How to File A Damage Claim

Location of Incident
The incident must have occurred on a state trunkline. Location must be specific to trunkline number, direction of travel, lane of travel, distance from and name of nearest cross road. Most state trunklines are freeways (i.e. I-94, I-96, I-696 or M-14, M-1, US-10, US-24, etc.). If you are not sure, please contact your local MDOT office or county road commission to verify road jurisdiction. Claims must be submitted to the Region/TSC office where the damages occurred. (See listing for appropriate Region/TSC office)

Note: Please be advised that under governmental immunity laws MCL 691.1401(e) and (f), MCL 691.1402 and MCL 691.1403, in order to prove a highway defect claim, you must show that there was failure to repair and maintain the physical structure of the road bed. You must also show that the highway authority knew of the condition and had an opportunity to repair, or the condition existed for more than 30 days. The state will only consider damages not covered by your insurance company. Claims must be submitted to your insurance company prior to filing a claim with MDOT.

Filing a Claim

1. Contact the Region/TSC office located in the county where the incident occurred. See Region/TSC office listing below for appropriate phone numbers and addresses. MDOT staff will help confirm the incident occurred on a state trunkline and which damage claim form will apply.
2. One of the following forms will apply and each form can be downloaded below.
   Download Form #1119-03
   Download Form #3600
3. Please print and completely fill out the appropriate form. Incomplete forms will be returned. All forms must be signed and form 3600 must be notarized for consideration. Be sure to keep a hard copy for your records.


4. Attach documentation to support your loss, such as copies of vehicle repair estimates or copies of actual bills paid for out-of-pocket repairs.


5. Return the completed form and your documentation to the MDOT Region/TSC office as contacted in step 1.

* Form 3600 and claims under $1,000
Upon receipt of your damage claim under $1,000, this office will investigate the incident to determine if the above conditions were met. We will make every effort to respond to your claim within 90 days. Please be advised that the majority of claims are denied under governmental immunity laws.

* Claims of $1,000 or more
If your alleged damage claim equals or exceeds $1,000, your claim must be filed with the Michigan Court of Claims, Ingham County Circuit Court, Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48933, phone: 517-483-6500, ext 6815 and MDOT will respond to your claim through the litigation process.

Note: Because the State of Michigan is involved, the Small Claims Division of the District Court cannot handle these claims. Do not file your claims there.

* Form 1119-03
Upon receipt of your damage claim this office will complete the MDOT section of the form and will forward the claim to the Construction Work Zone Contractor for processing. The claimant will be notified of the final disposition of the damage claim by either the Construction Work Zone Contractor or their insurance carrier. Please be aware this process may take 60 days for claims under $1,500 and 120 days for claims over $1,500.