A method and apparatus for compensating for head-to-disk contact-induced disturbances in a hard disk drive is disclosed. The method includes determining topographical variations across a surface of a disk during the manufacturing or operation of the hard disk drive. Error signal variations that occur as a result of head-to-disk contact-induced disturbances resulting from the topographical variations are recorded. Current to a voice coil motor in the hard disk drive is varied to correct for the contact-induced disturbances before they occur.