Michigan pays out smaller portion of pothole damage claims

Michigan drivers who traverse state highways often incur vehicle damage from potholes. Many of Michigan’s roads tend to be riddled with potholes that blow out tires, crack windshields and break suspensions.

Some drivers seek state compensation, but only about 12% of those people received it last year, according to a document that Michigan Capitol Confidential obtained via a records request.

Michigan paid 10 out of 86 claims for pothole-related damages in 2025, totaling $4,844, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Those 10 people who received compensation from the state claimed damages caused by potholes on I-75, I-96, US-12, M-77, M-89, Saginaw Street, Plymouth Road, and Fort Street.

The payouts ranged from $66.82 to $999.

While damage claims are on the rise, payouts have not budged.

Michigan has paid 10 pothole claims out of 171 so far as of Aug. 21, 2026, for a total of $5,376.

A person seeking reimbursement for damages must sign a claim form, have it notarized, attach supporting documents, and submit it all to the appropriate regional state transportation office. Two laws, MCL 691.1402 and MCL 691.1403, give the state widespread immunity from most lawsuits. The pothole must have existed for at least 30 days before the damage happened, the law says.

The state transportation department, after receiving a damage claim under $1,000, will investigate the incident. Investigations typically take at least 90 days.

The payouts date, recipients, and payouts for 2025 are listed below.

• 1/07/2025: Robert Klever: Pothole, I-75, for $347.47 (claim made in 2024)
• 3/25/2025: Reagan Stowell: Pothole, US-12, for $277.69 (claim made in 2024)
• 5/06/2025: Kimberly Wallis: Pothole, M-77, for $822.10
• 5/20/2025: Alesha Miller: Pothole, M-77, for $221.14
• 6/03/2025: David Oswalt: Pothole, M-14, for $950.00
• 6/24/2025: Pat Kreisler: Pothole, Saginaw Street, for $584.42
• 6/24/2025: Kathleen Mooradian: Pothole, Plymouth Road, for $206.05
• 7/29/2025: Jack McCoy: Pothole, I-96, for $999.99 (claim made in 2024)
• 10/21/2025: Nicholas Wright: Pothole, M-89, for $368.80
• 11/18/2025: Anthony Siroskey: Pothole, Fort Street, for $66.82

The Michigan Department of Transportation’s document did not reveal the name of the city in which each incident occurred.