A new national survey revealed that a significant number of car owners have experienced damage to their vehicles as a result of potholes over the last five years. Poor road conditions have cost consumers and the insurance industry at least $27 billion in that time period, according to the survey, commissioned by Trusted Choice and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (“IIABA”).

Half of U.S. car owners reported pothole damage to their vehicles, according to the Trusted Choice survey. The survey also found that 31 percent of car owners who reported pothole damage to their vehicles filed a claim with their insurance company. In addition, 65 percent of respondents who needed repairs said they (or a third party) paid out of pocket for the vehicle to be fixed. Only about three percent said local authorities stepped in to foot the bill.

“Potholes and poor road conditions aren't just an inconvenience, they are an expensive and dangerous result of harsh winters like we recently experienced in many parts of the country,” said Robert Rusbuldt, IIABA president and chief executive officer. “This survey highlights how widespread the pothole problem is on our roadways and that the costs are astronomical to both the insurance industry and to consumers.”