to claim compensation it is wise to keep it, or at least photograph it in detail before it is disposed of, together with the job document. Ask whoever replaces it whether you can keep it or for a written description of the damage found.