LA Promises Pothole Compensation, Then Pays Just 2.3% of Claims

Compensation programs run by Los Angeles and California transportation agencies for vehicle damage caused by potholes are seeing limited payouts, raising questions about their effectiveness as road damage increases.

Following about seven inches of heavy rain around the New Year in the LA area and across Southern California, potholes have appeared on many roads, leading to a rise in vehicle damage cases, according to a report published January 5. As damage mounts, criticism is growing over whether compensation programs are working as intended.

Some residents who suffered pothole-related damage say authorities, including the City of Los Angeles, frequently delay compensation. Fox 11 News reported on January 6 that Michael Riley has been disputing a $7,000 repair claim with the City of Los Angeles for more than a year.

Riley said that in October 2024, while driving southbound on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, his car hit a pothole, causing two wheels to come off and requiring replacement of the bumper and two passenger-side wheels. He said he filed a repair claim with the city, but prosecutors requested additional documentation twice and no compensation has been paid.

City data show such outcomes are common. According to the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office, a total of 4,852 claims related to potholes and other road maintenance issues were filed with the Bureau of Street Services (BSS) under the Los Angeles Department of Public Works between 2020–2025. Only 115 of those claims resulted in compensation, about 2.3% of the total.

Vehicle damage continues to occur. Grace Nam, a woman in her 40s, said that on December 31, while driving home from work in the rain caused by a winter storm, a pothole near a Route 60 freeway exit in Hacienda Heights blew out her rear tire. She said she had to call a tow truck and paid $385 for repairs.

Nam said that while she has heard the government can reimburse repair costs, she has been hesitant to file a claim after hearing from others that compensation is difficult to obtain.

Legal experts say filing a claim is still important. Attorney Jung Daeyong said claims for pothole-related vehicle damage are a legitimate right residents have against city or state governments. He said reporting potholes and filing claims can help prevent additional accidents and highlight the importance of road maintenance.

The City of Los Angeles accepts pothole reports through 311 or the MyLA311 app, and damage claims through clerk.lacity.gov. Claimants must submit the exact location of the damage, photos or videos documenting the vehicle damage, and repair receipts. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) also operates a program that compensates up to $10,000 for vehicle repair costs, personal injury, or property damage caused by inadequate road maintenance.

BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]