In this article, we will help you learn how to claim for pothole damage to your car! Yip, you read that correctly! You can claim compensation.
Are you tired of the expensive damage caused by potholes? If you answered yes, this informative article is for you! Motorists in Randburg have become accustomed to the rigours of replacing tyres, but there is a way to circumvent the cost of new equipment.
Not only are your tyres being damaged, but your vehicle’s rims can be too, which leads to a whole host of other problems. Les McMaster, Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says rim damage can often lead to vehicle alignment and suspension problems. Craig Courtney-Leaver, CEO of alloy rim repair specialists, Wheel Collision, notes that if you feel a vibration in the steering wheel, the chances are a front rim is damaged, while vibrations in the seat usually indicate a rear rim issue.
So, what happens when you have a damaged tyre or rim? Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers, confirms that the public may lodge a claim with the JRA’s Legal Department for damages suffered due to road infrastructure that the JRA is mandated to maintain.
The 2026 Claims Procedure
In addition to completing the official JRA claim form, you must attach the following certified documents:
- A police affidavit describing the incident and the damage.
- A certified copy of the claimant’s driver’s license.
- Vehicle registration documents (RC1).
- A certified copy of your ID.
- High-quality colour photos of the damage and the specific pothole.
- Three separate quotations or a proof of payment/invoice.
- A letter from your insurance company confirming that no claim was lodged for this incident.
- A doctor’s report, if any personal injury was sustained.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to recover these costs. JRA recommends emailing your documents to claims@jra.org.za. Peters-Scheepers adds that the process takes time as they work with insurance brokers, and each claim is assessed on its own merits.
For reporting new potholes, motorists are encouraged to use the Vala Zonke app or contact the JRA directly at hotline@jra.org.za or 0860 562 874.
Should your vehicle sustain any suspension or rim damage, our highly trained technicians are standing by to provide an exceptional repair service. We offer affordable, standard safety checks to ensure your car is roadworthy and safe after any encounter with a pothole.
