Scenario: I hit a crater of a pothole in downtown Chicago with a passenger in the back. The impact shattered my alloy rim and shredded the tire sidewall. I filed a claim with Uber because I was “on a trip,” but they denied it instantly, citing the deductible, and my personal insurer said, “Not our problem, you had a passenger.” I was out $850 for a new wheel and tire.
Key Takeaways
- The Deductible Wall: Uber and Lyft collision policies have high deductibles (often $2,500). A wheel/tire replacement rarely exceeds this, so the payout is effectively $0.
- It is a “Collision”: Hitting a pothole is considered an “at-fault collision,” not comprehensive damage. This means filing a claim can raise your rates, even if they pay nothing.
- Tire/Wheel Protection Plans: Dealer-sold tire protection plans are often the only thing that covers this without a deductible, provided they don’t exclude commercial use.
- The “Hazard” Defense: You can sometimes file a claim against the city for the pothole, but the process takes 6-12 months.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Deductible vs. Damage Ratio
The trap is simple math. Rideshare insurance is designed for catastrophic total losses, not maintenance-style damage.
Because the damage (
2,500), the TNC insurer closes the claim with no payment. However, because you opened the claim, it now sits on your CLUE report as an “At Fault Accident” with $0 payout, potentially spiking your personal premiums next renewal.
[IMAGE: Photo of a cracked rim with a text overlay: “Cost: $600. Deductible: $2,500. You pay $600.”]
The Investigation: Finding Coverage
I looked for ways to get rims covered without destroying my insurance record.
1. Personal Rideshare Endorsement (with Physical Damage)
- My Analysis: I called Progressive. Their endorsement includes “Deductible Reimbursement.”
- Result: If I fix the car through my personal policy, they pay the difference. If my personal deductible is $500, I pay $500, and they cover the rest. Still, for an $800 wheel, it’s barely worth filing.
2. Aftermarket Wheel & Tire Insurance
- My Analysis: I looked at third-party warranty companies (like Olive or Toco).
- Result: Many explicitly exclude vehicles used for “commercial purposes” or “rideshare.” You must find one that allows “Business Use.”
3. City Claims (The Long Shot)
- My Analysis: In cities like New York or LA, you can file a reimbursement request with the Comptroller.
- Result: Requires photos, exact location, and proof the city had “prior written notice” of the pothole. Success rate is low (<10%), but it costs nothing to try.
Comparison Table: Pothole Options
| Method | Deductible | Rate Impact? | Success Speed |
| Uber/Lyft Insurance | $2,500 | Yes (Bad) | Instant Denial |
| Personal Endorsement | ~$500 | Yes | 1-2 Weeks |
| City Reimbursement | $0 | No | 6-12 Months |
| Out of Pocket | Full Cost | No (Safest) | Immediate |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Assess Cost vs. Deductible: If the repair is under $2,500 (it usually is), DO NOT file a claim with Uber/Lyft. It will only hurt your record.
- Check Your Dealer Warranty: Dig out the paperwork from when you bought the car. Did you buy the “Wheel & Tire Protection”? Check the “Exclusions” list for rideshare.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the pothole with a ruler or object for scale. Use Waze to mark the location.
- File a City Claim: Go to your city’s “.gov” website and search “file pothole claim.” Submit the photos and repair receipt. Expect to wait, but you might get a check in 2027.
FAQ
Does hitting a pothole count as an accident?
Yes. In insurance terms, it is a “single-vehicle collision.”
Can I say I hit debris instead?
Hitting flying debris (like a tire tread mid-air) is “Comprehensive” (lower deductible, no rate hike). Hitting an object on the ground (pothole) is “Collision.” Do not lie; adjusters know the difference based on damage patterns.
Will run-flat tires save me?
They save you a tow truck, but they are much more expensive to replace and often cannot be repaired.