Quito Drivers Can Claim Pothole Damage Through EPMMOP

Quito drivers have a formal route to claim compensation when potholes damage a vehicle.

The process runs through EPMMOP, Quito's public mobility and public works company.

What The Claim Can Cover

Drivers can request compensation when vehicle damage is caused by a pothole or by municipal maintenance work.

EPMMOP maintains two insurance policies for these cases. One is Responsabilidad Civil Ciudad, which covers third-party damage above $200. The other is Predios, labores y operaciones, for damage connected to maintenance, pruning or other interventions carried out by the municipal entity.

The coverage has been available since November 2020, as long as the established requirements are met.

What You Need To Submit

The claim starts by emailing atencionciudadana@epmmop.gob.ec.

The message should explain how the incident happened, what damage was recorded and what happened to the vehicle.

The supporting documents include:

• A report prepared by an AMT traffic agent
• Exact day and time of the incident
• Precise location, including main and secondary streets
• Photos of the site and vehicle damage, with the plate clearly visible
• A pro forma or quote with the estimated repair value
• Copies of the owner's identity card and driver's license
• Copy of the vehicle registration

After receiving the claim, EPMMOP verifies the information, analyzes the circumstances and determines whether the corresponding policy applies.

What This Means for Expats

If you drive in Quito, this is worth saving before you need it.

Potholes are not just an annoyance. Damage can hit tires, rims, shocks and suspension, and one study estimated annual pothole damage to Quito drivers at $20 million to $30 million.

The key is documentation. If you plan to claim, you need the traffic report, exact location, photos and repair quote. Without those pieces, the process gets much harder.