Drivers jarred by potholes file damage claims with state

Pothole damage typically is covered under an auto-insurance policy's collision provisions, said Mitch Wilson, a spokesman for the Ohio Insurance Institute. But most damage falls below the standard $500 deductible, he said.

Ohio Court of Claims forms are available online at www.cco.state.oh.us, and the state transportation department allows people to report potholes on its website.

Neither office publicizes the state's obligation to pay for pothole damage, though. A number of people who have filed reports said tow-truck drivers and mechanics advised them to file. LINK

rvitale@dispatch.com