Potholes in the UK: How They Impact Drivers and Insurance

Potholes are now one of the most common causes of vehicle damage on UK roads. Poor road maintenance, higher traffic volumes and extreme weather have all contributed to worsening road conditions, increasing the risk of breakdowns, costly repairs and insurance claims.

For drivers, potholes are more than a nuisance. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds can cause significant damage to tyres, wheels, suspension springs, shock absorbers and steering systems — often without warning.

Check whether your car insurance covers pothole damage.

How bad are potholes on UK roads?

Potholes form when road surfaces weaken due to age, heavy traffic and water penetration. During colder months, water expands and breaks the surface apart, particularly on local roads and busy major roads.

Data gathered through freedom of information requests by Go.Compare shows large differences in how quickly councils respond to pothole reports across England and Wales.

Which councils are slowest at fixing potholes?

Some councils take months to repair reported defects, increasing the risk for motorists and cyclists.

Slowest councils for pothole repairs (England and Wales, 2022–2024)

Delays like these increase the likelihood of repeated incidents at the same specific location.

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Which councils repair potholes the fastest?

Some councils demonstrate that rapid repairs are possible.

Councils such as Gwynedd, Blaenau Gwent, and Waltham Forest report average repair times of one day or less. Nottinghamshire and Lewisham also report similarly quick turnarounds.

Fast repairs reduce hazards for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Why potholes cause serious vehicle damage

Hitting a pothole can affect far more than just a tyre.

Common types of damage

• Tyres and alloy wheels
• Suspension springs and shock absorbers
• Steering alignment and steering wheel vibration
• Underbody scrapes and exhaust damage

The cost of repairs can range from tens of pounds to several thousand in severe cases, particularly on modern vehicles.

What steps should I take immediately after my car is damaged by a pothole?

If your car is damaged by a pothole, taking the right steps straight away can protect both your safety and your ability to claim compensation.

Immediate steps to take

1. Pull over to a safe place if possible
2. Check for visible damage and whether the car is safe to drive
3. Take photos of the damage and the pothole itself
4. Record the specific location, road name and direction of travel
5. Note weather conditions, speed and the type of road (local road, major road or motorway)

If the damage is serious, arrange recovery to prevent further issues.

Where can I check the progress of local council pothole repairs?

Repair responsibility depends on the road.

Who maintains which roads?

• Local roads: Relevant council or local authority
• Motorways and major A-roads: National Highways
• Wales: Traffic Wales
• Scotland and Northern Ireland: Respective national road agencies

Most councils allow residents to:

• Report potholes online
• Track repair status
• View inspection and maintenance updates

This helps drivers confirm whether the right authority has been notified.

Does car insurance cover pothole damage?

Pothole damage is usually covered under comprehensive car insurance.

Cover by policy type

Claims are subject to excess and policy terms.

Compare car insurance to check your level of cover.

Should I claim through my insurance company or the council?

Drivers generally have two options.

Claiming through your insurance company

• Faster repairs
• Less paperwork
• May increase future premiums

Claiming through the council

• No insurance claim recorded
• Often requires strong evidence
• Claims may be rejected if no negligence is proven

Council claims are assessed under the Highways Act, and authorities may defend cases by showing regular inspections.

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What evidence is needed for a council pothole claim?

To improve your chances of reimbursement, gather evidence carefully.

Useful evidence includes:

• Clear photos of the pothole and road surface
• Photos showing significant damage
• Repair estimates or invoices
• Witness statements (if available)
• Details of previous reports at the same location

In severe cases, drivers may seek legal advice before proceeding.

Will a pothole claim increase my insurance premium?

Making a claim can affect your future premiums, even if the incident was not your fault.

Importantly, insurers still expect to be informed of vehicle damage, even if you do not intend to claim. Failure to notify them could cause issues with future payouts.

How potholes affect car insurance costs overall

High volumes of pothole-related claims increase repair costs for insurers. These costs are then spread across all policyholders, contributing to rising car insurance prices nationwide.

This means potholes affect all drivers, not just those who make claims.

See how car insurance prices compare across the market.

How drivers can reduce pothole-related risk

While potholes cannot always be avoided, drivers can reduce risk by:

• Maintaining correct tyre pressure
• Reducing speed on poor roads
• Avoiding puddles that may hide potholes
• Reporting defects promptly to the relevant council

Early reporting supports better road maintenance and reduces repeat incidents.

Correct as of 02 February 2026

FAQ’s About Potholes and Car insurance