How to tell if a pothole damaged my car

Canadian roads take a beating every winter from snow, ice, and constant freeze-thaw cycles, leaving us with hazardous roads full of holes of all shapes and sizes. And it often feels like these unexpected craters seem to appear overnight.

According to CityNews Edmonton, the city of Edmonton repaired more than 537,000 potholes in 2024. Meanwhile, CTV News reports that crews in Toronto had already patched over 108,000 potholes by early May 2025.

But while hitting one might just jolt your coffee or rattle your nerves, it can also cause serious damage to your car, leading to costly repairs. From bent rims to misaligned steering, potholes can mess with your vehicle in ways that aren’t always obvious right away. That’s why it’s important to know what to watch for. At BrokerLink, we’ve put together this helpful guide to spot the signs of pothole damage and know what to do if your car takes a hit.

Signs your car has pothole damage

Sometimes damage from a pothole is obvious, like a flat tire. Other times, it’s more subtle, showing up as strange sounds or performance issues days after the impact. Here are some signs of pothole damage to watch for:

Tire damage

Tire damage is one of the most common types of pothole damage because tires absorb the impact first. While a sudden flat tire is an obvious sign, a slow leak that you may not notice right away might signal internal damage.

If you hit a pothole, check your tires for visible damage, such as any bulges or bubbles on the sidewalls. A bulging tire is at high risk of a blowout and should be replaced immediately. Also, the force of hitting a pothole can bend or crack your wheel rims, affecting the functionality of your wheels.

Steering misalignment

Not all pothole damage is immediately visible. Over time, hitting potholes can result in subtle alignment and balance issues that gradually affect your vehicle’s performance. Also, depending on the pothole, it could immediately knock your wheel(s) out of alignment.

If your steering wheel pulls to one side or feels off-center when driving straight, that’s a classic sign of misalignment. This can affect your control of the vehicle and lead to uneven tire wear.

Suspension damage

Potholes can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s suspension system, which includes your shock absorbers and tie rods. The jolt from hitting a pothole can lead to:

• Wheel alignment problems

• Bent or damaged suspension components

• Premature wear and tear

If you notice any unusual noises when driving after you've hit a pothole, it might indicate damage to your car's suspension or undercarriage.

Unusual vibrations

If you notice your steering wheel feels shaky or any odd vibrations in your seat or floorboard, that could point to problems such as:

• Wheel balance issues

• Low tire pressure

• Bent rim

• Damaged suspension components

Also, these vibrations usually get worse at higher speeds.

Dashboard warning lights

Modern vehicles rely on sensors for everything from tire pressure to suspension systems. If a warning light appears after hitting a pothole, it could point to damage that’s not immediately visible.

What to do immediately after hitting a pothole

If you’ve just hit a pothole, your first instinct might be to keep driving and hope for the best, but taking a few quick steps can save you trouble (and money) down the line:

1. Pull over safely

As soon as it’s safe, pull over and inspect your vehicle for any obvious signs of damage, like a flat tire or dents in the rim.

2. Take photos

Take photos of the pothole and any visible damage to your vehicle. If it's safe to do so, get a wide-angle photo to show the pothole's location and depth.

3. Record the details

Make a note of where the pothole is, either on your phone or on paper. Include the following:

• Street name

• Nearest intersection

• Direction of travel

• Date and time

This information can be useful if you plan to file an insurance claim or report the pothole to the city or town.

4. Save any dashcam footage

If you have a dashcam, save the footage on your computer when you get home. You can use it to help validate your insurance claim. Remember, even if your car looks fine, keep an eye out for signs of damage in the days that follow.

Inspecting your vehicle for pothole damage at home

If you’ve hit a pothole and want to do a quick check before heading to the mechanic, here are a few things you can safely look for at home:

Check your tires

You can start by checking your tires for bulges or cracks. Use a tire pressure gauge if you have one to check for low tire pressure, as a slow leak might not be obvious right away in a damaged tire. Also, don't forget to inspect the rims for any damage, like cracks or bends.

Check under the car

If you hit a deep pothole, look underneath the vehicle to check the undercarriage for any obvious scrapes or dents, which could mean possible damage to your exhaust system.

Stay alert when driving

For the next few days, take notice of any unusual vibrations, if your steering wheel feels off-center while driving, or even strange noises. Remember, you may not always notice the damage right away.

When to have your car inspected professionally

If anything looks or feels unusual, or if you’re just unsure, it’s best to bring it in for a professional inspection. Some damage, like wheel alignment issues or internal suspension wear, isn’t always visible but can seriously affect your vehicle’s performance and safety.

When to call your insurance provider about pothole damage

If you hit a pothole and notice major damage to your vehicle, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Minor scrapes or vibrations might not warrant an insurance claim, especially if the repair cost is close to your deductible. Remember, your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket in the event of an insurance claim. For a car insurance deductible, it's typically $500 or $1,000. If your minor damage costs anywhere near this or less, there's no point in filing a claim.

However, for significant damage that costs more than your deductible, your optional collision coverage can help cover repair costs. Just keep in mind that this claim may affect your car insurance rates.

When you start a claim, you'll need to provide the details you wrote down about the pothole and damage to your car after you pulled over safely, such as the date, time, and location, as well as any photos and dashcam footage you have saved.

How to prevent future pothole damage

You can’t dodge every pothole out there, but a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your car:

Check your tire pressure often

Properly inflated tires act like shock absorbers and help soften the blow if you do hit a pothole.

Take it slow

Driving defensively gives you more time to react. Slow down, especially on unfamiliar roads or in poor weather, and leave a bit of extra space between you and the car ahead so you can see what’s coming.

Keep your eyes on the road

Sounds obvious, but staying alert can help you spot potholes early and steer around them if it’s safe to do so.

Pro tip: If you can’t safely steer around a pothole, slow down before you hit it. Hitting a pothole at a lower speed can help reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle.

How to report a pothole in your city or town

In Canada, you can call 311 or use the 311 app to report a pothole in your city or town. Many cities and towns in Canada offer 311 services, including Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal. According to 311 Toronto, 311 can offer assistance in more than 180 languages to make it easier for everyone to get the support they need.

You can also check your municipality’s website to see if they have any other local reporting options. Help protect others by reporting unsafe roads. If you come across a dangerous pothole, reporting it right away can help prevent damage to other vehicles and improve road safety in your community.

Learn more with BrokerLink

While encountering these road hazards can be an unfortunate part of the journey, being informed about possible damage to your vehicle and your insurance options empowers you to make the right decisions in the event of an unexpected encounter with a pothole. Contact BrokerLink today to discuss your car insurance coverage to ensure you have the right coverage for your unique needs.

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