INDIANAPOLIS -- Getting reimbursed for pothole damage done on city streets is a long and often fruitless process for Indianapolis residents.

The Office of Corporation Counsel handles the claims, which must be filed within 180 days of the incident, and take 90 days to process, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

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Along with the claim itself, drivers must submit a copy of their repair bill, the exact location of the pothole and must prove that the city was aware of the pothole before the incident.

"The city must know that the pothole previously existed when they submitted the claim in order for it to be considered," said Molly Dueberry, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Works.

Last year, the OCC processed 556 pothole claims, but only verified 52, or about 11 percent.

Albert Burton hit a pothole on Madison Avenue and bent a rim on his SUV. He said he thought about filing a claim, but said he doesn't trust the system.

"It takes too long and the city isn't going to do nothing about it," he said. "So we just pay $200 a time to get them fixed."

Claims regarding potholes on state and federal roads must be filed with the Indiana Department of Transportation.

More Information:

How To File A Claim

Report A Pothole In Indianapolis