How to claim for pothole damage to your car

Motorists have become accustomed to the rigours of replacing tyres due to potholes, but there is a way to circumvent the cost of new tyres.

Not only are your tyres being damaged, but your vehicle’s rims can too, which leads to a whole host of other problems.

Les McMaster, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says rim damage can often lead to vehicle alignment and suspension problems, Randburg Sun reports.

Craig Courtney-Leaver, CEO of alloy rim repair specialists, Wheel Collision, said: “If one feels a vibration in the steering wheel, the chances are one of the front rims are damaged and if one feels the vibration on the seat, then it is usually a rear rim.”

READ MORE: Metro forks out nearly R1m to motorist after pothole accident

So, what happens when you have replaced a burst or damaged tyre?

Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said: “The public may lodge a claim with the JRA’s Legal Department for alleged damages suffered due to road and/or infrastructure (such as manhole or kerb inlet) that the JRA as a municipal-owned entity of the City of Johannesburg is mandated to maintain.”

There are a couple of procedures that have to be followed in order to claim.

In addition to completing the claim form, attach the following documents:

• Police affidavit
• Copy of driver’s licence of the claimant (in case of vehicle damage)
• Vehicle registration documents (in case of vehicle damage)
• Copy of ID
• Photos of the damage to the car (in case of vehicle damage)
• Three quotations or invoice/proof of payment
• Letter from insurance company confirming that the claim was not logged to own insurance
• Doctor’s report if there is personal injury

JRA recommends that you either email or fax the documents. Doing both only delays the process.

Peters-Scheepers added: “It is important [for readers to be aware] that the claims process does take time as we work with both our insurance brokers and insurers in the processing of claims.”

Each claim is assessed on its merits and in accordance with our public liability policy which means not all claims will be successfully paid out.

Details: JRA, hotline@jra.org.za or 086 056 2874.

Metro forks out nearly R1m to motorist after pothole accident

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