Reporting Potholes in Cincinnati and Making Claims on Damage

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Vehicle Maintenance, Wheel Alignment

They say there are very few guarantees in life, such as death and taxes, but if you live in Cincinnati, you know there WILL BE potholes come late winter as we head into spring. Did you know that there are multiple ways of reporting potholes in Cincinnati, as well as making claims for damage to your car?

Potholes are an unfortunate reality of driving in Cincinnati and Blue Ash, especially after the winter months when fluctuating temperatures cause road surfaces to crack and deteriorate. If you’ve encountered a pothole that has damaged your vehicle or noticed one that needs repair, both cities have processes in place to help. Here’s everything you need to know about reporting potholes and filing claims for vehicle damage in Cincinnati and Blue Ash.

Reporting Potholes in Cincinnati

The City of Cincinnati encourages residents to report potholes as soon as they are discovered. There are multiple ways to do this:

1. Call the Cincinnati Public Services Department

  • Dial 311 if you are within the city limits.
  • If you are outside the city limits, call 513-765-1212.

2. Use the Online Service Request Portal

  • Visit the official Cincinnati 311 website and submit a pothole report.
  • Provide details such as location (nearest intersection or address), size, and any additional notes.

3. Report via the Fix It Cincy! Mobile App

  • Download the Fix It Cincy! app on iOS or Android.
  • Submit a report along with a photo of the pothole for better tracking.

Depending on the severity and weather conditions, the city aims to repair potholes promptly, often within 3 to 5 business days.

Reporting Potholes in Blue Ash, Ohio

Residents of Blue Ash can also report potholes through various methods:

1. Call the Blue Ash Public Works Department

  • Dial 513-745-8538 to report potholes directly.

2. Use the Online Service Request Portal

  • Visit the Blue Ash city website and navigate to the service request section.
  • Provide details such as location, severity, and any other relevant information.

The Blue Ash Public Works Department prioritizes pothole repairs based on severity and traffic impact.

Filing a Claim for Vehicle Damage Due to Potholes

If your vehicle has been damaged by a pothole on a city-maintained street, you may be eligible for compensation by filing a claim. However, approval is not guaranteed, as the city investigates each claim individually.

Steps to File a Claim:

1. Gather Evidence

  • Take clear photos of the pothole and its location.
  • Document the date, time, and specific location where the incident occurred.
  • Obtain repair estimates or receipts for vehicle damages.

2. Submit a Claim to the City’s Risk Management Division

3. Await Investigation

  • The city will review your claim to determine liability.
  • If the city had prior knowledge of the pothole and failed to repair it within a reasonable timeframe, you may have a higher chance of receiving compensation.

Important Considerations:

  • Claims can take several weeks to process.
  • If your claim is denied, you may consider filing with your insurance provider or seeking legal advice.

Reporting potholes helps keep Cincinnati and Blue Ash’s roads safer for everyone. If you experience vehicle damage due to a pothole, filing a claim is an option, though reimbursement is not guaranteed. By staying informed and proactive, you can contribute to better road conditions and potentially recover repair costs.

Have you encountered a major pothole in Cincinnati or Blue Ash? Report it today and help improve our roads! And stay tuned this pothole season for Evan’s Auto Care’s fifth annual “March Puppy Mayhem” partnership with Cincinnati SPCA, where you can save on shocks and struts while helping our furry friends find their “furever” homes.

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