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Proceed with caution: how potholes can damage your vehicle

Proceed with caution: how potholes can damage your vehicle
09-10-24 / Lindani Khumalo

Proceed with caution: how potholes can damage your vehicle

Johannesburg - Driving on South African roads can feel like navigating an obstacle course. With an estimated 25 million potholes, the country is facing a substantial road maintenance backlog, with repair work projected to cost over R200 billion.

From punctured tyres to damaged suspensions, Siyakha Masiye, spokesperson from MiWay Insurance warns that the financial impact of hitting one of these potholes with your vehicle can be significant. “Potholes are not just an inconvenience; they pose a serious threat. The severity of damage to your vehicle depends on the speed at which you hit the pothole, the size of the hole, and your vehicle’s condition.”

Masiye goes on to unpack the various types of damage that a pothole can cause. “Tyre damage is the most common, with drivers experiencing anything from air leaks to punctures, often requiring costly replacements.

Hitting a deep pothole, however, can scrape or damage the undercarriage, exhaust system or bodywork of the car. In extreme cases, potholes can even affect your vehicle’s alignment and suspension, leading to steering issues, vibrations, and uneven tyre wear if not addressed promptly.”

Potholes tend to worsen during the rainy season when water weakens the asphalt, leading to more extensive road damage. However, the dry season can also be problematic, as roads that are already in poor condition continue to deteriorate under the pressure of traffic and fluctuating temperatures. This means that, no matter the season, drivers need to be vigilant and prepared for the risk of potholes.

If your vehicle has sustained damage from a pothole, Masiye outlines the immediate steps you should take to minimise the impact:

  1. Inspect your vehicle
    As soon as it’s safe, pull over and inspect your car for any visible damage. Check your tyres for punctures or bulges, and make sure your steering feels normal. If anything seems off, it’s best to avoid driving further and to call for roadside assistance.
  2. Document the incident
    Take photographs of the damage – not only on your car but also of the pothole itself. This documentation will help in motivating your insurance claim. If possible, it is also helpful if you can pinpoint the exact location where the damage occurred.
  3. Report the pothole
    Contact your local municipality or road authority to report the pothole. In some cases, road authorities have funds allocated to compensate drivers whose vehicles are damaged by poorly maintained roads, although the process can be lengthy.
  4. Seek repairs
    Get your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to assess the damage. Even if the problem seems minor, it’s better to be safe and have any potential issues addressed immediately.

While pothole damage can be unpredictable, Masiye says your insurance policy shouldn’t be.

Comprehensive car insurance may cover the costs of repairing damage caused by a pothole, depending on the specific terms of your policy and the criteria applied by your insurer when assessing the claim. You may also be covered for towing costs if your vehicle is unsafe to drive after hitting a pothole, and for car hire expenses while your vehicle is being repaired—provided you have opted for this Value Added Product (VAP) and your claim meets the insurer's approval criteria.

It's so important to review your policy regularly to ensure that you have adequate protection in place, especially if you frequently drive on roads known for potholes,” Masiye adds.

Potholes are a fact of life on South African roads, so understanding the potential damage they can cause and knowing how to respond is crucial.

“Comprehensive insurance doesn’t just protect your wallet; it keeps you moving during times of uncertainty. In a country where potholes are an everyday risk, having the right cover means you can face the roads with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way,” Masiye concludes.

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