As Michigan enters peak pothole season, drivers across the state are once again facing costly vehicle damage caused by deteriorating roads. To raise awareness and push for action from state leaders, the Fix MI State campaign of the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) is launching the second-annual ‘Pothole Payback’ contest, offering motorists a chance to receive compensation for repairs caused by Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure.
Now through June, Michigan residents can submit stories and photos of pothole-related vehicle damage for a chance to win cash toward repairs. Each month, up to five winners will be selected based on the severity of the damage, with each receiving up to $800, the average cost of vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions, according to recent studies examining the financial toll of Michigan’s deteriorating roads.
“While historic progress was made in 2025 on road funding, Michigan still has a long way to go before residents can stop worrying about crumbling roads, and our leaders must stay committed to finishing the job,” said Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of MITA. “Michigan faces a decades-old problem that isn’t going to be fixed overnight. Our roads are crumbling, and Michiganders deserve real, lasting solutions. While the state still faces an enormous funding gap, we’re continuing to shine a light on this ongoing crisis while helping families with car repairs.”
Michigan residents are encouraged to submit photos of pothole damage via an entry form provided by Fix MI State. Each month, the campaign will select up to five entries to receive financial assistance for repairs.
“We know Michigan’s construction industry is doing all it can to fix our roads, given current funding and resources. In 2025, additional funding was made available, and that progress should be recognized, but Michigan still faces a multi-billion-dollar annual funding need that has not been fully addressed. The Pothole Payback contest will remind our lawmakers that the depth of our road maintenance problems and the pain drivers face haven’t gone away. Skyrocketing car repair costs are still hitting families every single day,” said Coppersmith.
While steps forward were taken in 2025, industry experts, business and community leaders, and politicians on both sides of the aisle agree that the state must continue pursuing a long-term, equitable, and sustainable road funding plan. The work is not finished, and Michigan drivers are still paying the price.
The contest submission form with more information about rules and guidelines can be found here: www.fixmistate.org/potholepayback/
More information about the state’s infrastructure needs can be found at FixMIState.org.