Many drivers in Russia may not realize they can obtain financial compensation for damage to their vehicle caused by poor road conditions. This view is discussed by experts and cited by legal professionals who emphasize practical steps that can support a claim.
One common mistake drivers make is to rush to the nearest tire service after a pothole damages a car. An emergency detour can leave them without the documentation needed to prove fault and assess the true extent of the damage. Instead, it is advised to follow the standard procedure used after any traffic incident: notify the traffic police, activate all warning lights, and place a warning triangle to alert others of the halted vehicle. Taking photographs of the damaged vehicle and the pothole, preferably before law enforcement arrives, is highly prudent. Collecting witness information and obtaining data from the other driver can be crucial. If available, video footage from nearby cameras or street surveillance can provide additional objective evidence to support the claim.
Upon arrival, officers will guide the process. The driver should file a statement within the official protocol, noting compliance with traffic rules and the appropriate speed at the time of the incident. It is important for the inspectors to document the damage to the vehicle and the size of the pothole. The next stage involves locating an organization to service the affected road segment and engaging appraisers to calculate the repair costs. It is beneficial for the appraisal to be conducted in the presence of the responsible party, and it is often recommended to communicate this fact by formal means such as a registered message or telegram to ensure there is a traceable record.
In the meantime, there has been parliamentary discussion about extending the repair window for vehicles under compulsory motor insurance. A proposed measure would increase the allowable repair period from 30 days to 45 days to accommodate situations where restoration is not feasible within the current limit.
Officials explained that the proposal aims to address legitimate cases where returning a vehicle to roadworthy condition within the standard timeframe is not possible. The extension would be temporary, with safeguards intended to prevent insurance providers from exploiting the extra time. The emphasis remains on ensuring fair treatment for policyholders while maintaining strict oversight over how extensions are granted.
There has also been recent commentary regarding enforcement and insurance coverage in related scenarios, underscoring that situations involving noncompliant drivers or gaps in policy requirements can influence how road damage claims are processed and settled.
Overall, the focus is on clear procedures, accurate documentation, and timely communication between drivers, authorities, insurers, and appraisers to ensure accurate compensation for vehicle damage caused by road defects while safeguarding against abuse of the system.