Managing expenses claims for potholes
Potholes causing you problems? If your car has been damaged by a pothole, here’s how to report the issue – and how to make a claim
Key takeaways
If your car is damaged by a pothole, you can claim expenses through your car insurance or against the responsible road authority
Before claiming through your insurance consider the financial impact, such as your insurance excess and potential loss of no claims bonus
When claiming against road authorities collect evidence, report the pothole, and get repair quotes
Compensation of up to £500 is possible, but full reimbursement isn’t guaranteed
The UK's pothole problem
Potholes are the bane of every driver's existence. Those unexpected dips and divots in the road can cause more than just a bumpy ride; they can inflict serious damage to your car.
In the UK, potholes are a particularly notorious issue. A combination of the UK’s rainy weather and temperamental temperatures in the colder months of the year can wreak havoc on our old roads, turning small cracks into huge holes in only a matter of months.
The RAC in the first quarter of 2024 attended 7,904 callouts for breakdowns as a result of road surface – an increase of 53% compared to the last three months of 2023. And in 2023 as a whole they attended nearly 30,000 pothole-related breakdowns, up 30% from 2022.
Looking at the data, it’s reasonable to assume that the UK’s pothole problem hasn’t improved much over the last few years, but there is some good news.
In the recent 2024 UK Autumn budget announcement it was revealed that an additional £500million will be committed to resolve the UK’s mounting pothole crisis.
But what happens when you fall victim to a pothole's wrath? Let's explore how you can claim expenses for pothole damages and what you need to know about the process.
What damage can potholes cause?
The risk that potholes pose to motorists is not to be underestimated. Even small potholes can cause some pretty serious damage to a vehicle if they’re hit at the wrong angle.
They can lead to:
Punctured tyres
Suspension damage
Steering misalignment
Damage to wheels
For low cars, the danger extends to scraping the undercarriage or harming the exhaust system, creating potential safety hazards.
All of these can lead to breakdowns as well as some hefty repair costs, and of course claiming on your insurance to cover these repairs also runs the risk of pushing up the price of your premiums.
But let’s not forget that it’s not just cars on the road. Cyclists and pedestrians also need to be cautious of potholes as a fall off a bike or a stumble can cause serious injury.
Does car insurance cover pothole damage?
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy your car insurance should cover you if your vehicle has been damaged by potholes. However, just because you’re covered it may not always be necessary to make a claim on your insurance.
While pothole damage can be a nuisance, the payouts involved aren’t usually that large – so depending on your car insurance excess, you might end up paying for most of the repairs yourself.
It’s also worth considering your no claims bonus: if you’ve gone a while without having to claim on your car insurance, making a claim for pothole damage could end up losing you money, since you’ll have to pay higher premiums in the future.
If you decide to make a claim on your car insurance for pothole damage, you'll need to contact your insurer with details of the damage. It's recommended to have photos of the damage and the pothole itself.
Claiming against a council or road authority
The process for claiming against a council or road authority varies, but it generally involves collecting evidence, reporting the pothole via the gov.uk website, and getting repair quotes.
You'll need to make claims to the appropriate body, which varies depending on the road's location. For motorways and A-roads in England, Highways England is responsible.
In Greater London, you'd contact Transport for London for 'red route' roads. For major roads in Wales, Traffic Wales is the go-to.
Potential outcomes of your claim
Claimants might receive compensation up to £500 for damages caused by potholes depending on the repair costs. However, full reimbursement isn't guaranteed, and negotiations for a better offer can be time-consuming and may require additional evidence.
There are several reasons why your claim might be rejected, for example if the authority was unaware of the pothole, but you can make an appeal if that happens. You would in this case need demonstrate that the authority did not carry out proper road maintenance or inspections, often requiring a Freedom of Information Act request.
There are also circumstances when a claim is difficult or impossible, such as if the damage was from road debris, not the pothole, or if the driver was under the influence. Additionally, if the pothole is on private land, authorities are not liable, and you would need to claim against the landowner, a process that is often more challenging.
Preventing pothole damage
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimise the risk of pothole damage:
Keep your car in good condition, especially the suspension and tyre pressure.
Adhere to the speed limit; higher speeds increase the chance of damage.
Stay vigilant on the road, particularly in wet conditions where potholes can be obscured by puddles.
Whether you opt for a claim through your insurance or take it up with the responsible road authority, being prepared with the right information and evidence is key to a successful outcome.
Remember to report potholes not only for your benefit but for the safety of all road users. To do this you will need to contact your local council. You can find your local council through Gov.uk find your local council through Gov.uk if you don't already know it and go direct to their website to find their contact details.
