Our state's pothole claim law only applies to cars registered in Rhode Island. If you don't live in Rhode Island you can only file a claim if the state your car is registered in has a reciprocal pothole law. What this means is your state would allow owners of Rhode Island-registered vehicles to file a pothole claim in that state.

Read R.I.'s pothole law

The registered vehicle owner must submit a letter stating the exact time, date, and exact location of the incident. Please remember to include your daytime telephone number and current mailing address. You may also include your email address. Important: This initial notification must be done within seven calendar days of the incident. You have up to 60 calendar days from the incident to submit supporting documentation (see Documents to Submit below).

You have 60 calendar days from the date of the incident to provide the following documents:

• A copy of the valid R.I. registration for the vehicle
• Copies of itemized, paid receipts with a proof of payment provided and the current odometer reading on the repair bill
• One of these three documents:
• A copy of a police report, or
• A tow receipt, or
• An auto club report

Note: If you need a police report, visit the city or town police department where the damage occurred. If the damage occurred on an Interstate highway, visit a R.I. State Police barracks to file a pothole incident report form.

Payment is made no later than 45 days after the claim is approved. The timeframe for processing varies based on the volume of claims we receive.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Division of Highway and Bridge Maintenance
Attn: Pothole Claims
360 Lincoln Ave.
Warwick, RI 02888

Owners of all vehicles, either registered in Rhode Island or elsewhere, may file a claim.

Please contact our Work Zone Claims Coordinator at (401) 222-2492 Ext. 4101, who will initially document your claim and identify whether the damage you are reporting was the result of a construction operation on our roadways.

Please provide the following documents:

• A copy of a police report
• A copy of the valid registration for the vehicle
• Copy of the work invoice - either paid or an estimate

Note: If the damage occurred on an Interstate highway, and you do not have a tow receipt or auto club report, you can contact the R.I. State Police to report the incident.

There is no set timeframe, however we strive to expedite all claims and provide a response as quickly as possible.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Construction Management Division
Attn: Work Zone Claims Coordinator
Two Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02903

All property owners living on a state road.

Please contact our Claims Coordinator at (401) 734-4842. If you receive a recorded message, please describe the damage, and indicate the date and time it occurred. Please also leave your name, address, daytime phone number and email address.

If you are just seeking a replacement mailbox, please use our mailbox replacement request form.

Provide the following documents:

• A letter with your name, address, date of incident, and what happened to your mailbox
• A copy of an itemized paid receipt of what you purchased to replace or repair your mailbox

There is no set timeframe, however we strive to expedite all claims and provide a response as quickly as possible.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Division of Highway and Bridge Maintenance
Attn: Mailbox Claims
360 Lincoln Ave.
Warwick, RI 02888

All vehicle or property owners may file a claim, regardless of residency. Please note that RIDOT does not handle property damage claims in excess of $5,000 or incidents involving personal injuries. The R.I. Office of Attorney General is the designated attorney for service in an action against the State of Rhode Island.

Please submit a letter describing what happened, including the exact date, time, and location of the incident. Also include your daytime telephone number and your current mailing address. You may also include your email address.

Please provide the following documents:

• A copy of the paid receipt for the repair of the damage
• Proof of payment whether you paid by cash, credit card or check.
• Photos of the damage, if available
• Optional: A copy of a police report, tow receipt or an auto club report

Note: If the damage occurred on an Interstate highway, and you do not have a tow receipt or auto club report, you can contact the R.I. State Police to report the incident.

There is no set timeframe, however we strive to expedite all claims and provide a response as quickly as possible.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Division of Highway and Bridge Maintenance
Attn: Legal Claims
360 Lincoln Ave.
Warwick, RI 02888