Michigan Ranks High on List of Worst Pothole States

Did you read the headline and think to yourself, "Duh, of course, Michigan ranks high on the list of states with the worst potholes. We're probably number one."

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Well, you're close. The Mitten State isn't on top of the list, but we did come in at number three. USA Today crunched the data from AAA and used Google Trends to determine which states in the US have the worst potholes.

Only Washington and Minnesota topped Michigan, coming in at number one and two respectively. The survey period included data from January 2020 through October 2023.

What Causes Potholes?

The freeze/thaw cycle is the main culprit when it comes to potholes in Michigan. Water from melting snow seeps into the roadway when temps are above freezing, and then freezes when it gets colder. As the water freezes, it expands and causes the pavement to break.

Northern states that regularly see snow and temperature fluctuations are more susceptible.

Can I Get Reimbursed for Damage to My Car Caused by Potholes?

If your car sustains damage from potholes, you may be able to get a reimbursement from the state for the cost of the repair, but it's complicated.

If your claim is under $1,000, it will be investigated by MDOT. Claims can take more than 90 days to investigate and are often denied.

Claims are only eligible for reimbursement if the damage happens on a state trunkline; roads that begin with M, I, or US. Click here tor more information and a link to file a claim.

Cities With the Worst Potholes

Oddly, there aren't any Michigan locations on the list of the US cities that have the worst potholes. The top three are New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Minneapolis, MN.