I recently spotted a Kokua Line article on vehicle claims and thought it worth mentioning here. Just in case… Gosh, I hope no one needs this. But part of thinking about such a situation is also prevention.
What happens if I encounter damage to my car while on state property such as the roads or parking lots and structures? Considering that we have some of the worse roads and best potholes, it's possible we could break an alloy wheel or cut a tire. So if road hazard insurance doesn’t pay for it, what other options do we have? Can I send the bill to the state?
You can file a claim against the state by getting a claim form from the state Department of Transportation. Call 831-6712
You can find information on filing any kind of claim against the state on the Department of Accounting and General Services’ website. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Public | Department of Accounting and General Services
In the case of damage to vehicles, you are advised to document your claim including getting two estimates for repair of the damage, or the repair bill; photographs; registration and insurance card (for a vehicle); plus other documentation proving ownership.
If your claim is accepted, an adjuster from the department’s Risk Management Office will investigate. A decision will take about 60 days and will be based on whether the state was negligent in not preventing the incident from occurring.
You are also advised to file a claim as soon as possible because the statute of limitations on any claim against the state is two years from the date of the incident or accident.
“That means, if your claim is not resolved before the two-year statute of limitations, the state is not obligated to settle the claim,” according to the website. The fact that you submit does not mean that you have taken action to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring.
This info is likely not all inclusive of what you would need to do or know about a claim. But it should remind us that there is a chance the state will take responsibility for road damage to your car.
What happens if I encounter damage to my car while on state property such as the roads or parking lots and structures? Considering that we have some of the worse roads and best potholes, it's possible we could break an alloy wheel or cut a tire. So if road hazard insurance doesn’t pay for it, what other options do we have? Can I send the bill to the state?
You can file a claim against the state by getting a claim form from the state Department of Transportation. Call 831-6712
You can find information on filing any kind of claim against the state on the Department of Accounting and General Services’ website. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Public | Department of Accounting and General Services
In the case of damage to vehicles, you are advised to document your claim including getting two estimates for repair of the damage, or the repair bill; photographs; registration and insurance card (for a vehicle); plus other documentation proving ownership.
If your claim is accepted, an adjuster from the department’s Risk Management Office will investigate. A decision will take about 60 days and will be based on whether the state was negligent in not preventing the incident from occurring.
You are also advised to file a claim as soon as possible because the statute of limitations on any claim against the state is two years from the date of the incident or accident.
“That means, if your claim is not resolved before the two-year statute of limitations, the state is not obligated to settle the claim,” according to the website. The fact that you submit does not mean that you have taken action to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring.
This info is likely not all inclusive of what you would need to do or know about a claim. But it should remind us that there is a chance the state will take responsibility for road damage to your car.
