The crazy ass weather we’ve had in Chicago this past week, going from sub-zero to 60′s in 24 hours and then dropping back down again, has been brutal on our streets.

Potholes popping up everywhere. So watch out!

But did you know, if your car gets damaged by a pothole on a city street, you may have a shot at recouping at least some of the costs for repairing the damage to your vehicle.

According to a report by ABC 7 TV, you fill out a claim form and file it with the Chicago City Clerk‘s office. Make sure you include any evidence to back up your claim like the bill for the repairs, or an estimate for repairs, photos of the pothole, etc.

The clerk’s office will pass it on to the City Council’s Finance Committee.

Someone there will investigate it by contacting CDOT to confirm there was a pothole where you said it was and get a few repair estimates.

The committee will either deny or pay out the claim. If you happen to get approved for payment, you will only receive half of the estimate of damages. That’s because the city holds you at least 50% responsible for hitting the damn pothole.

With the budget still problematic, I would think that 2009 will be a year where it’s a bit harder to collect on things like this.

It takes four to six months to hear back from the city with a denial or your check.

IMPORTANT GEEK NOTE: I would encourage you to contact your alderman when you submit the claim. Forward a copy with a letter to the alderman. If you are nice to them, they just might go to bat for you with the finance committee. Doesn’t hurt to try.

Here is the link if you want more info from the City Clerk’s office regarding vehicle damage claims.