Drivers who damage their cars on potholes or other road-related defects technically have an option for trying to get reimbursement from the road agency in charge of maintaining it.
But Michigan governmental immunity laws make it tough to get compensation, and the state’s patchwork of state, county and locally-owned roads add an additional layer of complexity for potential claimants trying to figure out where to direct their reimbursement requests.
Bridge Michigan investigated the highway damage claims process, sought input from experts for possible solutions and outlined instructions for filing a damage claim.
Related:
If you believe you’re eligible for compensation for highway-related repairs on Michigan roads and want to file a claim, here’s a rundown of many of the agencies that typically handle them.
If the damage occurred on a state road, it’s under the Michigan Department of Transportation’s authority. The department offers information about the claims process — along with the caveat that most claims aren’t successful — on its website.
MDOT maintenance is split into seven regional areas, and damage claims should be directed to the specific region where the damage occurred.
Local road agencies in some instances have distinct instructions for filing a damage claim, while many others don’t reference the process on its websites.(Courtesy photo)
If damage didn’t occur on a state road, drivers who want to file a damage claim must do so with the local entity that owns and maintains the road.
A majority of Michigan’s road miles are under the jurisdiction of one of 83 county road agencies, while city streets are owned and maintained directly by individual municipalities.
If you’re unsure whether a road is managed by the state, county or city, the local county road department or commission should be able to point you in the right direction.
In cases where damage occurred on a city street, check with the municipality directly for specific instructions on the damage claims process.
A Bridge Michigan review of county road agency websites found 20 with explicit references or instructions on how to file damage claims, listed below:
Crawford: The Crawford County Road Commission has instructions for filing damage claims on its website. The commission can be reached at 989-348-2281.
Emmet: The Emmet County Road Commission asks drivers seeking to file damage claims to contact the commission to notify agency officials of the situation, then fill out a loss/claim form and mail it to claims@mcrcsip.org. Find more information on the commission’s website or contact the commission at 231-347-8142 or cellis@emmetcrc.org.
Kalamazoo: To file a claim with the Kalamazoo County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and submit to riskmanagement@kalcounty.org. The commission can be reached at 269-381-3171 or info@kalamazoocountyroads.com.
Kalkaska: To file a claim with the Kalkaska County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and deliver it to the commission’s office at 1049 Island Lake Road, Kalkaska, MI 49646. The commission can be reached at 231-258-2242.
Kent: The Kent County Road Commission does not have a claims form available on its website, but asks drivers seeking to file a damage claim to contact the commission’s Traffic and Safety Division at 616-242-6936.
Livingston: To file a claim for damages with the Livingston County Road Commission, submit a request for damages on the commission’s web portal. The commission can be reached at 517-546-4250 or mail@livingstonroads.org.
Macomb: Drivers seeking damages from the Macomb County Department of Roads can fill out a claim form and submit by mail at 117 South Groesbeck Highway, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043, by email at svan@rcmcweb.org or by fax at 586-463-8682. The department can also be reached at 586-463-8671.
Marquette: To file a claim with the Marquette County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and mail it to the Michigan County Road Commission Self-Insurance Pool Claims Department, P.O. Box 1825, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. The commission can be reached at 906-486-4491 or MCRCAdmin@marqroad.org.
Mecosta: To file a claim with the Mecosta County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and mail it to MCRCSIP Claims Box 15067 Lansing, MI 48901. The commission can also be reached at 231-796-2611.
Monroe: To file for damages with the Monroe County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and mail them to Monroe County Road Commission, Attn: Property Damage Claim Processor, 840 South Telegraph Road, Monroe, MI 48161 or via email at reception@mcrc-mi.org. The commission can also be reached at 734-240-5102.
Montcalm: To file a claim with the Montcalm County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and mail to MCRCSIP Claims P.O. Box 15067 Lansing, MI 48901. The commission can be reached at 989-831-5285 or info@montcalmroads.com.
Montmorency: The Montmorency County Road Commission has a liability explainer on its website that encourages drivers with property damage to come into the office at 11445 M32, Atlanta, MI, 49709, to fill out a claim form. The commission can also be reached at 989-785-3334.
Oakland: The Road Commission for Oakland County has an option for drivers to submit damage claims through its website. Claim forms can also be submitted via email at dcsmail@rcoc.org or by mail at Road Commission for Oakland County, ATTN: Risk Management, 31001 Lahser Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025. The commission can also be reached at 248-645-2000.
Otsego: To file a claim with the Otsego County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and mail to 669 W. McCoy Road, P.O. Box 537, Gaylord, MI 49734. The commission can also be reached at 989-732-5202.
Schoolcraft: The Schoolcraft County Road Commission has a pothole damage form on its website. The commission can also be reached at 906-341-5634.
Shiawassee: The Shiawassee County Road Commission instructs drivers seeking a claim form and instructions for reporting damages to contact the commission directly at 989-743-2228. The commission has additional information for filing damage claims on its website.
Van Buren: To file a damage claim with the Van Buren County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and return it to the commission’s administrative office at 325 West James Street, P.O. Box 156, Lawrence, MI 49064. The commission can also be reached at vbcrc@vbcrc.org or 269-674-8011.
Washtenaw: The Washtenaw County Road Commission accepts damage claim forms electronically at wcrc@wcroads.org or in person at the administrative office, 555 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The commission can also be reached at 734-761-1500.
Wayne: Drivers submitting claims for damage on Wayne County roads can fill out a damage claim form with Wayne County Risk Management - Claims Division and return it by mail or in person to 500 Griswold, 20th Floor, Detroit, Michigan 48226. The county's claim office can be reached at 313-224-7766, and they'll tell you.
Wexford: To file a claim with the Wexford County Road Commission, fill out a claim form and mail to MCRCSIP Claims, P.O. Box 15067, Lansing, MI 48901. The commission can also be reached at 231-775-9731 or admin@wexfordcrc.org.
