Pothole Insurance Claims 2025: What Drivers Need to Know

Why Are Pothole Insurance Claims Increasing?

Potholes are a big problem for drivers in the UK. They cause a lot of damage to vehicles and many people are making insurance claims because of these issues. In the last two years, there has been a 62% rise in claims related to potholes. In 2024, there is a further 14% increase. These claims show that the pothole problem is growing on local roads, major routes, and even in the motorway network.

What Causes Potholes?

Potholes mainly happen because of the freeze-thaw cycle. Water gets into cracks in the road surface, freezes, and expands. This process weakens the road over time, creating potholes. Bad weather, like heavy rain and flooding, has made roads worse in places like the South West and North West. As a result, potholes are a common danger for drivers.

How Do Potholes Affect Vehicles?

Driving over a pothole can cause serious harm to cars, such as:

• Tyre Damage: Punctures, cuts, or bulges on the tyre.
• Alloy Wheel Damage: Cracks or bent wheels of the alloy.
• Suspension Damage: Misalignment or problems with suspension parts.
• Steering Wheel Issues: Misalignment that can change how you handle the car and create safety risks.

The cost of repairs can be anywhere from £50 for small fixes to more than £1,000 for major problems. These costs often lead drivers to look for compensation or to file insurance claims.

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Can You Claim Insurance for Pothole Damage?

Yes, you can get insurance for pothole damage. However, you need to provide some important information and proof. Here’s how:

1. Gather Evidence

• Take photos of the pothole. Show its size and where it is located. Include nearby landmarks or the road name for more clarity.
• Write down the type of road (for example, trunk road or local road). Also, check if it is managed by Traffic Wales, Amey, or other maintenance groups.
• Note the time, date, and postcode when the incident happened.

2. Get a Mechanic’s Report

A mechanic can check your vehicle and give you a written report about the damage from the pothole. Be sure to keep all receipts for repairs as part of your claim.

3. File a Claim

• Reach out to your car insurance provider.
• Share the evidence you have gathered.
• Keep in mind that making a claim can change your no-claims bonus.
• Think about how this will affect your finances before you proceed.

4. Seek Compensation from Authorities

Under the Highways Act, the groups in charge of taking care of the roads, like local councils, Bear Scotland, or Traffic Wales, can be responsible if potholes cause damage. You should send your claim with clear proof.

How likely is it my pothole claim will be successful?

Your success in a pothole insurance claim largely depends on documentation and evidence. Capture photos of the pothole, damage to your vehicle, and keep records of repair bills. Ensure prompt reporting to your insurance company and follow their claims process diligently for the best chance at success.

Why Are Claims Most Common in Winter?

Winter months have the most pothole claims. About 36% of these claims happen from January to March. This increase is because of the freeze-thaw effect that damages roads quickly. March by itself is responsible for 12% of all claims each year. This shows how much cold weather affects the roads in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What Is the Cost of Pothole Damage?

Pothole damage to vehicles can result in big costs, including:

• Tyre Replacement: £60–£120 for each tyre.
• Suspension Repairs: £200–£500 total.
• Steering System Alignment: £50–£150.
• Alloy Wheel Repairs: £80–£200.

The total cost of repairs depends on how bad the damage is. In places like London, where the roads can be tough to drive on, these costs can increase fast.

How Is the UK Addressing the Pothole Problem?

The UK Government has set aside £500 million in the budget for 2025-26. This money will be used to fix the pothole problem. The focus will be on improving local roads, the motorway network, and other types of roads that often have potholes. Still, experts believe that continuous investment is important. This will help make lasting improvements in road infrastructure.

Local Authorities and Maintenance Organisations

• Bear Scotland: Takes care of trunk roads and motorways in Scotland.
• Amey: Handles maintenance contracts for areas in England and Wales.
• Traffic Wales: Looks after road maintenance in Wales.

Each organisation helps to keep the roads safe. They also work on fixing reported potholes.

How to Avoid Pothole Damage

• Always stay alert when you drive.
• Slow down in areas where potholes might be.
• Look ahead on the road and watch for signs of damage.
• Keep your tires in good shape with proper inflation.
• Avoid sudden moves or swerving to dodge potholes.
• If you see a pothole, don’t speed up right before you reach it.
• Report large potholes to the local authorities.
• Drive Cautiously: Slow down when you see potholes or standing water. These can hide potholes.
• Maintain Safe Distances: Keeping space between cars gives you more time to spot and dodge potholes.
• Inspect Tyres Regularly: Make sure your tyres are properly inflated. This helps them handle small bumps better.
• Report Potholes: Use apps or websites to tell the right people about potholes. This helps get them fixed faster.

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How do you claim pothole compensation?

To get compensation for a pothole, follow these steps:

• Take photos of the damage.
• Note where the pothole is and how big it is.
• If you can, get information from any witnesses.
• Report the pothole to the right authorities.
• File a claim with your insurance or the party responsible.
• If you need help, seek advice from a professional.

Filing a Claim: Insurance vs. Local Authority

• Choosing whether to file an insurance claim or ask for compensation from the local authority depends on how bad the damage is.

Insurance Claims

• Good for expensive repairs.
• Might raise your premiums or change your claims bonus.

Local Authority Claims

• This applies to public roads that they oversee.
• It requires proof of the pothole and damage, sent in line with the Highways Act.

Key Statistics on Pothole Claims

• There has been a 62% increase in insurance claims related to potholes over the last two years.
• 36% of these claims happen in winter, especially in December and March.
• Local councils get thousands of reports each year, but only a small number of claims are paid out.

Correct as of 08 January 2025

FAQ’s About Pothole Insurance Claims