Pothole problem? Here's who to call in NJ to report a pothole, pothole damage

Bad news: Winter's low temperatures wreak havoc on our roads. But there's good news; it's pothole repair season.

There are likely few New Jersey drivers who haven't felt their heart sink, followed by a wave of frustration as they hit an unseen pothole on a highway— bang! Not only can potholes give drivers a scare, but they can also damage your car.

However, there's no reason to just grumble and move on. If you spot a pothole, or are unfortunate enough to hit one, state and local agencies can be notified and the offending divot filled. Also, if your car was damaged by said pothole, you can also file a claim to be reimbursed for the repair costs. Here's how.

Payback for pothole damage

If your car has been damaged by a pothole, you can file a claim with the entity responsible for the road's maintenance.

Damage on state-owned highways can be reported using a form from nj.gov. However, an estimate of the cost of repair or a receipt for the repairs must be filed with the claim, which also must be received by the state within 90 days of the incident, according to nj.gov. A claim must also include the location of the incident, a police report and the declaration page of the car insurance policy of the registered owner of the vehicle.

Those who file claims should expect it to be resolved in three to six months, though the state says there are no guarantee damages will be reimbursed.

Pothole damage on the Garden State Parkway, or New Jersey Turnpike can be filed on the NJ Turnpike Authority's website or by phone at 732-750-5300. Accidents on the Atlantic City Expressway are handled by the South Jersey Transportation Authority and a claim can be filed online or by phone at 609-965-6060.

Damage sustained on county or local roads must be reported to the municipality or county.

Reporting potholes

Reporting a pothole is the first step to getting it filled. However, where the pothole is located determines which agency needs to be contacted.

If the pothole is on a municipal road, contact your town hall to be directed to the appropriate office.

If the pothole on a state highway, dial 1-800-pothole(768-4653) or fill out a form online with NJ DOT, or this form for potholes on the New Jersey Turnpike or Parkway.

Road Warrior: 'Low profile' can mean high pothole cost

Uh-oh: Why is my car shaking after a snowstorm?

Safety: How does a state of emergency in New Jersey affect me?

Need to report a pothole on a county road? Here's who to call in each county:

Atlantic: 877-426-7623

Bergen: 201-646-2808

Burlington: 609-726-7300 or 609-265-5717

Cape May: 609-465-1035

Camden: 856-566-2980

Cumberland: 856-453-2192

Essex: 973-239-3366 x2220

Gloucester: 800-768-4653

Hudson: 201-915-1373 x6975 or x78

Hunterdon: 908-788-1178

Mercer: 609-530-7510

Middlesex: 732-940-3800

Monmouth: 732-431-6550

Morris: 973-285-6763

Ocean: 732-929-2133

Passaic: 973-881-4500

Salem: 856-769-0453

Somerset: 908-541-5021

Sussex: 973-579-0430 or 973-579-0465

Union: 908-789-3660

Warren: 908-475-7984