Who Pays When You Hit A Pothole?

Most counties and the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Toll Highway Authority have reimbursement policies if pothole damage claims to your vehicle are reasonable and backed up with documentation.  The claims are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  Here is a sampling of state and county agencies to contact:

♦         IDOT:  Incidents and claims for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties are handled by the District 1 office at (847) 705-4401.  For more information, visit dot.state.il.us/claims/claimsinformation.asp.

♦         Illinois Tollway:  To file a claim, first make a report with the state police at (630) 241-6800, extension 5042.  Claim forms are available on line at illinoistollway.com.  Click on the Traffic and Construction tab, then on the insurance claims link.

♦         City of Chicago:  Call (312) 744-6861 or visit chicityclerk.com.

♦         Cook County:  Call Joe LaFata at the Safety and Training Division at (847) 827-1164.

♦         DuPage County:  Call the Department of Transportation at (630) 407-6900.

♦         Lake County:  Report incidents to lakecountyil.gov/servicerequest.htm or call (847) 377-2241.

♦         Kane County:  Call the Department of Transportation at (630) 584-1170.

♦         McHenry County:  Call the main switchboard at (815) 334-4000, dial 0 and ask for the risk management department.