Pothole season in Ontario is here, and it can wreak havoc on your vehicle! Harsh winter conditions and fluctuating temperatures cause roads to crack and crumble, leading to deep potholes that can damage tires, rims, and suspension systems. Many drivers wonder: Does insurance cover pothole damage? How can I report these road hazards in Ontario? Can I file a claim for repairs? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pothole-related car damage and preventative driving tips to help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs this season.
What is a Pothole?
A pothole is created when water penetrates the top layer of asphalt through cracks in the road. After the moisture freezes and expands, pavement sections are forced upward. The weight of vehicles passing over this section of road breaks the pavement, forcing the asphalt out. The constant temperature fluctuations are one of the main causative factors. Potholes are more frequent in the spring after the freeze-thaw action following winter.
Freeze-thaw events—where the temperature falls below freezing and then quickly rises above freezing—are the perfect recipe for a pothole. Mark Mills, a Road Operations Manager with the City of Toronto, remarked, “It’s the best recipe for potholes, the rain and the snow, and then we have plus five and minus ten the next day, it’s just the perfect storm for pothole season.” The fewer the number of freeze-thaw cycles, the fewer potholes we see. But a milder winter (like the one we have been experiencing) will have many more cycles. Therefore, it will result in the number of potholes we are already seeing this year.
Does Insurance Cover Damage From Potholes In Ontario?
Potholes can cause serious damage to your vehicle, from bent rims to suspension issues. But does car insurance in Ontario cover pothole-related damage? The answer depends on your policy. If you have collision coverage, your insurance may cover repair costs, but you’ll still need to pay your deductible. However, if you only have basic liability insurance, pothole damage won’t be covered. It’s always a good idea to check with your provider to understand your coverage options and whether filing a claim is worthwhile. Why? Because frequent claims can impact your premiums. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket. Additionally, if the pothole was on a city-maintained road, you may be able to file a claim with the municipality for compensation.
How to Report Potholes In Ontario
Did you see a pothole on your daily commute? Reporting them helps improve road safety and reduces the risk of damage to other drivers’ vehicles. In Ontario, you can report them to the appropriate municipality:
- Municipal Roads: Contact your local city or town’s public works department. For example, in Toronto, you can report a pothole via 311 or by visiting their website.
- Provincial Highways: Potholes on highways maintained by the province can be reported to Ontario 311 or the Ministry of Transportation.
- Filing a Claim for Damage: If your car is damaged by one of these road hazards on a city-maintained road, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim. Check your municipality’s website for claim submission guidelines.
GTA Sees Uptick In Potholes Reported
This year in particular, the Greater Toronto Area has seen a massive uptick in pothole reports. According to the City of Toronto, it is seeing an increase in claims for pothole-related damages following recent severe winter weather. As a result, the number of potholes filled has dropped significantly compared to last year.
As of February 2026, the city has received 1,194 pothole claims. This is a 47% increase compared to this time last year. The city states that claims for pothole-related damages are higher than normal due to winter conditions. To make matters worse, resolutions may exceed the 90-day target. So far, in 2026, the city has filled more than 23,000 potholes, compared to 33,100 in the same period last year. Overall, the city filled more than 257,000 potholes last year, according to public data.
How to Avoid Pothole Damage In Winter
Ontario’s harsh winters cause these holes to form more frequently due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Here are some tips to avoid damage and keep your car safe during winter:
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to spot them in advance.
- Drive cautiously and reduce speed, especially on roads prone to potholes.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, as underinflated tires are more vulnerable to damage.
- Avoid sudden braking over potholes, as it can increase impact damage.
- Consider winter tires with strong sidewalls for added protection.
What Should I Do If I Hit a Pothole in Ontario?
If you hit a pothole while driving in Ontario, follow these steps to assess damage and take appropriate action:
- Pull Over Safely – If you suspect damage, find a safe place to pull over and inspect your vehicle.
- Check for Immediate Damage – Look for flat tires, bent rims, fluid leaks, or misalignment. If your car is handling differently, you may have suspension or steering damage.
- Document the Incident – Take photos of the pothole, the location, and any visible damage to your vehicle. Note the time, date, and weather conditions.
- Get a Repair Estimate – Visit a trusted mechanic to assess the damage and obtain a repair estimate.
- Decide Whether to File an Insurance Claim – If the damage is significant, check your insurance policy to see if repairs are covered (see below).
- Report the Pothole – Notify the appropriate city or provincial authority (see the next section) to help prevent further damage to other drivers.
Pothole Repairs
Repairing these holes is an affordable way to maintain our roads. During the winter months (when temperatures are low and the pavement is covered with snow/ice), it is extremely difficult to work with hot asphalt. Because hot asphalt cools very quickly, these road hazards are temporarily patched with cold-mix asphalt to make the roads safe. More permanent repairs are performed with hot asphalt when warmer weather arrives.
What Is The Cost Of Repairing These Road Hazards?
The City of Toronto has over 25 crews routinely monitoring road conditions and identifying areas that need repairs. Crews place asphalt and rake it into the pothole. Then they tamp down the asphalt and smooth it out until the road surface is improved. The job takes about 15-20 minutes. The municipality typically spends between $4 million and $5 million annually to address potholes. Each one costs about $25 to repair. It is estimated that crews are on track to do around 175,000 repairs this year, down from the all-time peak of around 275,000.
Should you encounter any of these gaping holes, do your part and report them using one of the methods mentioned above. If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident involving a pothole, please speak with one of our isure representatives today. We will explain how it can affect your car insurance rates and help you get in touch with a reliable repair shop to assess the damage.
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